Can Cats Eat Pineapple?
Our beloved feline friends have a tendency to show interest in the food that is on our plates.
While it’s often okay to share a little bit of what you’re eating with your cat, it’s difficult to know which foods are safe for kitty consumption and which ones aren’t.
Most of us know that cats are carnivorous and can eat meat, but the rules become less clear when it comes to fruit. Some fruits such as cantaloupe and strawberries can be safe for cats as long as they are given in moderation.
But what about slightly less common fruits such as pineapple? Can cats eat pineapple?
Pineapples aren’t toxic to cats, but as with most human foods, there are some things you should take into consideration before making your cat a piña colada (hint: don’t do that).
In this article, we’ll cover the following:
- Can Cats Eat Pineapple?
- Cats and Pineapple: What You Need to Know
- Benefits and Negatives to Feeding Cats Pineapple
- Can Kittens Eat Pineapple?
- Alternatives to Pineapple for Cats
Can Cats Eat Pineapple?
The short answer is yes, cats can eat pineapple. Neither the fruit, the skin, nor the leaves of the pineapple fruit contain anything that is toxic to cats.
While fruits can be a nice addition to your cat’s diet as long as they are given in moderation, it’s important to remember that cats are carnivores. Your cat should eat a diet comprised primarily of meat, preferably in the form of a healthy cat food such as Blue Wilderness, which is grain-free and lists meat as the first ingredient.
This is a much better alternative than having your cat dine on a slice of pizza with a little pineapple on it.
It’s hard to believe that cats can’t taste the sweetness of pineapple when they lick them so enthusiastically!
Cats and Pineapple: What You Need to Know
Most cats won’t be particularly interested in pineapple, as sweet tastes aren’t generally that appealing to them (cats can’t taste sweetness). However, if your cat begs you for a piece of pineapple and you’re comfortable sharing a little bit with them, here are a few tips:
- Avoid sweetened pineapple (such as canned pineapple in syrup).
- Only give your cat a tiny taste of pineapple. A very small piece is more than enough! Pineapple has an extremely high fructose content, and too much sugar isn’t healthy for cats.
- Don’t feed your cat the skin of the pineapple. The rough exterior and spikey pieces could really harm your cat if they swallow it.
- If your cat experiences any digestive issues after eating pineapples, such as vomiting or diarrhea, don’t give them pineapple again.
Benefits and Negatives to Feeding Cats Pineapple
Pineapple does contain some vitamins that can be beneficial to feline health, such as vitamin B and magnesium.
That being said, there is really not much nutritional benefit in pineapples for cats. In fact, the high sugar content in pineapple (which makes it taste so amazing to us) can wreak havoc on your cat’s health in the long run if you aren’t careful.
Too much sugar in your cat’s diet can cause them to gain weight or even develop diabetes. So, if your cat loves pineapple, only give them a tiny bit and only once and a while as a treat.
Some cats have unusual relationships with pineapple…
Can Kittens Eat Pineapple?
It’s not a good idea to give human food to kittens, and pineapples are no exception.
Kittens are still growing and should only be drinking plain water and eating a quality kitten food, such as Blue Freedom Kitten food.
Pineapples in particular are not a good idea because they contain high levels of sugar. Kittens, just like adult cats, aren’t capable of perceiving “sweetness” so pineapple simply adds a ton of calories and fructose to their diet without offering much nutritional benefit.
Alternatives to Pineapple for Cats
If your cat really likes fruit there are plenty of options that contain less sugar, are more palatable to cats, and are easier on their digestive system. Cantaloupe and strawberries are two good options.
If you are simply looking for something a little different to give to your cat as a treat, there are some brands of cat treat that contain fruit mixed in with meat, which is a more traditional ingredient. Wellness Kittles come in a variety of flavors, such as turkey and duck, and contain cranberries!
So, can cats eat pineapple?
Pineapple isn’t toxic to cats, so if your cat is very interested you can feel good about giving them a tiny piece once and a while. Just remember to remove the skin, and only give them fresh, unsweetened pineapple.
If you’re not sold on giving your cat a piece of pineapple, you can try giving them cat treats that contain fruit, such as Wellness Kittles.
Does your cat love pineapple? How do you incorporate it into your cat’s diet? Let us know in the comments!
