Has your cat been eyeing the kiwis that you have in your fruit bowl?
I understand the perplexing moments when we’re unsure whether to share our food with our curious companions.
Our cats can eat the weirdest things at times but can your cat eat a kiwi fruit without problems?
Your cat can eat kiwi as it is deemed to be safe for felines. This vibrant fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals that can provide some health benefits. However as cats are obligate carnivores, kiwi should be a rare treat, not a dietary staple.
This comprehensive guide is here to dispel doubts and provide answers specifically about the safety and benefits of cats eating kiwi.
Let’s get started.
What Is A Kiwi Fruit?
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 are 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.
Here are some of the health benefits of eating kiwi:
- Boosts the immune system
- Promotes digestive health
- Good for skin health
- Helps control blood sugar levels
- Rich in antioxidants
- Supports bone health and blood clotting
Can Cats Eat Kiwi?
Yes, most cats can eat kiwis without any issues.
The fruit is non-toxic to them and can even provide some health benefits due to its nutrient-rich profile and high fiber content.
For any introduction of new food, it should be done gradually to avoid any potential digestive upset.
Ensure that the kiwi is served in small, manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards.
Is Kiwi Toxic For Cats?
Even though kiwi is relatively safe for your cat to consume, 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 diet that is high in protein.
The best diet for your cat is one that contains animal meat as cats thrive best on this protein source.
We at Pets Beam 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 cat dry cat food as it lacks the necessary nutrients and moisture that a cat requires to be healthy.
Furthermore, cats don’t have the necessary enzymes to break down carbohydrates for energy.
They should refrain from eating large amounts of fruits and vegetables such as 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.
Sugar Is Bad For Cats
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 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.
Are There Any Health Benefits Of Kiwi For Cats?
The health benefits one can get from eating kiwis are very impressive.
BUT, the main thing to remember here is that these benefits are geared towards humans and not so much towards cats.
Until more concrete studies have been done on the health benefits of kiwi on cats, all we do for now is to only feed kiwi as a treat and not as a health supplement.
If your cat is having a health issue, please talk to your vet first before using kiwi as a remedy.
That being said, there are worse things that you can feed your cat besides kiwis.
There still might be some health benefits that your cat can get from kiwi if it likes it.
Might Help With Bowel Movements
Kiwis are very high in fiber, with 3g of fiber for very 100g of kiwi.
If you have a cat whose bowel movements aren’t that regular or great, some kiwi every now and then might help improve its bowel movements.
Please do not feed your cat too much fiber as it can restrict the absorption of nutrients in its body.
Might Help With Weight And Cholesterol Control
A study conducted in 2019 suggests that kiwifruit can potentially play a role in weight management and cholesterol control.
The study was conducted on hamsters that were on a high fat diet.
The hamsters that were fed kiwi showed signs of smaller fat cells and lower cholesterol levels.
If you have a cat that is too chonky for its own good, the first thing that you need to do is put your cat on a diet before it’s too late.
Feeding kiwi shouldn’t be the main way of helping your cat lose weight.
Might Help With Hydration
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as having a nice cold kiwi on a hot summer day.
It helps to quench your thirst and hydrate you.
Kiwi has high water content which can provide some additional hydration for your cat.
Cats aren’t the best water drinkers as they have evolved from the desert.
However, fruits should not be relied upon as a water source. Fresh water should always be readily available for your cat.
How Much Kiwi Should I Feed My Cat?
Kiwis are meant to be fed as a treat for your cat so it should not exceed more than 10% of your cat’s weekly calories for treats.
A few pieces the size of your fingernail once or twice a week is more than enough for the majority of cats.
You can also blend the kiwi into a puree and feed your cat that way too.
When in doubt, less is more.
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 such as:
- lack of appetite
- restlessness
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- seizures
Please bring your cat to the vet immediately for treatment. The longer your wait, the more you are putting your cat’s health at risk.
Do Cats Need Vitamin C?
Kiwis are a great source of vitamin C for humans and one kiwi a day can help meet your daily vitamin C requirements.
But do cats have that much vitamin C in their diet?
When it comes to cats and dogs, they are able to produce their own vitamin C in the liver.
Therefore they don’t need any other sources of it.
Any article that suggests that cats should eat fruits for vitamin C is spouting baloney.
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.
Or 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.
Do Cats Like Kiwi?
Whether cats like kiwi or not really depends on the individual cat.
Some cats might be curious about the new texture and smell of a kiwi and take a few bites, while others may not show any interest at all.
I’ve tried feeding my cat some kiwi and he wasn’t interested after taking a few licks.
Some kiwis can be rather sour and that can be off putting for cats.
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.
FAQ
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?
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 is not fatal to cats when eaten in moderation. However, excessive intake of kiwi can lead to digestive issues. Always introduce kiwi slowly to your cat’s diet and consult your vet if you observe any adverse reactions.