We hope you’re not asking this because you want to feed a pizza with pineapple topping to your cat. If you are then may God help you. But if not, then yes, cats can safely eat pineapple. There are some ifs and buts here though.
If you’ve been having pineapple in front of your cat, your Mr./Miss Whiskers may either be dreaming of an island life or just trying to figure out what this weird, spiky thing is. Now when we look at a pineapple, apart from its delicious taste and the potential to be a beautiful pina colada, here’s what all we can expect – (3)
Vitamin C
Manganese
Antioxidants
Digestive enzymes
Reduced risk of cancer
Immunity boost
Pain relief for arthritis patients
Speedy recovery after surgery or strenuous exercise
Are you also thinking - How can such a nutrition-rich delicious fruit not be great for cats as well? Let’s understand pineapple and cats in deep.
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 like us at all. 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. (2)
We know what you’re thinking – these are all red flags. Then how come pineapple is safe for cats? 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 include – (2)
Fiber – It helps bulk up the stool, prevent constipation and keep them full for a longer time which indeed helps in weight loss for overweight cats.
Vitamins and minerals – While cats do not need vitamin C from external sources, they can benefit from other nutrients like potassium, manganese and vitamin B found in pineapple.
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 will surely 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). 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. (1)
Make sure you do not feed canned pineapple as it usually comes with preservatives and a lot of sugary syrup (enough to make you feel uncomfortable for the rest of the day and probably add a pound to your weight). Do not add any type of topping as well to the pineapple before feeding it to your cat.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
There will be a lot of times when you will feel like sharing your love for food with your cat. Most of you’ll will end up doing so as well. A couple of small bites of some human foods may not harm your cat but several human foods can be toxic and cause real harm to your cat. The symptoms may start with vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, your cat can suffer from serious gastrointestinal problems like pancreatitis which can even be fatal. Your cat might need surgery in some cases.
We know that after reading this, you are worrying about 2 things – your cat’s and your pocket’s health. Don’t worry. We can take care of them. With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of all the vet expenses so that your cat receives the best treatment when needed without you worrying about the cost.
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.
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