Can cats eat pumpkin?
Also called: canned pumpkin, pumpkin puree, cooked pumpkin, squash
Safe
Plain cooked or canned pumpkin, not pie filling.
Yes. Plain cooked or canned pumpkin is a low-calorie, high-fibre treat. Avoid pumpkin pie filling and don't add seasoning.
How to offer it
- Serve it cooked and plain, with no seasoning, butter or oil.
Keep in mind
- Plain pumpkin only: not pumpkin pie filling.
- Keep treats to a small share of what your cat eats (up to 10% of daily calories).
When to call a vet
- If your cat has a medical condition or eats a special diet, check with your vet before giving treats.
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Cooked pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) or sweet potato are excellent low-calorie and high-fiber treats
Read "How To Choose Safe Holiday Foods for Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Veggies such as carrots, celery, broccoli, green beans, cauliflower or cooked (canned) pumpkin are all good snack options.
Read "Sharing is Caring: Foods You Can Safely Share with Your Pet"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Cooked pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) or sweet potato are excellent low-calorie and high-fiber treats
Read "How To Choose Safe Holiday Foods for Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Veggies such as carrots, celery, broccoli, green beans, cauliflower or cooked (canned) pumpkin are all good snack options.
just avoid seasonings if you are offering them cooked!
Read "Sharing is Caring: Foods You Can Safely Share with Your Pet"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
just avoid seasonings if you are offering them cooked!
Read "Sharing is Caring: Foods You Can Safely Share with Your Pet"
Checked 9 October 2026
VCA Animal Hospitals
vegetables can be cooked without any seasoning, butter or oil.
Read "How To Choose Safe Holiday Foods for Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Cooked pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) or sweet potato are excellent low-calorie and high-fiber treats
Read "How To Choose Safe Holiday Foods for Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
treats should be limited to 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake.
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
If your cat has a medical condition and/or is on a special food, it is important to check with your veterinary care team
Checked 9 October 2026