Pineapple is one of the healthiest tropical fruit for humans to intake in scorching summer. It is highly rich in vitamin C and manganese, which help to prevent developing cancer cells.
But, the question arises, can cats eat pineapple? Is it safe to feed them this refreshment fruit in hot summer?
You must have encountered situations where your feline tries to have a bite from your plate or just want to lick it. This put you in a dilemma that whether she likes having pineapple? Or just want to explore the tastes?
Relax! Just sit back and have a sip of your fruit juice.
We have done some research and experiments it will surely help you out and you will get your queries cleared. So, allow me to explain to you in a better way.
Can Cats Have Pineapple?
The short answer is yes, cats can safely eat pineapple. In fact, many cats like its texture and enjoy eating small chunks of it. Plus, pineapple is highly rich in vitamin A, B, and C, as well as manganese. While, unlike humans, felines don’t require fruits in their diet, it can be a safe treat not a meal for them.
It will be good if you observe your kitty after feeding a few chunks of pineapple pieces for any negative reactions such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach ache. So that you can remedy it on time.
Is Pineapple Good for Cats?
Although cats get their essential nutrients from their regular diet, they don’t require extra intake of this tropical fruit to meet their nutrient level.
However, if your feline demands to have a bite from your plate, there is no harm in feeding two-three small pieces of it.
Pineapple is a great source of vitamins A, B, and C, plus fiber and manganese. It will help your feline’s digestive system to work effectively and if she is suffering from a constipation problem it will resolve that too.
In addition, it also contains copper and folate which help your kitty’s body system to produce more red blood cells to function well and fight against diseases.
Plus point of having pineapple is that it contains water and mostly felines prefer dry food for meals so, intake of these small chunks will help them to keep hydrated in summer.
How Much Pineapple Is Enough for My Cat?
Pineapple is safe for your feline pal, but that doesn’t mean you will feed her whole pineapple on regular basis. Cats can eat only a small amount of pineapple, i.e few small chunks of it on an occasional basis.
If your kitty is having pineapple for the first time, then make sure you offer her one-two piece only. Then closely monitor her. whether she is showing any allergic reaction or not.
Everything goes well, you can feed her a few chunks of it as a treat, and will be counted as treat calories. Remember, you cannot feed her on regular basis, and should not be replaced with a regular meal.
It’s better to be safe than feel sorry!
Also Read: Do Cats Eat Raspberries? & What fruits are good for cats?
Ways to Feed Pineapple to My Cat!
Cats’ don’t have sweet taste buds, it’s just that they get attracted to different textures and enjoy exploring different flavors.
And pineapple has a very funky texture, this can be one of the reasons most felines demand to have a bite.
So, if your feline pal shows interest in having pineapple, follow these simple steps to serve her in a correct way:
- Wash the pineapple in water.
- Carefully, remove the peel, thorns, and leaves.
- Cut them into small pieces, just like your kitty’s kibble size. This helps her to eat easily without facing choking issues.
- Do not feed her pineapple when she is on an empty stomach.
Before, feeding her pineapple consult the vet, especially if your kitty is already encountering some health consequences.
Side Effects of Consuming Pineapple!
We have done some footwork regarding the possible snag side of consuming pineapple by your feline. Like what can be the possible outcomes if she ingests in larger quantity.
Let’s dig in to get the in-depth outcomes of the overconsumption of pineapple.
- One of the snag sides your feline might face is that pineapple contains sugar in huge amounts and sugar is not good for your feline heath. It can lead to diabetic issues and obesity.
- Pineapple doesn’t include protein or fat so never replace it with your feline proper meal. It should always be considered as an extra supplement or treat for your feline.
- If you feed your feline pineapple when she is empty stomach it will lead to stomach aches.
Make sure, that when you are feeding your feline a pineapple it should be cut into small pieces and offered as a treat. Plus, once in a blue moon is ok, but don’t make it a habit, and a few small chunks are more than enough.
Can Cats Have Pineapple Juice?
Pineapple juice or canned pineapple is a big no for your feline. No matter how much she demands to have a sip from your glass, make sure that you don’t let her. This is because pineapple juice contains a huge amount of sugar and other flavored touch or preservatives to make it delicious and last for a longer period.
But, your feline’s body structure is designed in such a way that it doesn’t require any amount of sugar. Its digestive system cannot easily break down such preservatives, which ends up upsetting her stomach and creating other health issues.
Always keep in mind, that you can only feed her fresh pineapple chunks and not juice or preservatives ones.
FAQs
Can kittens have pineapple?
Well, yes your little munchkin can occasionally have a small piece of pineapple. Just to satisfy her cravings and reduce her curiosity you can feed her small chunks of pineapple, but make sure the outer husk is removed completely and no leaves are there. When you are feeding your kitten you have to be extra careful, because they can encounter choking issues if accidently gulp a large piece of it.
Can cats have canned pineapple?
The answer is no, you cannot feed your cat canned pineapple. It contains sugar in huge amounts and other preservatives, which is not good for your feline pal’s health. Plus, canned pineapples are not fresh, so it’s better to feed her fresh pineapple chunks rather than frozen canned ones. Always remember that occasionally you can feed fresh pineapple as treat, and not as a food staple.
Do cats hate pineapple?
Felines don’t have sweet taste buds, they don’t get attracted to human food because of its taste. Only, out of curiosity, they try to taste your food. As a result, most felines will not care much about pineapple, if they are not attracted to its texture they won’t demand to have a bite from your plate. So, if your feline doesn’t like to have a bite of it don’t worry because it’s not part of their main diet, and they are already getting all the required nutrients from their regular diet.
Are pineapple leaves toxic to cats?
Pineapple leaves are non-toxic to cats, but they do contain sap ( milky fluid), which can lead to skin allergies to your feline pal when comes in contact. Out of curiosity your kitty might feel like chewing the pineapple leaves, be careful and don’t let her ingest it to avoid future health issues related to skin diseases. Pineapple leaves and outer husk also contain enzymes, which are not safe for your feline pal.
Why do some cat foods have pineapple?
Pineapple is a great source of hydration as it contains minerals and water in large quantities, and felines don’t have a habit of consuming more water. So it plays as a hydrating source for them. You must have seen that few cat food brands have pineapple chunks in their ingredients but they are not filler ones as fresh chunks are used not preservatives ones. It’s just added to keep their body hydrated.
Well, It’s a Wrap!
As you know, pineapple is non-toxic, and you can safely feed her. But, it should be in small proportion like a few small chunks of it.
Since it is safe for your kitty’s health that doesn’t mean you can replace it with a regular meal or offer it on daily basis. It should be occasionally and in form of a treat.
It is advisable to consult the vet before you feed your feline and make sure you are offering her fresh pieces of pineapple and not the canned or preservatives ones.
Hopefully, we were able to serve you the appropriate content to the table and you get all your doubts cleared.
Also Read: Can Kittens Eat Pear?
References:
- Wet Cat Food vs. Dry Cat Food: Which Is Better? – PetMD
- 7 Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dog or Cat – AVMA
- Feline Health – TICA
- Cats are Carnivores, so they should eat like one – Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science