Pumpkin pie is not recommended for cats. The pie filling and crust typically contain ingredients that can upset a cat’s stomach, and they often include spices, sugar, dairy, and sometimes xylitol or other additives that are unsafe for felines. If a cat ingests a small lick, it may cause mild stomach upset, but larger amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or more serious GI issues. Plain pumpkin (no added sugar, spices, or dairy) in very small amounts may be tolerated and can help with mild constipation or digestive upset, but it should be plain cooked pumpkin, not pie filling. Key takeaways:
- Avoid giving pumpkin pie or pie filling to cats. The spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, allspice), sugar, dairy, and possible additives can be problematic or toxic, and even small amounts can cause upset.
- If a cat shows signs of distress after ingesting pumpkin pie (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite), contact a veterinarian promptly.
- If you want to offer pumpkin as a treat, use plain cooked pumpkin (no spices, sugar, salt, or dairy) and offer only a small amount mixed with regular food as a occasional supplement, not as a regular treat.
If you’d like, I can summarize safe pumpkin options for cats and provide a simple guide to preparing plain pumpkin treats that are cat-friendly.
