Can Cats Eat Kiwi?

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Kiwi is a delicious summer fruit popular for its sweet flavor, vibrant color, and rich nutritional value. Most medical professionals and nutritionists consider kiwi as a superfruit that provides us with a range of minerals and vitamins and helps prevent several medical conditions. As a cat owner, you might be enjoying a delicious kiwi only to find your cat looking at you with begging eyes and wonder if it is safe to share some with your cat. Here is a complete guide on whether cats can eat kiwi, potential health benefits, and side effects.

So, can cats eat kiwi?

Yes. Cats can safely eat kiwi as long as they are given in moderation. Kiwi fruit is nontoxic to cats and can offer some nutritional benefits to your cat. However, you should feed the fruit to your kitty in small amounts because cats are obligate carnivores, and their digestive system is not well adapted for fruits. Although little pieces of kiwi can add some nutritional benefits to your cat’s diet, felines don’t require fruits to survive; hence, they should not make up a large portion of their diet. Felines can obtain all their nutritional needs from animal proteins, including; fish, chicken, and beef, and fruit such as a kiwi should only be an occasional treat. It is interesting to note that cats have different taste receptors to humans and can’t taste sweetness. This means they won’t feel the sweet flavor of kiwi that humans love. According to Upgrade Your Cat, like any other fruits, you should introduce kiwi to your cat slowly and in small amounts to be sure your kitty has no allergic reactions.

Possible Health Benefits of Kiwis for Cats

As stated above, cats can eat kiwi. The fruit is non-toxic and safe for cats as long as you give it in moderation. But how does your cat benefit from kiwi health-wise and nutritionally? Kiwis are rich in nutrients and minerals, including; carbohydrates, fibers, healthy fats, calcium, potassium, iron, and vitamins A and C. Some of the health benefits of kiwis for your kitty include;

Enhanced Digestion

Like most fruits, kiwis have relative amounts of fiber that improve the digestive system of your cut by providing the required gut-useful bacteria. The fiber also enhances digestion by bulking the stool and relieving digestive complications such as diarrhea and constipation. The high amounts of fiber in kiwis help create a feeling of fullness, causing your cat to eat less for effective weight management. Kiwi is also high in water content which can help keep your cats hydrated on hot days.

Promotes Immunity

The high vitamin C abundance in kiwis is not only valuable for collagen production; it also works simultaneously with other oxidants in this fruit, including carotenoids and phenolics, to inhibit cell damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals in the feline’s body. These antioxidants help decrease the early aging signs by reducing the chances of your cat developing chronic diseases such as arthritis and cancer.

Boosts A Healthy Coat

Kiwis are rich in vitamin C, which plays the role of stimulating collagen production. By triggering collagen synthesis, Vitamin C goes a long way in making your kitty’s coat look radiant and firmer.

Possible Hazards of Kiwi to Your Cat

While kiwis are reputable for their high nutritional value, there are a few concerns to consider when feeding them to your cat. One of the concerns is the high sugar content. Each 100 gram of kiwi fruit has about nine grams of sugar and 14.7 grams of carbs which is significantly high for your kitty. Consuming too much sugar can result in obesity and other chronic diseases such as diabetes. Too much sugar can damage your cat’s tooth, such as tooth decay and other dental issues. This is why moderation should be key when you give your cat some kiwi. As earlier mentioned, cats cannot taste the sweetness of kiwis, so if they like its flavor, they will continue ingesting the fruit without being overwhelmed by the sweetness. Additionally, the skin of kiwi fruits comes with fine hairs, which can cause severe irritation to the feline’s throat, mount, and digestive tract when ingested. The kiwi skin might also choke the cat. To avoid these hazards, ensure to skin the fruit and remove all the hairs on the fruit before giving it to your cat. Another potential hazard when feeding kiwi to your kitty is the high fiber content. While fibers are healthy to felines, excess fibers can result in a laxative effect that can lead to dehydration and diarrhea. Like humans, cats can also produce an allergic reaction after eating kiwi fruit. Some of the common symptoms of kiwi allergy, according to ASKMYCATS, include; diarrhea, sneezing, stomach upset, coughing, irritability, abdominal pain, dilated pupils, etc. this is why you should consider introducing the fruit to the diet of your cat slowly and in little amounts while monitoring for any sign of allergic reactions.

What Should You Do If Your Cat Eats Kiwi?

If your cat has just eaten a little piece of kiwi, you don’t need to be concerned. However, if you think your cat has consumed a lot more kiwis than it should, you should consider keeping an eye on her for some hours. Even if your feline friend doesn’t display clear signs of sickness, taking the cat to the doctor is recommended. This is particularly true if your cat has consumed a lot of kiwi fruit.

Bottom Line

Kiwis are safe and nontoxic fruits to cats. As long as you give the fruit to your cats an occasional treat in moderation, there is no serious issue to be concerned about. Also, ensure to peel the kiwi first before giving it to your cat sparingly to avoid irritation or choking skin hazards. Remember that cats are carnivores, and hence fruit is not a vital part of their diet. They also cannot taste the sweet fruit flavor, so you should avoid giving them fruits as much as possible because they can obtain their nutritional requirements from other better sources.