Cats and Pumpkin

PUMPKIN – HOW TO USE IT TO HELP YOUR CAT!

For cats, the main benefit is the fibre, rather than the fruit/vegetable being an important part of their diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, but a little added fibre can sometimes support digestive health.

Keep portions small: For an average adult cat, start with around ½ teaspoon mixed into food and see how they tolerate it. Too much can cause digestive upset.

1. Pumpkin is high in fibre – Plain pumpkin can help support healthy digestion and normal bowel movements.

2. It can help with both loose and firm stools – The soluble fibre absorbs water and adds bulk, which may help cats with mild diarrhoea, while its fibre and moisture can also help dogs prone to constipation.

3. Pumpkin contains plenty of moisture – Cooked pumpkin has a high water content, so it can contribute a little extra hydration alongside a cat’s normal water intake.

4. It contains beta-carotene – Pumpkin's orange colour comes partly from beta-carotene, which the body can convert to vitamin A. Vitamin A supports normal vision, immune function and healthy skin.

5. It can be a low-calorie addition to meals – Plain pumpkin can add volume, fibre and flavour without adding lots of calories, which can be useful as an occasional food topper.

   

Important: Use plain cooked pumpkin or 100% pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which can contain added sugar and spices. Pumpkin should complement a complete, balanced diet rather than replace it.

Here are a couple of ways you can cook your pumpkin so that it is ready to be mashed/blended to make purée.

Boil it – just like you would potatoes. Peel and deseed it, dice it up, pop it into a pan of boiling water then drain it, mash it and blend it to make into a puree. Let it cool before serving.

Microwave it - cut it in half (no need to peel it or deseed it), put it cut side up in the microwave and cook for about 20mins.Check that the flesh is soft by poking it with a fork.One ready scoop out the flesh, mash, blend and leave to cool.

To store it – put it in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or keep it frozen for up to 3 months.

IF YOU CAN’T GET A PUMPKIN BUTTERNUT SQUASH HAS SIMILAR HEALTH BENEFITS FOR YOUR CAT