Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Pie?

No, pumpkin pie is not a good food for cats. A small lick is unlikely to be an emergency, but the pie gives your cat nothing it needs. The worry is the spices, like nutmeg and cinnamon, which can cause problems in large amounts. Offer plain pumpkin instead, and call your vet if your cat ate a lot of pie.

Why is pumpkin pie not good for cats?

The Merck Veterinary Manual says cats are carnivores, which means they eat mainly meat. A complete cat food already gives them what they need. Merck tells owners to avoid giving table scraps. It also warns that overfeeding can lead to obesity and other serious health problems.

Plain pumpkin is a different food from pie. Pie is a baked mix with spices and other ingredients. The sources we read do not say how much sugar or crust is a problem for cats, so we can’t give you a number. We can say there is no reason to share it. Our guide on pumpkin for cats covers the plain kind.

Are the spices in pumpkin pie dangerous to cats?

Pumpkin pie usually has spices. Two matter most.

• Nutmeg. The ASPCA says large amounts can cause vomiting, dry mouth, agitation, and a fast heart rate. Pets may also have trouble walking or standing, and may see things that are not there (hallucinations). Pet Poison Helpline says nutmeg contains a toxin called myristicin. It says the small amount used in a recipe is very unlikely to cause serious harm. At most, it may cause a mild upset stomach. Serious signs need a very large amount.
• Cinnamon. The ASPCA says small amounts may cause a mild upset stomach. Larger amounts can irritate the throat and stomach and speed up the heart. Pet Poison Helpline says most pets would need to eat more than a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to have problems. Breathing in the powder can irritate the lungs, so keep it away from your cat’s face.

The sources we read do not say whether cats react differently from dogs to these two spices. They also do not cover ginger or cloves, which some pies use. If the recipe has them, ask your vet.

What else can be in pumpkin pie?

Look at the recipe before you decide how worried to be.

• Cream, evaporated milk, or whipped cream. The ASPCA says pets have little of the enzyme that digests milk sugar, so dairy can cause diarrhea or an upset stomach.
• Nuts. Some pies have pecans on top. The ASPCA says almonds, pecans, and walnuts are high in oils and fat. These can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and may inflame the pancreas in some pets.
• Raisins. Some recipes add them. The Merck Veterinary Manual says no case reports of grape or raisin poisoning have been published for cats, but anecdotal reports of kidney failure exist. The risk is unclear, so call your vet.
• Chocolate. Chocolate has methylxanthines, which the ASPCA says can cause vomiting, tremors, seizures, and even death. Chocolate pumpkin pies and chocolate crusts exist, so check. Our guide on chocolate for cats has more.
• Xylitol. The ASPCA says this sweetener, found in some baked goods, can cause low blood sugar and liver damage in pets. The page does not say how cats react, so keep sugar-free pie away from your cat and from any dog.

What should I watch for if my cat ate pumpkin pie?

If your cat had a lick, watch for a day or two for vomiting, loose stool, or not wanting to eat. These are signs of an upset stomach.

Call your vet right away if you see any of these:

• Repeated vomiting
• Acting strange, agitated, or wobbly
• A very fast heartbeat
• Trouble breathing or coughing, especially after your cat breathed in spice powder
• Tremors or seizures

Have the recipe or the package ready when you call. The ASPCA suggests noting how much your pet ate before you call.

What can I give my cat instead?

A small spoonful of plain, cooked pumpkin with no spices or sugar is a better choice. Check the can label. “Pumpkin pie filling” is not the same as plain pumpkin. Treats made for cats are also an easy choice, or a few pieces of your cat’s regular food.

For more on what to keep away from your cat, see our guide to foods that are toxic to cats.