Can cats eat pineapple?

Updated 21/09/2023

Pineapple: a tasty and nutritious snack on a warm summer's day, and perhaps one of the world's most controversial pizza toppings. 

Whatever our feline friends’ opinion is on the whole pineapple-on-pizza debate, there’s a much bigger question at hand: can cats eat pineapple, or are pineapples poisonous to cats? Let’s take a look…

Can cats eat pineapple?

Yes, cats can eat pineapple. While there are plenty of fruits (such as grapes, cherries, and plums) that are toxic to cats, pineapple is a perfectly safe fruit for kitties to nibble on.

So, are pineapples safe for cats? Yes! But will munching on some pineapple give our feline friends the same potential health benefits it gives us? Not exactly…

Are pineapples good for cats?

Pineapples are packed full of goodness. They're rich in vitamins C, A, folate and B6, and contain minerals such as manganese and potassium. They're also low in carbs, have great detox properties, and can even help to promote a healthy immune system.

But… there is a but. For our feline friends, at least.

As obligate carnivores, cats thrive on a diet made up of meat and animal protein - fruits and veggies just aren't a natural part of your kitty's diet. As such, pineapple is unlikely to give your cat any nutritional benefit, and because cats aren't designed to digest fruit, it may also have the potential to give your kitty an upset tummy. 

Not to mention, pineapple - like most fruits - are high in sugar, which is never good for our feline friends!

Feeding your cat pineapple

So, should you feed your cat pineapple? Well, it’s unlikely to do them any harm if they’re really bugging you for a bite. But, it’s unlikely to do them much good, either! 

If you do decide to feed your cat a piece of pineapple, be sure to remove the skin, leaves, thorns, and rind, and cut it into a small, bite-sized piece. Only give your cat fresh pineapple - canned pineapple may contain added preservatives to keep it fresher for longer, or be laden in sickly, sugary syrup. Finally, keep it to a minimum - especially if your kitty hasn’t tried it before. Remember that pineapple is high in sugar, and too much could lead to weight gain or cause your kitty to have a gastrointestinal upset. The high sugar content could also be harmful to cats that have diabetes or are obese. 

As with any and all 'human foods', we recommend speaking to your vet before feeding your kitty something new.

Meet our veterinary expert, Aisling

This article has been checked by veterinarian Aisling O’Keeffe MVB CertSAM ISFMCertAdvFB. Aisling qualified as a vet 7 years ago from University College Dublin. She has worked in a mixture of UK small animal hospitals along with Irish practices. She worked for 3 years in a feline-only hospital where she further developed her feline medicine and surgery skills. She currently lives and works in a small animal hospital in Cork, Ireland. 

Other foods that are safe for cats

Pet parents should always be in the know when it comes to what cats can and can’t eat. While there are many fruits that aren’t safe for feline friends, here’s a few that are: 

• Melon
• Pumpkin
• Pears
• Some berries