The pineapple, whose scientific name is Ananas comosus , is a plant that only produces an average of three pineapples throughout its life, the first of which is generally the largest. As a curiosity, in indigenous tribes pineapples were considered a sign of hospitality that was offered to visitors as a sign of hospitality or friendship. Christopher Columbus found it on the island of Guadalupe in 1493 and Spanish sailors soon realized that consuming pineapple on their voyages could prevent Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency).

From there, its consumption and production has spread throughout the world, being today one of the most consumed fruits. However, is pineapple good for cats? Despite the fact that pineapple is a nutritionally very rich food, it also contains sugars that are not the best for our cats, although they can consume it from time to time in limited quantities.

Our small cats are considered strict carnivores , which means that their diet must be based on protein from animal tissue. Only this gives them all the nutrients they need, essential and non-essential, something that they cannot cover if they have a vegetarian or omnivorous diet with foods rich in carbohydrates such as pineapples, vegetables, cereals or tubers.

Can cats eat pineapple leaves?

The cones are composed of a basal rosette with rigid leaves with the margins composed of short-pointed thorns and with a length of 30 to 100 cm and a somewhat concave profile in order to conduct rainwater towards the rosette. If cats can eat pineapple, we mean the fruit, not the leaves or the stem, which would be indigestible and can damage the oral cavity and digestive tract of our cats due to these spikes and their low digestibility.

We have already commented that our little cats can eat pineapple, but how do we have to give it to them so that they can eat it without problems? Cat pineapple must be fully ripe to avoid highly acidic flavors. This way it will be softer and, therefore, it will be more palatable, although you should know that it will also contain more sugar. All the remains of the shell, stem and leaves must be completely removed and later you must cut it into small squares to offer them to your little cat.

Depending on the weight of your small cat, the recommended amount of pineapple will vary. For example:

• In kittens up to 2 kg : they should not consume more than 10 or 20 grams of pineapple, which is equivalent to two small pieces.
• In cats from 2 to 5 kg : they can eat up to 50 grams of pineapple (about four or five small pieces).
• In cats from 6 to 10 kg : they should not consume more than 80 grams per serving of pineapple (a maximum of eight small pieces).

Overweight or obese cats , as well as those with sugar-related problems, should not eat these types of sweet foods, or at least not more than a small piece or two very occasionally and as long as they can provide some clear benefit. for your health at that time.

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The side effects that pineapple consumption can cause in cats are not serious or frequent , except for possible allergic reactions that may occur in some cats or choking.

The consumption of pineapple in diabetic cats can cause an imbalance in their blood sugar control and a decompensation of the disease, as well as it can increase weight gain in sedentary cats or those more prone to being overweight. Finally, excessive consumption of this fruit can cause diarrhea, indigestion and can damage or saturate the kidneys to eliminate excess minerals such as potassium.

In some cats, the consumption of pineapple would be contraindicated due to disorders in their health or weight, such as overweight and obesity , since the sugar content can promote weight gain, diseases related to the increase in glucose in the blood such as diabetes or insulin resistance and problems related to increased peristalsis or intestinal transit such as those that cause diarrhea.

Neither can it be offered to cats that have to be fed exclusively with a special diet or food by veterinary prescription or to those who are allergic to pineapple.