can cats eat pumpkins

Cats can eat pumpkin in moderation, but only in a plain, unsweetened form and not the pie filling or seasoning-laden varieties. Plain cooked pumpkin or pure pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin with no additives) is generally safe for most cats and may help with digestion for some, but avoid raw pumpkin, pumpkin skin, and whole seeds, which can be harder to digest or pose choking risks. Always introduce any new treat in small amounts and watch for any digestive upset. If using store-bought pumpkin puree, choose products labeled 100% pumpkin with no sugar, salt, spices, or artificial additives. Do not feed pumpkin pie filling, canned pumpkin with added sugars or spices, or roasted seeds that aren’t plain. If considering pumpkin for a specific health issue (e.g., digestive upset, hairball management), or for a cat with existing medical conditions, consult a veterinarian first to tailor advice to the individual animal.