Can Cats Eat Pineapple?

We hope you’re not asking this because you plan to share a pineapple pizza with your cat. If so, to each their own. But if you're just curious, then yes, cats can safely eat pineapple - with a few important ifs and buts.

If you’ve ever eaten pineapple in front of your cat, your Mr. or Miss Whiskers might have been dreaming of island life—or just wondering what that strange, spiky fruit is. Beyond its tropical charm and role in a perfect piña colada, here’s what pineapple really brings to the table for us humans:¹

You may be thinking - Is such a nutrition-rich delicious fruit great for cats as well? Let’s understand pineapple and cats in depth.

What Does Pineapple Do for Cats?

Pineapple comes from the Ananas comosus plant which comes from the Bromeliaceous family, commonly known as bromeliads. It is the bromelain enzyme itself that causes the weird and unpleasant tingling sensation in the mouth and throat after eating. This enzyme has been used in isolation to treat pain, inflammation, burns, and indigestion.²

Sadly though, cats may not be able to extract all these benefits from pineapple. Cats are carnivorous creatures. Their stomachs are made for extracting nutrients majorly out of meat. They cannot digest fruits and vegetables like us. Cats cannot process sugars and carbohydrates the same way we do, and fruits like pineapple usually contain large amounts of sugar. 

The sugar can put your cat at risk of weight gain and related health problems like diabetes and arthritis. The high fiber content in pineapple can cause digestive upset including bloating, gas, and diarrhea in cats. And if by chance your cat ends up eating unripe pineapple, it can cause toxicity in your cat leading to severe vomiting and diarrhea.³

We know what you’re thinking – these are all red flags. Then how come pineapple is safe for cats to eat? Are there even a few benefits of pineapple for cats? Yes, there are. 

Is Pineapple Healthy for Cats?

Cats may not be able to get all the benefits of pineapple like we do. But they surely can extract some. These can include³ –

Basically, you can feed a little ripe pineapple to your cat occasionally as a treat.  

Can Cats Drink Pineapple Juice?

Yes, cats can drink pineapple juice safely as well. The catch here is the same though. A couple of teaspoons won’t harm your cat but won’t provide any significant benefit as well. Overconsumption of it can harm your cat though. 

Can Cats Eat Pineapple Leaves?

No, not at all. Cats cannot eat any other part of the pineapple plant except the fruit (that too in moderation).³ So, if you do decide to treat your cat’s taste buds, make sure you remove the skin, leaves, thorns, and rind. Cut the fruit into very small bite-sized pieces and add 1-2 of them to your cat’s food bowl.

Make sure you do not feed canned pineapple as it usually comes with preservatives and a lot of sugary syrup. Do not add any type of toppings to the pineapple before feeding it to your cat. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

There may be times when you feel like sharing your favorite foods with your cat—and honestly, most pet parents do. A few small bites of certain human foods might not cause harm, but many everyday foods can be toxic to cats. Symptoms often start with vomiting and diarrhea, and in severe cases, can lead to pancreatitis or other gastrointestinal issues.

We know that after reading this, you’re probably worried about two things – your cat’s and your wallet. Don’t worry, we've got both covered. With pet health insurance, you can get reimbursed up to 90% of your eligible vet expenses so that your cat can receive the best treatment when needed without the added financial stress. 

Cat Insurance helps to provide pet parents with additional financial support and peace of mind when it comes to the health and wellness of their pets. With a Spot plan, pet parents can receive up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills. This way pet parents can focus on caring for and supporting their pets. Spot's also offers preventive care add-ons, which can help cover the eligible costs of spaying and neutering, dental cleaning, vaccinations, and other routine care services. 

Get a quote today!