Can cats eat pumpkin seeds? The quick answer is yes; cats can safely eat pumpkin seeds. In fact, a pumpkin in itself is safe for cats to consume. And as for pumpkins seeds, cats can safely consume them since they are packed full of nutrients and also include various types of vitamins.
In short, pumpkin seeds can do a lot of good to our feline friends. But, before you feed pumpkin seeds to your cat this fall season, you would want to keep some essential details in mind.
Find them below!
Can Cats Have Pumpkin Seeds?
The short answer is yes, cats can safely eat pumpkin seeds without any problem. In fact, cats love the taste of pumpkin, and they would love to give pumpkin seeds a try. Plus, pumpkin seeds are packed full of fiber content along with other vital nutrients and can be safely consumed by cats in moderation.
Similar to how these seeds pack a chock-full of nutritional benefits for us, they do as well for our cats. In addition to pumpkin, cats love roasted pumpkin seeds, and any felines would love to gulp down a couple of them.
But what about kittens? Kittens are young. Can kittens have pumpkin seeds, or can they cause problems?
Can Kittens Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
Yes, kittens can eat pumpkin seeds.
These seeds can give your kitten a great start for solid foods from the beginning. Likewise, feeding a few pumpkin seeds to your young kitten can also introduce new textures and flavors to her.
And thanks to the nutritiously rich content of pumpkin seeds, they are high in fiber which can aid your kitten’s digestion and bowel movements, if offered in moderation, of course.
Are Pumpkin Seeds Safe for Cats?
Can cats safely eat pumpkin seeds? The answer is yes, pumpkin seeds are safe for cats, and they can eat them without any problem.
Similar to the flesh of a pumpkin, the seeds are also full of fiber and vital nutrients that your cat’s health can benefit from.
Taking a look at the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Page, we did not find pumpkin mentioned in the blacklist of toxic foods. However, canned pumpkins with additives like sugar can still be harmful to them.
But as for pumpkin seeds, they are safe, and you can also feed them raw to your kitty. She’ll be happier if you feed them lightly toasted.
Astonishing Advantages of Pumpkin Seeds for Cats
Does pumpkin seed offer any benefits to cats? Yes, pumpkin seeds are highly nutritious and edible for cats.
They are rich in various vital nutrients that can help in promoting your cat’s health. Similarly, for us humans, the health benefits of pumpkin seeds extend to our feline friends as well.
Here are some of the critical benefits of pumpkin seeds you should know before feeding them to your cat:
1. Power-Packed In Nutrients
There’s no doubt why you want to feed your cat pumpkin seeds; it’s because of their health benefits, of course. Pumpkin seeds are jam-packed with vitamins and minerals, from which your cat can reap beneficial health gains.
Likewise, the seeds are also rich in protein, beta-carotene, fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B6, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and copper.
If you feed your feline in balance, pumpkin seeds will help her get all the wholesome nutrients she requires.
2. Helps In Digestion
The pumpkin seeds are high in fiber, meaning you can make the best use of them for your cat if she is going through any digestive issues.
Although your cat is an obligate carnivore, a good amount of dietary fiber in the diet can be beneficial for the digestive system.
3. Kills Harmful Parasites
Along with promoting healthy digestion, pumpkin seeds can also act as an effective remedy for eliminating intestinal worms and parasites in pets.
The seeds contain a chemical compound called “cucurbitacin,” which is proven as a deworming compound that can be used to expel tapeworms and roundworms in animals.
You can grind a teaspoon of raw pumpkin seeds and feed it to your cat to get rid of parasite infestation. Likewise, grinding the seeds will also make it easier for your cat to digest and also easy to sprinkle them over the food.
4. No More Cat Diseases
Furthermore, pumpkin seeds can also effectively protect your cat against several diseases. The seeds contain antioxidants that feature anti-inflammatory properties, which can promote heart health and help fight free radicals in your cat.
Likewise, the pumpkin seeds can take care of multiple diseases in cats, such as — cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, cancer, painful joints.
5. Tasty Treat
In addition to the health benefits, pumpkin seeds also work as tasty treats for cats once in a while. A couple of pumpkin seeds can work as a great alternative to normal cat kibble. If you think feeding seeds can risk a choking hazard for your cat, then you can grind them down and sprinkle over cat food.
How Are Pumpkin Seeds Toxic to Cats?
Though some cats can eat vegetables and fruits, few human foods can be toxic to them.
But when it comes to pumpkin seeds, they are an exception. Pumpkin seeds make a nutritious and tasty snack for your cat without posing any toxicity.
Pumpkin seeds are high in vital nutrients and can act as a great occasional treat. To avoid any adverse effects, you should always feed pumpkin seeds in moderation.
How to Safely Prepare Pumpkin Seeds for Cats
One of the many human foods that are safe for your feline is pumpkin seeds. If you are buying pumpkin seeds for your cat, you should make sure they do not include any additives, seasoning, and salt. Likewise, too much salt can be bad for felines, and it can cause dehydration and excessive urination.
One of the safest ways you can introduce pumpkin seeds to your cat is by cooking them. Even though your furball would enjoy them raw, most of the cats prefer them baked. The best way to cook pumpkin seeds is by baking them around 300 °F for about a good 5 to 10 minutes. Let them cool off after taking them out.
On the other hand, you can feed pumpkin seeds differently to your kitten; if you think it may pose a choking hazard. You can crush the pumpkin seeds down and sprinkle them over your kitten’s food.
How Many Pumpkin Seeds to Feed Your Cat?
Once again, you shouldn’t overfeed pumpkin seeds to your cat, or it can cause digestion problems like constipation or diarrhea. Pumpkin seeds work the best for your cat when given in moderation.
While half to a full cup of pumpkin seeds is enough for humans, as for felines, one teaspoon can be the ideal amount for a single day, twice a week.
Conclusion
Can cats eat pumpkin seeds? Yes, pumpkin seeds are safe and nutritious, and your cats can eat them. Even kittens can also eat them. Pumpkin seeds can help introduce new textures and flavors to young kitties. Plus, they are full of nutrients and minerals that offer health benefits for cats.
The seeds comprise a chemical compound known as “cucurbitacin,” which can help expel tapeworms and roundworms in pets.
Pumpkin seeds are served best when lightly toasted; do not offer more than a teaspoon of pumpkin seeds to your cat. Pumpkin seeds should be given in moderation, twice a week.
Approved by Veterinary – Anthony Brooks, DVM!
References
- Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds? – Soralella71
- 8 common human foods that are poisonous to cats – Vets Now
- Seeds, pumpkin and squash seeds, whole, roasted, without salt – USDA