The words ‘kiwi’ and ‘cat’ aren’t usually used in the same sentence very often.
Then again, given how weird some cats can be these days, it’s not uncommon to see videos of cats engaging in weird behaviors or trying to eat something out of wack for them.
But where do we draw the line when it comes to letting our cats eat fruits, or in this case, the kiwi fruit?
Most importantly, are there any health dangers or benefits if cats eat kiwi?
What Is A Kiwi Fruit?
Truth be told, not many people have seen a kiwi before. They probably have heard of it but have never seen or tasted it.
It’s definitely not as common as grapes or peaches.
It’s often misunderstood that the kiwi fruit is from New Zealand and is named after the native bird, the Kiwi.
The kiwi is actually native to China and was brought to New Zealand by a school principal called Isabel Fraser in the early 19th century.
Originally known as the ‘Chinese Gooseberries’, it was later renamed as the kiwi fruit after the Kiwi bird as both fruit and bird were small and brown.
Health Benefits Of The Kiwi
The kiwi has many nutritional benefits. It is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fiber.
It is especially rich in vitamin C which is important for a healthy immune system and for keeping us healthy.
It has 230% more vitamin C than the recommended daily dosage for humans.
The antioxidant helps to eliminate free radicals and reduce the chances of internal inflammation and diseases.
Can Cats Eat Kiwi?
Yes, most cats can eat kiwi without any issues.
It is a non-toxic fruit for cats and they MAY benefit from the vitamins, antioxidants and fiber even though there are no scientific studies on this yet.
Is The Kiwi Fruit Safe For Cats?
Yes, the kiwi fruit has been found for cats to consume. However, there are a few things that you will need to take note of.
Cats are obligate carnivores which means their calories should come from a cat’s diet that is high in protein.
The best diet for your cat is one that contains meat as cats thrive best on this protein source.
We encourage all cat owners to try feeding their cats a raw food diet which is the most natural diet for cats.
If your feline friend is unable to eat raw meat due to legitimate health reasons, good quality canned food is the next best alternative.
Please do not feed your furkid dry cat food as it lacks the necessary nutrients and moisture that a cat requires to be healthy.
Cats don’t have the enzyme that dogs or humans to break down carbohydrates.
Therefore, they should refrain from eating large amounts of fruits and vegetables. If your cat likes eating turnip greens
It is ok for cat owners to be feeding kiwi to their cats if they like the taste. But it should be in very small quantities and not a regular treat.
Too Much Sugar Is Bad For Cats
Sugar isn’t harmful to cats but too much sugar is.
Fruits like kiwi contain fructose which is the type of sugar found in fruits.
Each kiwi contains about 9g of sugar which isn’t much for humans but can be a lot when consumed in large quantities by your cat.
A sugar rush in cats can cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting and affect your cat’s digestion.
If you notice any such symptoms after your cat eats kiwi, please bring them to the vet ASAP.
Too much sugar in your cat’s diet can lead to obesity and health problems like diabetes and tooth decay.
Be careful when feeding your cats dried fruits like dried mangoes as they tend to be higher in sugar content than fresh fruit.
Here’s an important diet tip for humans, try not to eat too much fruit if you’re dieting as the sugar calories can add up.
If you must, then stick to low-calorie fruits like berries.
Do Cats Need Vitamin C?
As mentioned earlier, a kiwi fruit is very dense in vitamin C (92.7mg per 100g to be exact), making it a good fruit for humans to eat.
But do cats have that much vitamin C in their diet?
Citrus fruits like oranges, pineapple and lemon are high in vitamin C.
We benefit from eating such fruits as we don’t have the ability to produce our own vitamin C.
A lack of vitamin C in humans can cause many health problems. In ancient times, many sailors fell prey to scurvy on long sea voyages to vitamin c deficiency.
When it comes to cats and dogs, they are able to produce their own vitamin C in their liver.
Therefore they don’t need any other sources of it.
The times when a cat might need vitamin C supplement is recovering from a major illness or operation where it’s good to boost the immune system.
And when the liver can no longer produce enough vitamin C naturally.
Please don’t self-medicate your cat with vitamin C supplements without letting your vet know as it can lead to further complications.
Can Cats Eat Kiwi Seeds?
Kiwi seeds have some nutritional value and are safe for cats to eat kiwi seeds.
Kiwi seeds contain some amount of protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. The seeds will most likely pass through your cat’s digestive tract and be passed out in the poo.
Can Cats Eat Kiwi Skin?
There are many nutritionists that recommend we eat the skin of fruits as well.
Usually, the skin of some fruits is high in fiber, antioxidants and vitamins. Therefore you are getting more nutritional benefits.
However, the kiwi skin might be too fibrous for cats and can upset their tummy. If you want to give kiwi as cat treats, make sure to remove the skin first.
Can Kiwi Be Fatal To Cats?
Kiwi fruits are safe for cats and a cat won’t die from eating them.
Just make sure that you don’t overfeed your cat on kiwi as too much fruit is bad for cats.
They might suffer from kiwi consumption immediately but high sugar intake over time for cats leads to more health problems.
What Should I Do If My Cat Eats Kiwi?
First of all, don’t panic.
We have ascertained that a kiwi is non-toxic for cats and is safe for them. Try to gauge how much kiwi your cat has eaten.
If it is a few bites, just monitor your cat for a day or two to make sure that there are no allergic reactions.
If your cat is showing any symptoms like:
- lack of appetite
- restlessness
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- seizures
Please bring your cat to the cat immediately for treatment. The longer your wait, the more you are putting your cat’s health at risk.
For cat owners who know beforehand that their cats have an existing kiwi allergy, please keep the fruit away from your cat.
Given the inquisitive nature of cats, they might end up sneaking a bite or two out of curiosity.
What Fruits Are Poisonous To Cats?
Cat owners that not all fruits are safe for our cats to eat. There are other fruits that are toxic to our feline friends and should be avoided at all costs.
Cherries And Grapes
Fruits like cherries, grapes and raisins are fine for humans but can be toxic for cats. Your cat can be at risk of kidney damage if it consumes such fruits.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are toxic to cats as they are compounds in the skin or pulp that can have an effect on your cat’s digestive system.
Citrus fruits also smell and taste very harsh to cats due to how sensitive their senses are.
Conclusion
It is understandable that we want to provide some variety in our cat’s diet. As humans, it might be hard to phantom eating the same thing day in and day out.
However, our cats are fine with it and being obligate carnivores, they need to be eating mainly protein from a meat source.
A kiwi is safe for cats and can be given as an occasional treat and not as a post-dinner snack for your cat.
You don’t want your little kitty to be getting a stomach upset.