Why
Pineapple appears on PetMD's veterinarian-written list of fruits that are safe for cats, which states that small pieces of fresh pineapple are safe. Pineapple contains fiber, water and several vitamins and minerals, and a ripe chunk is soft enough for a cat to chew.
Pineapple is still fruit, and fruit is a strange snack for a cat. Researchers reported in PLoS Genetics in 2005 that cats lack a working copy of one of the genes needed for the sweet taste receptor, so a cat cannot taste the sweetness that makes pineapple appealing to us. Many cats will sniff a piece and walk away, and that is fine. Cats that do enjoy pineapple are usually reacting to the texture or the novelty, and a few pieces are all they need.
What to watch out for
- The spiky skin and the leaves, which are hard to digest and can scratch the mouth
- The fibrous core, which is tough to chew and can be a choking hazard
- Canned pineapple in syrup, which adds sugar
- Dried pineapple, which is concentrated sugar and often contains preservatives
- Pineapple pastries, cakes and candies, which add butter, flour and sugar
- Cats with diabetes, which should not be given fruit
How to serve it
- Choose ripe, fresh pineapple and wash it before cutting.
- Remove the skin, the leaves and the hard core.
- Cut the flesh into small pieces, about the size of a fingernail.
- Offer one or two pieces and watch how your cat's stomach handles them.
- If you use frozen pineapple, choose a pack with no added sugar and let the pieces thaw slightly first.
How much?
One or two small pieces of fresh pineapple is plenty for an adult cat as an occasional treat. PetMD's fruit guide says fruit should be a treat and that all treats together should make up no more than 10 percent of a cat's diet.
Fresh, canned or dried pineapple
Fresh pineapple is the best choice for a cat, because nothing has been added to it. PetMD's fruit guide says that frozen or canned fruit should contain no added sugars or preservatives, which rules out most canned pineapple, since it is usually packed in syrup.
Dried pineapple is a different food altogether. PetMD's fruit guide does not recommend dried fruit for cats, because drying concentrates the sugar and the pieces often contain preservatives. A dried ring of pineapple is also chewy and dense, which makes it harder for a cat to manage than a soft fresh piece.
Pineapple cakes and pineapple pastries
Pineapple cakes, the small buttery pastries filled with pineapple jam, are a popular gift in many places, and a crumb on the floor quickly attracts a curious cat. Pineapple pastries are mostly butter, flour and sugar, which a cat does not need, and some fillings are mixed with winter melon or other ingredients. A crumb is not a concern, but a whole pastry can upset a cat's stomach.
Pineapple desserts made with chocolate, raisins or nuts carry their own risks. If your cat eats a baked treat, check the ingredient list and call your vet if anything on it is known to be harmful to cats.
When pineapple disagrees with a cat
Pineapple is acidic and fibrous, and too much can upset a cat's stomach even though the fruit is not toxic. Mild vomiting or a soft stool after a first taste usually settles on its own, but it is a sign that pineapple is not a good treat for that particular cat.
Pineapple should not be given to a cat with diabetes. PetMD's fruit guide says that cats with diabetes should not be given fruit because of its sugar content. If your cat has any ongoing health condition, ask your vet before adding new foods.
Common questions
Is pineapple good for cats?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Pineapple appears on PetMD's veterinarian-written list of fruits that are safe for cats, which states that small pieces of fresh pineapple are safe. Pineapple contains fiber, water and several vitamins and minerals, and a ripe chunk is soft enough for a cat to chew.
Is pineapple bad for cats?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: the spiky skin and the leaves, which are hard to digest and can scratch the mouth.
Are cats allowed to have pineapple?
Yes. Choose ripe, fresh pineapple and wash it before cutting.
Can cats eat canned pineapple?
Canned pineapple packed in syrup is not a good choice, because PetMD's fruit guide advises avoiding fruit with added sugar or preservatives. Pineapple canned in its own juice is less sweet, but fresh pineapple is still the better option.
Is pineapple good for a cat's digestion?
There is no evidence that a cat needs pineapple for digestion. Pineapple contains some fiber, but a complete cat food already provides what a healthy cat needs. A cat with digestive problems should see a vet rather than be given fruit.
Sources
- PetMD. What Fruits Can Cats Eat? 19 Fruits Safe for Cats (Teresa Manucy, DVM; reviewed by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP)
- Li X, Li W, Wang H, et al. Pseudogenization of a sweet-receptor gene accounts for cats’ indifference toward sugar. PLoS Genetics, 2005;1(1):e3.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
If your cat has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital or an animal poison control service right away, even if your cat seems fine. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.