Can Cats Eat Pineapple?

Can cats eat pineapple? You may have wondered this on occasion as your cat blinks at you repeatedly, silently demanding you share your fruit salad. 

Cats are funny creatures. They are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely on animal fat and protein for their nutrition. Cats actually don’t even have taste receptors that allow them to taste sweet things. And yet, how many of our kitties sit there begging us to share whatever the heck we’re eating? Some kitties are just adventurous foodies and will try anything.

Let’s take a deep dive into whether or not it’s a good (and safe) idea to give your cat pineapple.

Is Pineapple Safe for Cats?

Yes, pineapple is completely safe and non-toxic to cats. In fact, the ASPCA lists pineapple as a safe food we can share with our fur babies. 

Pineapple is high in fiber, which can aid digestion and help those kitties who may suffer from bouts of constipation every now and then. Pineapple also provides the following essential vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamins A, B6, E, C and K
• Calcium
• Folate
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Zinc

One thing to mention is that cats don’t require an external source of vitamin C. They actually make their own. Humans, guinea pigs and fruit bats (ironically) are the only animals on the planet that DO NOT make their own vitamin C. Everything else does. So your cat doesn’t really need treats to help boost her immune system. She’s got that covered.

And, as long as you are feeding your kitty a good quality and complete diet, she should already be receiving the right balance of vitamins and minerals. So all of this is to say, it’s completely fine and safe to give your cat pineapple if she really wants some. But be sure to only do so in moderation.

Considerations When Feeding Your Cat Pineapple

Anytime you’re thinking of giving a new food to your cat, it’s a good idea to first run it by your vet, just to be safe. Here are some other considerations when feeding your cat pineapple:

Fresh – Not Canned

Canned fruit tends to have added sugar, which is not good for your cat (or you). Be sure to only offer your fur baby fresh, raw unsweetened pineapple as a treat. 

Feed in Moderation

Because it bears repeating, only give your cat very tiny bits of pineapple as a treat. Again, call your vet and ask how much is a good amount. You may find your cat happily eats two or three tiny pieces before she walks away. Less is more. Too much pineapple could give your kitty an upset stomach and even cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Never Feed Skin or Leaves

You should only feed your cat the juicy flesh of the pineapple, never the tough skin or sharp and stiff leaves. These would be incredibly hard for her to digest and could even cause an intestinal blockage, which would require a very expensive emergency surgery.

A word of caution, some cats are notorious for chewing on the hard, sharp leaves of the pineapple. If your cat seems to be one of those, keep her away as best you can, or store the pineapple where she can’t reach it until you are ready to carve it up.

Avoid Pineapple-Flavored Treats

While an actual raw pineapple is safe to feed your cat, stay away from pineapple-flavored treats like yogurts, which can contain artificial sweeteners that are not safe for our fur babies.

Cut Up Into Small Bites

Don’t simply toss an entire pineapple ring or large chunk at your cat. To be safe, cut up a typical chunk size piece into 6-8 smaller sized pieces. You don’t want your cat to have a chance of choking on larger pieces.

Do Not Give if Your Cat is Diabetic

If your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, it may not be a good idea to give them pineapple as this fruit is high in sugar. Consult your vet to see what they recommend.

Final Thoughts

Can cats eat pineapple? Yes, you can safely feed your cat pineapple if she’s really been begging you to share. Just keep in mind that you should consult with your vet first, and only feed fresh, raw pineapple, not canned or pineapple-flavored foods.

Also, be sure to never feed with skin on or allow your cat to chew on the hard, sharp leaves, as if she ingests a piece, it could cause great GI distress and potentially even result in an intestinal blockage, which may require surgery.

At the end of the day, cats are a bit different than dogs in that they really only get nutrients from animal protein and fat. This is the food they really thrive on!

Your Fur Baby Will Also Thrive on Pet Insurance

 How do you ensure your cat lives a long and healthy life? By always giving her the medical care she needs when she needs it. Ah, but that costs. And sometimes, a lot!

That is why more and more cat parents are enrolling their fur babies into a pet insurance plan. How does getting help with up to 90% of the vet bill sound to you? Sounds like peace of mind to us!

If you’re not sure who are some of the best pet insurance companies, here are the top providers based on reviews from pet parents just like you:

References:

1. https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet
2. https://www.petmd.com/cat/which-fruits-can-cats-eat

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.