Most of the cats are somewhat food-oriented and like to be given some ‘human foods’ every now and then. However, we need to be careful enough in giving them human foods, as they may cause gastrointestinal irritation or may even be so toxic. Nonetheless, there is this one human food that has some surprising health benefits to cats. I am talking about the famous Halloween vegetable –pumpkin. In the actual fact, the health benefits of pumpkin in cats are so astounding and beneficial. Read on through this article and get to learn more about it!
Pumpkin for Cats: Is it really beneficial?
Pumpkin is a well-known winter and fall flavor, which a lot of people look forward to every year. Though humans may enjoy a variety of pumpkin dishes, what about the cats?
As a matter of fact, a plain pumpkin is a great source of fiber for the cats. Moreover, a lot of vets turn to pumpkin as their treatments for constipation in their cat patients. It is advisable as well that pumpkin is an easy cure for mild constipation in cats. Vets advise that it’ll get the colon moving a bit better in the cats that are predisposed to constipation.
The fiber that is in the pumpkin adds bulk to the diet as well. This is what makes the cats feel even more satiated. Furthermore, pumpkin is especially essential for the obese cats that are on a diet. Adding pumpkin at the mealtime may even be beneficial in preventing tender anal sac conditions or help reduce the hairballs.
Moreover, while the pumpkin is a great source of vitamins C and A that helps support the immunity and vision, it is advisable that it isn’t important to use the pumpkin as a vitamin supplement. Generally, cats are not deficient in these essential vitamins if they are on a proportionate diet plan.
There is also zinc in it –this is essential in improving the cat’s coat and skin. As well as cucurbitacin, which is a biochemical compound, which is believed to possess some activity against various intestinal parasites. Nonetheless, with a proportionate diet and proper vet care, most of these concerns may be taken care of even without the need for the vegetable.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin in Cats
Here are some of the best health benefits of pumpkin in cats:
- Weight loss. Cats seem to naturally love pumpkins. If you’re looking for a food that could take a several pounds off of your cat, try reducing an amount of its food and replace it with the same amount of pumpkin. This is beneficial in losing excess weight on your cat. This is one of the best health benefits of pumpkin, especially for obese cats.
- Urinary health. The pumpkin seeds are rich in essential antioxidants and fatty acids, as well as the oils that comes from the pumpkin seeds and flesh are essential in supporting the urinary health. They are a great source of vitamin A, iron, potassium, and beta-carotene as well. It might also be essential in reducing the risk of cancer development in cats.
- Digestive health. The pumpkin is a great source of fiber for the cats. Pureed pumpkin may help cats with diarrhea and constipation. It may also help with indigestion or upset stomachs.
How to Serve Pumpkin?
In case your cat loves pumpkin, the best way in serving it is straight out of the can. You should avoid any canned pumpkin products, which contain additional sugars or flavorings, most especially if the cat has diabetes. In the event that your choosy cat refuses eating pumpkin, consult your vet for some alternatives.
As long as your cat is very well hydrates, any additives might assist in treating constipation. Make sure to pay your vet a visit first, before you go and make decisions and changes to the cat’s diet.
Risks of Feeding Pumpkin to Cats
After we get to discuss the health benefits of pumpkin in cats, we now need to know the possible risks of it too.
In the actual fact, pumpkin is a relatively safe and easy additive. Though it is unlikely that pumpkin may upset the stomach of a cat, eating excessive amount of which may possibly cause diarrhea. In case this happens, it is the best to skip your next serving o it or just feed a much smaller amount. The vet may also advise that you modify the serving size, in case symptoms persist.
Bear in mind that you need not to serve the skin, pulp, or stem of the pumpkin to your cats. All of these parts just don’t have sufficient nutritional value to be essential for the cat. Moreover, it is the best to avoid feeding any leftover from jack-o-lanterns. This is because might have already been rotten. A plain canned pumpkin is the greatest option for your cat, and may stay fresh in the fridge for about week after opening.
