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Is pumpkin good for cats? What are its health benefits and dosage?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

Is pumpkin really good for cats. I feed colonies & have adopted many. I've been told it's a shame that you get it all year it's so nutritious

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 28th, 2017

Hello there and thank you for using Pet Coach! Pumpkin is a great additive as it does have several benefits. While I do not think it must be a staple in the diet, it is a healthy additive. Pumpkin can aid in controlling weight, digestive health and even has shown some urinary health benefits. Many of the higher quality foods will include pumpkin in their diets. If you are planning on feeding this to the cats, it should not be a problem. I would give 1/2 - 1 tsp daily for the average sized cat. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Is pumpkin safe for cat constipation? Worried about Vitamin A buildup.

1-2 tsp of pumpkin (not the pie filling) given once daily does not pose any toxicity concerns for cats. You are ok to continue giving this. Vitamin A toxicity has been documented as being caused mainly by the consumption of liver cod oils or raw liver. Pumpkin does not have a substantial amount of Vit A in it to cause any health concerns in cats, because it takes >300,000 ug retinol/kg diet to cause toxicity concerns. Here is a website link as well that discusses other foods your pet should avoid. https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/people-foods-pets-should-never-eat I hope this was helpful. Best wishes and take care.

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My cat is constipated. How much pumpkin, what food, and will it cause diarrhea?

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I recommend feeding an all meat canned or wet diet with added canned plain pumpkin. Cats do not do well with carbohydrates so feeding only meat will help Pumpkin lose weight. The canned pumpkin will help fill her up and add fiber and bulk up the stool to prevent constipation. Increasing her exercise also will help. You can feed her up on the dryer or a table so she has to jump up, and having her increase her activity chasing toys or a laser pointer will help also. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Pumpkin.

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