Worried about hairballs? There is a natural way to help your cat release that hairball.
Pumpkin (kalabasa) is full of fiber that can help your cat move ingested fur, says gallant.com in “Your Cat Should be Eating More Pumpkin.”
Not only is pumpkin delicious, it is also a superfood.
Great for cats
Pumpkin has a lot of health benefits for cats, says gallant.com
1. It is loaded with fiber which itself which is very good for the cat's digestive system. Fiber can also prevent constipation, and even stop diarrhea.
“Dietary fiber absorbs stomach acid and excess water and can actually help move any ingested fur through your cat's digestive tract,” gallant.com added.
2. Pumpkin is also rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and beta-carotene, aside from other nutritious compounds.
“Because it's such a healthy food, it's a great way to supplement an overweight cat's diet; replacing just 20% of her regular food can leave her feeling just as full but with fewer calories,” gallant.com said.
Adding pumpkin in a cat’s diet
Here’s how to include pumpkin in a cat’s diet:
1. If you have no easy access to pumpkins, you can buy canned pumpkin.
2. But of course, we suggest you choose fresh pumpkin which is available in grocery stores and public markets. Peel the pumpkin and throw the skin, remove the seeds, then cut the pumpkin into pieces in the size your cat can eat or GRATE THE PUMPKIN and BOIL BEFORE GIVING IT TO YOUR CAT.
3. You can add ground chicken breast if you like.
Warning
Gallant.com reminds owners to :
1. Check the can of pumpkin if it is pure pumpkin or if it is PIE FILLING which is bad for your cat because it contains sugar and spices.
“Organic is a nice-to-have but what's most important is that you don't accidentally buy pumpkin pie filling as it can contain extra sugar and some spices (nutmeg!) that can actually be harmful to your cat's health. “ Gallant.com warns.
It adds: “You could, of course, always get a whole pumpkin, empty the seeds, cut it into chunks, then roast or steam it.”
2. Never add salt, sugar or cinnamon and other seasoning.
“ When you begin incorporating pumpkin (or any new food) into your cat's diet, do so slowly. Just 2-3 tablespoons is probably enough at first – you don't want to shock your cat's system and give her an upset tummy. Over time, you can mix pumpkin into her regular cat food on a daily basis, freeze it into pumpkin-cubes to give as treats, or just offer it up as you feel like it. Your cat will let you know if she's not a fan!” says gallant.com
3. Never give uncooked or raw pumpkin to cats.
There are lots of squash (pumpkin is a squash) in the market.
“Turns out squash of any variety (pumpkin is a squash) is pretty good for cats. They've got tons of vitamins and a lot of fiber, not to mention fatty acids that are great for urinary and digestive health. Just make sure you cook squash first…animals can't break down raw squash like we can, “ gallant.com says.
