Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
By Pettings · Sources checked Nov 2, 2026
Pumpkin seeds are an occasional treat at most, and only when they are plain, shelled, unsalted and ground up. They are not on the ASPCA list of people foods to avoid, but they are oily and the shells are tough. The Cornell Feline Health Center describes cats as obligate carnivores that rely on nutrients found only in animal products, so a pumpkin seed is a curiosity rather than something a cat needs.
What Pumpkin Seeds Offer a Cat
The green kernels inside the shell, sold as pepitas, are mostly fat with some plant protein and fiber. A cat's complete food already covers its protein, fat and mineral needs, and plant protein from seeds does not stand in for meat. You may see claims online that pumpkin seeds work as a natural dewormer for pets. None of the veterinary sources used for this article support that, and a seed is no substitute for a dewormer your veterinarian prescribes.
How Much Pumpkin Seeds Can a Cat Have?
For a 10-pound adult cat with no known food allergy and no medical condition, 1 or 2 plain shelled seeds, ground, is enough, and that adds a few calories. WSAVA advises keeping treats below 10 percent of daily calories, which it puts at about 22 to 25 treat calories a day for a cat of this size. The seeds count toward that allowance, not on top of the regular meal. The ASPCA notes that the oils and fats in nuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea and possibly pancreatitis in some pets. Kittens, seniors and cats with diabetes, kidney disease, urinary stones, pancreatitis or food allergies should get their veterinarian's approval first.
How to Serve It
Use shelled pepitas that are raw or dry roasted with no oil, salt or seasoning. Grind one or two in a spice grinder or crush them with the back of a spoon, then sprinkle the powder over your cat's regular food. Whole seeds and shells are hard and flat, and WSAVA cautions against treats with a size or shape that could cause choking.
Several versions should be kept away. Seeds scooped from a jack-o'-lantern and roasted at home are usually tossed with oil and salt, and the shells are left on. Store-bought pumpkin seeds are often heavily salted, and the ASPCA warns that salty foods can cause thirst, vomiting and, in large amounts, tremors and seizures. Spiced, ranch and garlic seeds may contain onion or garlic powder, and the Merck Veterinary Manual names cats as the species most susceptible to onion and garlic poisoning.
If your cat has a medical condition or eats a prescription diet, ask your veterinarian before offering pumpkin seeds.
Common Questions
Do pumpkin seeds deworm cats?
Pumpkin seeds are not a dewormer for cats. You may see that claim online, but none of the veterinary sources reviewed for this article support it, and relying on seeds could leave a parasite problem untreated. If you think your cat has worms, or you see worms in its stool, ask your veterinarian for a tested dewormer and the right dose for your cat's weight.
Can cats eat pumpkin seed shells?
Cats should not eat pumpkin seed shells. The white shells are tough, flat and hard to chew, and WSAVA warns against treats with a size or shape that could cause choking. Home-roasted shells are usually salted and oiled too. If you want to share, use shelled green pepitas, ground into a powder, and keep the jack-o'-lantern seeds for yourself.
Can cats eat roasted pumpkin seeds?
Roasted pumpkin seeds are fine for a cat only if they are shelled, unsalted and roasted without oil or seasoning, and even then one or two ground seeds is the limit. Most roasted seeds are salted, and the ASPCA warns that salty foods can cause thirst and vomiting in pets. Spiced seeds may contain garlic or onion powder.
Can kittens eat pumpkin seeds?
Kittens are better off without pumpkin seeds. They need a complete kitten food to grow, and whole seeds or shells are a choking concern for a small throat, which WSAVA warns about. A pinch of ground plain seed will not hurt, but it adds nothing. Ask your veterinarian before adding any human food to a young kitten's diet.
Is pumpkin good for cats with constipation?
Plain canned pumpkin, not the seeds, is the part of the pumpkin owners usually ask about for constipation. Tufts Petfoodology lists plain canned pumpkin among treat options for pets. Constipation in cats can have many causes, some serious, so call your veterinarian before trying pumpkin at home, especially if your cat is straining or has not passed stool in a day or two.