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Cats eat all sorts of oddities. Some will be very picky about what they eat, while others are coming right for your Thanksgiving pie. Pumpkin pie is a staple of Thanksgiving for many families but keep it out of your pet’s food bowl.
Now, is pumpkin pie toxic to cats? Not necessarily in small amounts. But there are several factors that make it not-so-good for a cat’s belly. Let’s explain!
Typical Pumpkin Pie Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: Per 1 Slice
| Calories: | 323 |
| Total Fat: | 13 g |
| Cholesterol: | 35 mg |
| Sodium: | 318 mg |
| Potassium: | 222 mg |
| Carbohydrates: | 46 g |
| Protein: | 5.2 g |
Ingredients in Pumpkin Pie
Depending on the baker, pumpkin pie can have a few different ingredients.
- Pumpkin
- Cinnamon
- Allspice
- Ginger
- Cloves
- Egg
- Butter
- Pumpkin puree
- Sugar
- Condensed milk
- Salt
- Dough
While most of these ingredients should be avoided, some can cause more issues than others depending on the amount eaten. If the pumpkin pie recipe also contains nutmeg, this would be an ingredient to look out for, as it is toxic for cats in significant amounts.
However, in such small quantities, it’s much more likely to cause gastrointestinal upset than more severe side effects.
Before introducing any new food item you’re unsure about to your cat’s diet, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian first.
Potential Downfalls
Let’s have a closer look at some of the ingredients that might cause your kitty issues . Pumpkin is not toxic to cats but it can cause a stomach upset and diarrhea because of its fiber content.
The spices in pumpkin pie in small amounts are unlikely to be toxic to your kitty but in larger amounts can be an issue. Cinnamon powder in large amounts can cause low blood sugar, liver problems and vomiting and diarrhea, while cloves and allspice both contain a compound called eugenol, which can cause liver toxicity in cats. Most cats are lactose intolerant so ingredients such as butter and condensed milk can also cause a stomach upset.
Combining all these ingredients together can cause a whirlwind of trouble for your carpets and your kitty!
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Usually, the negative effects from pumpkin pie will pass as your cat digests it, but some cats might take it a little rougher than others. If you have a very sensitive cat or one who has an allergy to something in the ingredients, you should get them to your vet for evaluation.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin pie is definitely not a good Thanksgiving dish for your cat. Even though we all know that it’s delightful and festive, you should give your kitty a feline-friendly treat instead.
If your cat manages to get a bite or two of your pumpkin pie it is unlikely to cause too many issues in small amounts but it can trigger a gastrointestinal upset in your cat and is best kept away from them.
Featured Image Credit: mjpatter, Pixabay
