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You can’t beat a little bit of pineapple every now and then; it is a sweet and delicious treat that many love, especially when the weather is warm. As a cat owner, you may be wondering if your feline friend can enjoy a little pineapple in the summer sun alongside you. Well, in this short and sweet article, we look to answer that question and give you all the information you need, especially because there are some important points to remember regarding your cat and pineapple.
Can my cat have pineapple?
Let us begin by answering and addressing the big question. Yes, your cat can have pineapple, but it should be in moderation, as is the case with any treat or food that differs from their routine. Cats are carnivorous and require proteins to survive. They extract their nutrients from meat mainly. However, this does not mean that a small number of fruits, grains and vegetables are not essential in ensuring a balanced diet for your cat.
With technological advancement, these ingredients are included in cats’ kibble. But be it as it may, the ingredients can be augmented to provide variety and pleasure. Pineapple is beneficial as it is rich in vitamin C and manganese, which you may not always find in regular cat food. Additionally, pineapples are a great source of copper, vitamin B6, folate and fibre.
These vitamins and nutrients are essential to ensuring you have a healthy cat. As such, they should be included in foods once in a while. As you offer your cat some treats, you could throw in some bits of pineapples as well. The pre-packaged kitty treats are great but offering fresh fruit is even better for your cat’s health, weight, teeth and most importantly, its immunity.
Like humans, cats also benefit from snacking on fruits compared to crackers and cookies. If you do wish to start feeding your cat pineapple, then look to start by offering them very small amounts to see if they like it. Then begin to incorporate it slowly into their diet as the days and weeks go on. If no side effects happen to show up, then great, but if you notice any irritation or coughing, then look to consult your vet immediately.
What about Pineapple Juice or Canned Pineapple?
Pineapple juice is notoriously high in sugar, and while humane can deal with this, cats have a harder time doing so. A cat’s digestive system is not designed to break down the preservatives in the pineapple juice, so giving it to them will upset their stomach or make them sick.
As for canned pineapple, this is a big no-no. Why? well canned or candied pineapple is high in sugar and preservatives and will be tough for a cat to digest properly. Not only that, but a cat can’t taste the sweetness of the tined pineapple anyway, so you may as well feed them the fresh fruit that is easier for them to break down anyway.
Fruit Do’s and Dont’s
Dont’s
The dont’s are most important here, so we will start with those. While pineapple might not be toxic to cats, there are a couple of fruits that are. Grapes and raisins are two of the biggest threats because they can cause kidney failure. Acidic fruits like lemons, limes and oranges are not at all suitable for cats either.
Do’s
We now know that you can feed your cat fresh pineapple, but what else can we feed them as a fresh treat?
Watermelon is a popular choice because it can help to keep your cat hydrated, particularly if your cat is a little stubborn when it comes to drinking water. Just make sure to get rid of the rind and the seeds first.
Strawberries are another popular choice, but they do have a lot of natural sugars. If you give your cat this fruit, only provide it once in a while, and cut it up into small pieces beforehand.
Pomegranates are high in vitamin C and fibre. If your cat is curious, you can feed a small amount.
Apples can be eaten by cats without worry, even with the skin, but the seeds and stem should be removed first. Apples are loaded with vitamin C, K, and calcium, which can provide health benefits for your cat.
The Dangers of Pineapple
It would be wrong of us to promote the feeding of pineapple to your cat without outlining some possible associated issues. For one, as we have mentioned, pineapple has high natural sugar content, which can lead to weight gain, diabetes, or issues with teeth if left unattended and unmonitored.
Not only this, but whilst pineapple is a great source of fibre, eating too much pineapple can also cause diarrhoea, vomiting, and other GI issues because of its fibre content. Finally, it is worth mentioning that pineapple contains an enzyme known as actinidin, which can be found in kiwi, bananas and mangoes.
Actinidin is a major human allergen and can trigger allergic reactions in some cats. This is why you should always start your cat with a small amount of pineapple and work your way up.
FAQ’s
Are Pineapple Leaves Poisonous to Cats?
Pineapple leaves are not dangerous or toxic to cats. But, they contain sap. They can provoke allergic reactions if it comes into contact with skin. A pineapple’s leaves contain an enzyme called bromelain.
Can cats get an electric shock from eating pineapple?
The common house cat is oblivious to the risk of electrical shock and doesn’t care a fig about ruining your favorite lamp. In the same way, if your cat ever found pleasure in the physical sensation of gnawing on a pineapple leaf, chances are she will do it again, heedless of any potential consequences. In saying that, seeing as pineapples tend not to have any electrical currents running through them, we think that your cat should be okay for the most part.
Can cats have pineapple juice?
Pineapple juice tends to contain quite a lot of sugar, which is not too safe for cats. So try not to give your cat any pineapple juice.
Are Pineapples safe for cats?
The quick answer is yes; most cats can eat pineapple. However, it is not as simple as that. While pineapple is not poisonous to cats, it is not great for them. Although pineapple is not naturally found in a cat’s diet, pineapples are not poisonous to cats; however, they can cause stomach upsets and diarrhoea.
Can my cat eat tinned pineapple?
Avoid canned pineapples, which are dangerous for cats because they contain high sugar and preservatives. Canned pineapples are not fresh and pure as fresh pineapple. Always feed fresh pineapples as an occasional treat, and don’t add them to your cat’s diet.