The short answer: Yes, but in moderation.
The long answer: High in vitamins A and C, pumpkin helps strengthen your cat’s vision and immune system. The orange-coloured vegetable also contains fiber that can aid in her digestion and help her feel full longer.
How to feed pumpkin to your cat: Do not feed raw pumpkin to your cat. Remove the skin, stem, and pulp as these may cause blockage and internal damage. Bake or boil the pumpkin without any seasonings. Serve it diced, mashed, or pureed.
Avoid giving pumpkin that is mixed with sugar, spices, or heavy sauces as these are harmful for your cat. If you’re feeding your cat canned pumpkin, choose one prepared without additives and preservatives.
Here are three ideas for pumpkin treats your cat will love:
- Your cat will love these balls consisting of pumpkin and sweet potato.
- Add a teaspoon of pureed pumpkin over your cat’s meal.
- Not a fan of baking? Try these no-bake cat treats!
In summary: Pumpkin is a vegetable your cat can consume as a treat. Initially, it is recommended that adult cats eat 1 teaspoon of pumpkin, while young kittens and small cats eat ½ teaspoon of pumpkin. Be careful not to overfeed your cat or she might end up with diarrhea.
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