Can Cats Eat Kiwi?

Kiwi is a fresh summer fruit, often called a superfruit because of the amount of nutrients it offers. It can be enjoyed in various forms be it a smoothie, fresh cut, or in a salad. At times you may find your cat looking longingly at a kiwi because of its interesting color and texture.

Can cats eat Kiwi?

Kiwi is a non-toxic fruit, so yes it is safe to give to your cat, but only in moderation.¹ Cats generally have a carnivorous diet and hence kiwi is not a part of it.

Do Cats like Kiwi?

Cats are carnivores, so they may or may not have much interest in trying kiwi. One reason for this is that cats can't taste sweetness because they don't have the right taste receptors. So even if your cat is interested in trying kiwi, it may be because they are interested in the texture rather than the taste.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some cats might become disinterested in trying kiwi once they touch the fuzzy outside. All this to say, don't be surprised if your cat doesn't end up liking kiwi, but since the fruit is non-toxic, it's safe to let them have a bite. Keep reading for tips on how to prepare kiwi for your cat.

Is Kiwi Good for Cats?

Kiwi is not a natural part of a cat’s diet, but it can offer them small benefits. Just make sure that before you give your cat any kiwi you remove the skin and seeds, making it easy for your cat to digest. Also, remember that your cat should only have fruits occasionally, as a treat. It should never make up a large part of what they eat in a day.

Health Benefits of Kiwi for Cats

As mentioned earlier kiwi can benefit cats in small ways. Kiwi is high in fiber and can aid in digestion. Cats with protein intolerances can also benefit from the actinide enzyme present in kiwi.

Kiwi also has a high water presence and is great for cats that struggle to drink enough water. So giving them an occasional treat of kiwi can help them to stay hydrated.² If you think your cat is dehydrated look out for these signs and symptoms of dehydration in pets.

Additionally, kiwi contain minerals and nutrients that can act as supplements to the cat’s body. Adding kiwi to your cat's diet can be beneficial as long as it is only an occasional treat. Because of the high sugar content, too much kiwi in a cat's diet can affect their metabolism and sugar levels.¹

How much Kiwi is okay for your Cat?

You can offer kiwi as a treat to your cat once or twice a week. Cut the kiwi into small bite-sized pieces about the shape of a grape, and give your cat one or two pieces as a cat treat.

How Can You Feed Kiwi to Your Cat?

Cats are carnivorous creatures so fruits are not normally a part of their diet, but if you do decide to feed your cat kiwi then here are a few tips to get started-

Wash and Peel the Kiwi - It is best to wash them thoroughly so that they are free of pesticides and chemicals and then peel off their fuzzy outer skin.

Bite-sized Pieces- To minimize the risk of choking make sure you cut the kiwi into small bite-sized pieces.

Small Quantities- Make sure to only offer your cat kiwi in small quantities, as a treat, and not as a part of their regular diet.

Monitor Your Cat’s Reaction- Make sure you monitor the cat’s reaction to kiwi, If it causes any stomach upset, diarrhea, or an allergic reaction then stop feeding them kiwi at once.

Consult a Veterinarian- In case of any reaction, consult your veterinarian.

What are the Downsides of Feeding Kiwi to a Cat?

Large amounts of kiwi can negatively affect your cat's health. Here are a few negative effects of feeding kiwi to your cat:

High sugar content- Kiwi as a fruit has high sugar content which can affect the blood sugar level of cats if they have diabetes. It can also cause weight gain and other health issues. Here are a few tips on how to help your pet stay at a healthy weight.

Choking Hazard- If cats are given large pieces of kiwi it can turn out to be a choking hazard to them. So make sure the pieces are cut small or mashed.

Allergic reaction- Some cats can have food allergies, and may react to eating kiwi. We all love our pets dearly and would hate to see them experience an allergic reaction. This is why it's vital to consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your cat.

Digestive upset- Cats generally have a sensitive stomach and can experience an upset stomach, or diarrhea after eating new foods.³ We suggest slowly introducing kiwis to their diet and waiting a few hours to see if they show any signs of a negative reaction.

Conclusion

The conclusion is that kiwi is safe to be given to cats in moderation. Kiwi can be a great treat and can even provide your pet with a few health benefits; just remember that fruits are not a natural part of a cat’s diet and large amounts can be unhealthy.