Can Cats Eat Pineapple? Is This Fruit Good Or Bad For Your Cat?

If you’re someone who fancies fruits with a sweet, tart taste, chances are pineapple is one of your top picks.

A fruit packed with nutrients and can amp up the flavor of various dishes (including pizza), pet parents who are aware of the difference between cat and human diet hesitate to give their feline friend a piece. Their question in mind: Can cats eat pineapple?

Well, it’s good that you came across our site. We here at Feline Living are all about cat food products and any type of foods that cats might munch on, including pineapples.

So, if you want to know if a pineapple is safe for cats, look no further and read on because we’re here to answer your question and more. 

Must-Know Facts About Pineapples

Scientifically known as Ananas comosus, this tasty fruit is available worldwide. However, in the United States, most pineapples are produced in Hawaii.

One thing you ought to know about pineapple is that it is actually a berry. Like berries, the pineapple fruit is made up of individual fruits – over 200 fruits if you want to know how many. This makes pineapple a perfect example of a multiple or collective fruit.

When it comes to nutrition, pineapples are known to be a source of a chock-full of nutrients. Here are some of it:

• Vitamin C
• Dietary fiber
• Vitamin B6
• Magnesium
• Folate
• Potassium
• Iron
• Copper
• Thiamin
• Niacin

Can Cats Eat Pineapple?

You’ve probably read or heard from somewhere that citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are toxic to cats. This is true. In fact, these citrus fruits – from seeds to skin – are toxic to cats. What about pineapples?  

Although pineapples have a relatively high citric acid content, they’re not part of the citrus fruit family. Instead, pineapples are tropical fruits and can be safely eaten by your furry pet (cats and dogs included). 

But, it does not stop there. Pineapples may not be toxic like lemons, but you need to be wary about a couple of things before giving your cat a piece.

Just like any kitty treats and vegetables, your cat should only have a small amount of this summer fruit. So, better stash that bowl full of pineapples somewhere out of your cat’s reach.

Health Benefits Of Pineapple To Cats

Yes, pineapple is safe for cats but do they enjoy all the benefits humans get from it? Given that cats are obligate carnivores that rely mainly on meat to survive, can your cats absorb the vitamins and minerals in pineapples?

The truth is, cats don’t need fruits and vegetables in their diet since their bodies are not equipped to process plant matter. But, if your cat is curious and would like to have a few bites, you can give in to your cat’s begging minus the guilt. Why? 

Despite their inability to use most of the nutrients found in plants, your feline friend may still reap a few rewards. Here’s a rundown of some of the stuff they can get:

Improve Gut Health

For humans, fiber is known to help with stomach issues like constipation. It also speeds up elimination. The same goes for cats. 

Hydrating

This delicious fruit is made up of 87% water. So, if your cat is feeling parched, giving him or her a small slice or a few pieces of pineapple might just do the trick.

Dangers Of Pineapple To Cats

If you want to reward or treat your cat by letting them have some pineapple, you must know all the possible risks or side effects.

So, to make it easy for all cat owners, we came up with a list of all the dangers. With this bit of information, we hope to help you and your cat avoid turning a supposedly fun situation into a nightmare.

Diarrhea and Other Stomach Problems

We’ve mentioned previously that pineapple is an excellent source of fiber. While this can aid digestion, eating too much pineapple can also cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other GI issues because of its fiber content.

High Levels of Sugar

The sugar content in pineapples may not be as high as the sugar levels in grapes and mangoes, but it is still significantly higher compared to cantaloupes and papaya. Letting your pet cat indulge in too much pineapple can lead to weight gain and even diabetes and tooth problems.

Allergy

Pineapple contains an enzyme called actinidin. The same enzyme can be found in fruits like kiwi, mangoes, bananas, and papaya. Actinidin is a major allergen in humans and can also trigger allergic reactions in some cats. 

Apart from actinidin, pineapple also contains bromelain. This compound may not be toxic, but it can also induce swelling, bleeding, and allergy. Lastly, the sap found in the pineapple leaves is another allergy-inducing substance.

The Best Way To Serve Pineapple To Your Cat

So, you want your cats to eat pineapple, but you don’t want to deal with diarrhea and all of the bad stuff? Here are a few tips you can keep in mind. With these, you’re assured that your meat-loving cat can enjoy this juicy treat with minimal risks involved. 

• When introducing any new type of food to your cat, it’s necessary to give just a tiny amount. This is because cats’ nutritional needs vary a lot. As such, one cat might ingest the food without problems while the other gets adverse reactions. 
• Serve the pineapple without the pineapple leaves, the spiny skin, and the core. Pineapple leaves and the other parts are not toxic but can be a choking hazard. 
• Cut the flesh into bite-sized pieces and make sure to give just a small amount. Moderation is key.
• Forget about giving your cat canned pineapple or pineapple juice. Those are loaded with sugar and preservatives.
• Keep it simple. Serving the fruit fresh (minus any additional ingredients) is the best way to go. Remember that ingredients like salt can be harmful to your pal.
• If it’s scorching hot, you can also give your cat a few pieces of frozen pineapple. 
• Pineapple should only be given as an occasional snack and should not be a staple in your cat’s diet.

Conclusion

If you’re someone who loves pizza with pineapple topping, you no longer have to worry if your cat sneaks up on you to get a piece. The answer is yes, yes, yes. Cats can have pineapple, and pineapple is, in fact, safe for your cats to eat.

So, if you want to treat your cat and you have to choose between pineapples and cookies, pick the pineapple.

Your cat may not be able to use all the vitamin C in it, but it will still help quench their thirst and satisfy their curiosity.