Can Cats Eat Pumpkin? Yes: Safe Amount by Weight

Safe

Yes, cats can eat pumpkin!

Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is safe for cats and is often recommended by vets for mild constipation or hairballs because of its fiber. A small amount goes a long way.

Pumpkin for cats at a glance

Can cats eat it?	Safe
Calories	About 2 kcal per 1 teaspoon plain canned pumpkin
Main benefit	Soluble fiber can help both constipation and loose stool
Main risk	Pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices such as nutmeg
Kittens?	In tiny amounts once on solid food; kittens have sensitive stomachs

How much pumpkin can a cat eat?

Vets recommend keeping all treats under 10% of daily calories. One 1 teaspoon plain canned pumpkin has about 2 kcal. The chart shows the most a typical spayed or neutered adult cat could have in a day if pumpkin were the only treat.

Cat weight	Daily treat budget	Max pumpkin per day
6 lb (2.7 kg)	18 kcal	8.5 × 1 teaspoon plain canned pumpkin
8 lb (3.6 kg)	22 kcal	11 × 1 teaspoon plain canned pumpkin
10 lb (4.5 kg)	26 kcal	13 × 1 teaspoon plain canned pumpkin
12 lb (5.4 kg)	30 kcal	14 × 1 teaspoon plain canned pumpkin
14 lb (6.4 kg)	34 kcal	16 × 1 teaspoon plain canned pumpkin

Benefits and risks

Benefits

Soluble fiber can help both constipation and loose stool
Low in calories
Easy to mix into wet food

Risks

Pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices such as nutmeg
Too much can cause loose stool
Not a substitute for a vet visit if constipation persists

How to feed pumpkin to your cat

Use 100% plain canned pumpkin
Start with 1/2-1 teaspoon mixed into wet food
Freeze leftovers in small portions

What if my cat ate too much pumpkin?

Eating more than the recommended amount usually causes nothing worse than an upset stomach: soft stool, gas or vomiting. Skip treats for the rest of the day, keep fresh water available and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or your cat seems unwell.

Check your cat's full daily needs with the cat food calculator.

Pumpkin and cats: FAQ

Can cats have pumpkin?

Yes. Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is safe for cats and is often recommended by vets for mild constipation or hairballs because of its fiber. A small amount goes a long way.

How much pumpkin should I give my cat for constipation?

Vets often suggest about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon once or twice a day mixed into wet food. Call your vet if your cat has not passed stool in 48 hours or is straining.

Can kittens eat pumpkin?

Yes, in very small amounts once they are eating solid food. Kittens have sensitive stomachs, so offer a tiny piece and stop if you see loose stool. Most of their calories should come from a complete kitten food.

More "can cats eat" guides

Browse lists: all vegetables cats can eat · human foods cats can eat · foods cats can't eat

Sources

This guide is general information for healthy adult cats. Cats with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.

Can Cats Eat Pumpkin?