Pumpkin carving is one of the most enjoyed traditions around the Halloween holiday. You get to create whatever your mind can think of. Some pumpkins have funny faces and some are scary. You gather all of the materials that you need and you start to carve out the pumpkin. What about the seeds? You see your cat has gotten into them. Can cats eat pumpkin seeds? Are they safe?
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Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
In short: yes, cats can eat pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are actually beneficial to your cat, they are very nutritious and include a multitude of vitamins. Pumpkin is not only good for us human beings but also our cats. It is one of the main ingredients in many cat food recipes.
Mainly used as a source of fiber. It can help ease constipation in cats. While pumpkin seeds may be a tasty treat to your furry friend, it is equally important to remember that certain parts of pumpkins can be dangerous to them. It is important that they do not eat the leaves or the stems of a pumpkin. They are very sharp and can cause immense damage to your cat’s mouth and gastrointestinal tract.
Nutritional Value of Pumpkin Seeds
You should not overfeed your cat pumpkin seeds, they contain many minerals and vitamins that can be harmful when taken too much, such as iron. However, there are some benefits to them being an every once in a while snack. The fatty acids in pumpkin seeds can help your cat’s heart health as well as the sheen in their coat. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and fatty acids. They also contain many vitamins and minerals such as:
- Iron
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- B6
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Copper
- Manganese
- Vitamin K
Iron and copper work together in the body to form red blood cells. Red blood cells are essential to maintain healthy bones, nerves and help the overall function of their immune system.
Pumpkin Seeds & Digestive Issues
Can cats eat pumpkin seeds? Pumpkin seeds are also high in fiber. Fiber helps to relieve constipation and any issues related to diarrhea. Cats are carnivores by nature but are also important to have a little fiber in their diets so that they can flush out their systems. You can also add a little unflavored, unsweetened pumpkin flesh to their food to encourage dietary normalcy. High dietary fiber diets have also been linked to a reduced risk in heart diseases.
Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds; Help With Parasites
It is an age-old myth held by many cat parents that pumpkin seeds can help rid their systems of parasites and worms. They say to grind a teaspoon of raw pumpkin seeds up so you can mix them into your cat’s food. If you grind the pumpkin seeds they are easier to digest, and a much simpler method of mixing them with their food. The ground-up pumpkin seeds are said to kill intestinal worms. Pumpkin seeds contain called Cucurbaticin. Cucurbataticin is said to be very helpful when fighting intestinal worms in animals. The worms are then led out of the cat’s body inside of their stool. Remedies should never be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. What works for other pet parents, may not have the same effects on your cat.
Pumpkin Seeds As A Snack
If you would like to feed your cat pumpkin seeds it is best if they are unsalted. Too much salt can cause dehydration, urination and excessive thirst. Although cats may enjoy raw pumpkin seeds right out of the pumpkin, many cats prefer them to be baked. You can easily bake a handful of pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet at around 375° for 5-10 minutes. Wait for them to cool off and serve them. Once again, do not overfeed your kitty pumpkin seeds, a few pumpkin seeds should do the trick.
The Overall Benefit of Pumpkin Seeds
With pumpkin being one of the most beloved holiday flavors, it is more than likely that your household will have no shortage of it. Can cats eat pumpkin seeds? Pumpkin seeds can be helpful to your cat’s overall health in many different ways. Vitamin A & C can help with their vision and immune system. The high fiber content can help promote a healthy digestive system in your cat. Meaning, it can help with bowel movements and constipation. Many cats have digestive issues related to their food so it is good to have something that will help with that.
The Zinc in pumpkin and pumpkin seeds can help with the shine, and the sheen of their coats as well. If your cat has a balanced diet then pumpkin really isn’t all that necessary, and beneficial to them health-wise. If that is the case, you can always use it as a tasty treat that just happens to have many added health benefits. It is best to serve anything pumpkin-related without any added sugars or flavorings, especially if your cat has health issues such as diabetes.
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