We enjoy eating kiwi in various forms – in a smoothie, fruit salad, or on its own. Kiwis are not only delicious but also very nutritious for our health! So, when you see your fluffball giving kiwis a longing look, you might wonder, can cats eat kiwis? Can they get the same nutritional benefits as us?
Can Cats Eat Kiwi?
Yes, cats can eat kiwi. However, if you want to feed your cat kiwi, do so in small quantities and take care to remove the skin first.
Cats are strict carnivores. While giving fruits in moderation can provide additional nutrition, they don’t need fruits and vegetables to thrive. Instead, they need a protein-based diet which they can only get from meat and cat foods. So, fruits and vegetables should not be a regular part of their diet.
You can feed your feline fruits but as a treat and infrequently. Moreover, cats cannot taste sweet; they lack the necessary taste receptors.
Much like all other fruits, you should introduce kiwi to your cat slowly and in small quantities. Your feline might be allergic to kiwi. Keep a lookout for 24 hours for any following symptoms of allergy in her –
- Diarrhea
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Stomach upset
- Abdominal pain
- Irritability
- Sneezing
- Runny nose and eyes
What Are the Benefits of Feeding My Cat Kiwi?
Improves Digestion
Kiwis, like other fruits, are rich in dietary fiber. Studies show when consumed in the right amount, it provides the nutrients that gut-friendly bacteria need. Thus, it aids digestion in your cat.
The dietary fiber also bulks your feline’s stool, thus improving digestion. It also helps to combat digestive complications such as diarrhea and constipation.
You can even manage your pet’s weight by feeding her kiwis. Eating small portions of fiber-rich food can create a sense of fullness. For example, if you sprinkle a small amount of kiwi over your cat’s food, she’ll feel full after eating less amount of food.
Kiwi also contains low cholesterol and a high content of water. As a result, it helps you to regulate your pet’s weight.
Promotes A Healthy Coat
Kiwi is rich in vitamin C. As vitamin C can stimulate collagen production, this can make your cat’s coat firmer and more radiant.
Boosts Immunity
Vitamin C and other antioxidants, phenolic, and carotenoids work together and prevent cell damage caused by oxidative stress generated by free radicals in your feline’s body.
In addition, numerous researches show that the synergetic effect of the antioxidants also decreases the early symptoms of aging.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Feeding Your Cat Kiwi?
Cats can’t taste sweetness; they lack the required taste receptors. So, your cat can eat many kiwis without the sweetness overpowering her palate.
However, too much kiwi can make her obese and put her at risk for heart disease or diabetes.
The high sugar content can also cause dental problems like tooth decay.
The dietary fiber in kiwis also has a few drawbacks. The digestive system of your cat is not designed for processing plant-based foods.
It means that most of the fiber she gets from kiwis can go undigested. The undigested fiber has a laxative effect on her stomach, which can cause diarrhea and dehydration.
Your cat can also have an allergic reaction to kiwis. The symptoms are mentioned above.
Summary
So, to answer your query, “Can cats eat kiwi?” – yes, they can. But they should have it in small amounts, with the skin peeled off. Kiwis have high dietary fiber, which can be beneficial to cats. But it should not encourage you to make kiwis a regular part of your feline’s diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do If My Cat Has Eaten Too Many Kiwis?
You need not worry if your cat has eaten a small amount of kiwi. But if she has eaten too much, keep a close eye on her for a few hours.
See if your pet is developing any gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea. She might even have allergy symptoms – coughing and sneezing. Take her to the vet even if she has no visible symptoms.
What Fruits Are Safe for Cats?
Cats don’t need to eat fruits as they are strictly carnivorous and get the nutrition they need from meat. Nevertheless, you can feed the following fruits in moderation without having to deal with negative side effects –
- Bananas
- Watermelon
- Apples
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
What Fruits Should I Avoid Giving My Cat?
Despite the thinking that cats can eat anything, there are some fruits that you should avoid feeding your cat –
- Grapefruit
- Cherries
- Grapes and raisins
- Lemons
They are very toxic to cats and might even prove fatal to their health.
