Some cats are not fussy eaters and often eat their food without noticing or craving the human food around them. However, others are adventurous and would even want to eat a delicious morsel.
Well, the good news is that cats can eat pineapples. But it’s worth noting that there are drawbacks to this that you should be aware of before you decide to share a bite of pineapple with your cat.
Is Pineapple Safe for Cats?
Human beings enjoy tropical fruits for their sweet taste and reap many benefits from them. Pineapples are rich in vitamins and minerals, help boost the immune system, are low in calories and carbs, and help with cholesterol balance.
Most cat food manufacturers aim to ensure that cats can get these benefits from the foods they manufacture. So, this means pineapples are safe for cats, right? Well, not exactly.
The truth is that pineapples are not toxic to kitties. Unlike citrus fruits, pineapples don’t have any poisoning effects, and they don’t lead to toxic reactions.
However, pineapples are quite sugary and loaded with lots of glucose. This makes pineapples unsuitable for cats’ diets. With this in mind, do not feed your cat pineapples, not even small bites.
While your cat will not die if it accidentally eats a piece of pineapple, cats are carnivores. They do not require fruit in their diet. You should also steer clear of processed pineapples.
Why Would Cats Eat Pineapple?
Typically, cats are obligate carnivores. Your furry friend depends entirely on meat to get all the nutrients it needs to survive. Cats don’t require plants to get specific nutrients, but it doesn’t mean they won’t eat some.
In fact, some cats chew on grass, while others occasionally snack on fruit. So, it’s not surprising that you might consider treating your kitty with a few pineapple bites as a special treat.
But the interesting thing is that cats don’t have taste buds to enjoy sweet flavors. The strong sugary taste of pineapples is something cats don’t perceive. However, cats might eat pineapples out of the influence of their owners.
Your cat might want to taste a pineapple because it saw you eating it. Cats also enjoy the textures of different foods, which might influence them to enjoy a bite of pineapple. The juicy moisture of pineapples could also be another reason your pet will want to eat a pineapple.
Cats might be tempted to chew on pineapple leaves. They like chewing these leaves the same way some chew on grasses.
Pineapple leaves are not safe for your cats. Pesticides can be an issue, especially if they linger on pineapple leaves. To be safe, just ensure your furry friend doesn’t chew on random fruit or leaves.
Is Pineapple Juice Safe for Cats?
Since pineapple is not toxic to cats, you might think that feeding them pineapple juice should also be safe. Certainly not!
Pineapple juice contains lots of sugar, and vets don’t recommend giving it to your cat. Another issue with pineapple juice is that it has preservatives and artificial flavors.
Your cat’s digestive system can’t break down these substances, which will only result in stomach upsets and diarrhea, among other digestive complications.
Similar question: Can cats eat mango juice?
When is Pineapple Bad for Cats?
It’s safe to feed your furry friend a small piece of raw, unsweetened pineapple. But you should limit this as much as possible. Too much pineapple can affect your cat’s digestive system and could potentially lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
Pineapple leaves aren’t safe for your cats. Besides being rough, pineapple leaves are hard to digest. The leaves might cause blockage in your pet’s digestive tract. While some cats enjoy chewing these leaves due to their texture, it’s safer to give your feline friend a cat-friendly toy to chew.
Don’t feed your kittens pineapple in sugary syrups. The high sugar content only means that you’ll be adding more calories to your cat’s diet.
Your cat will gain weight and become obese or experience stomach complications. Do not feed your cat pineapple yogurts since cats are generally lactose intolerant. They don’t have the enzyme lactase to help them break down sugar in milk.
Possible Health Benefits of Pineapples
We can agree that feeding your cat with occasional pineapple treats is okay. What are the health benefits of feeding your cats pineapple? Well, it turns out pineapples contain manganese, a nutrient that helps people digest protein effectively.
Pineapples also contain copper and folate, vital for the production of healthy red blood cells. Feeding your cat pineapple might also help to improve their nutrient absorption, thanks to the vitamin B6 in these juicy fruits.
The fiber content in pineapples would also be good for their digestive systems if cats needed fruit in their diet. However, being carnivores, cats cannot directly benefit from all these nutrients.
Cats also need to stay hydrated, so eating pineapples can help quench their thirst. Feeding cats wet foods is important to help them digest meals properly. But the health benefits of pineapples don’t meet the health benefits of balanced cat food.
Do Cats Need Vitamin C?
Pineapples are a rich source of vitamin C, and you probably noticed that we didn’t mention it in the above benefits. Vitamin C is vital for our bodies as it helps us to develop resilient immune systems.
Surprisingly, cats don’t need vitamin C since their bodies make their own. It’s worth noting that too much vitamin C can be harmful to your pet since excess buildup can easily lead to kidney or bladder stones.
What Fruits Are Safe for Cats?
Pineapples don’t have toxic effects on cats, but there are fruits you should avoid. For instance, raisins and grapes are toxic. Avoid them at all costs. These fruits can cause kidney failure.
Usually, this happens to dogs, meaning it can also happen to cats. It’s not worth the risk. Limes, oranges, and lemons are also considered unsafe for cats.
You should not feed your cat fruit. Some fruits that are not toxic to cats include:
Watermelon
If your kitty loves drinking water, giving them watermelon treats will help them stay hydrated. However, remember you should feed them this fruit sparingly since cats don’t need fruits in their diet.
You can substitute this with healthier options that provide them with vital nutrients to enhance their health.
Blueberries
Blueberries are also safe for cats, and they have lots of antioxidants. While blueberries taste great, cats will not enjoy the sugary taste. They can also eat other berries like blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries.
Strawberries
Cats can also eat strawberries, but these berries have high sugar content. If you must give your feline pal this fruit, only give it a small piece.
Apples
Your furry friend can also eat apples. However, if you must feed it an apple, remove the seeds beforehand.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates are also not toxic for cats. If your pet is adventurous, you may feed it a small amount.
Other fruits that your cat can eat include mangoes, cantaloupe, bananas, cucumber, and kiwi. Do not make fruits a part of your cat’s diet, only use them as treats.
Conclusion
Pineapples are not toxic to cats. But this doesn’t mean you should feed your pet pineapple juice or other forms of processed pineapple.
Avoid feeding your pet sugar-laden foods because a cat’s digestive system can’t process sugar.
Feeding them fruits high in sugar might only lead to digestive complications, weight gain, and other health issues.
If you have to feed your cat pineapple, offer this as a treat and nothing more. More importantly, keep in mind that cats don’t require fruits in their diets. Therefore, do not feed them fruit regularly and strive to ensure they eat a balanced cat meal.
