Kiwi is an amazing fruit known for its vibrant color, delicious taste, and numerous nutritional benefits. It also helps in preventing many medical diseases. But have you ever wondered, Can cats eat kiwi?
Well, the answer is yes, they can. Kiwi is non-toxic to cats and offers plenty of nutritional advantages to cats. Although it is non-toxic, you should be aware of its risks before feeding it to your pet. Kiwi contains high sugar content and can be dangerous for felines.
Do you want to know more about, Can cats eat kiwi? Here we will guide you completely regarding this topic. So, let’s begin.
Do Cats Like Kiwi?
So the question here is, Can cats eat kiwi? Do they like this fruit? Well, cats are naturally curious, and they might jump to get a small amount of kiwi.
But you never know if your cat likes kiwi or not. It might develop an immediate fondness for this delicious fruit. Besides, felines are obligate carnivores which means they can get nutrition entirely from meat.
Also, their digestive system works much better in processing meat than in plant-based food. Unlike humans, cats will not get numerous benefits from kiwi. However, there are plenty of additional things that may go wrong if you offer kiwi to cats carelessly.
Is Kiwi Safe For Cats?
Let us answer this question for you, Can cats eat kiwi? Is this fruit safe for them? So, offering kiwi to your cats is safe if consumed in a moderate amount and served without skin.
Being obligate carnivores, this fruit should be given as a special treat to felines. Moreover, cats don’t have taste receptors like humans; therefore, they can’t detect sweetness. That’s why they cannot enjoy this sweet flavored fruit as humans do enjoy.
Food for Cats: Did You Know?
Felines are not actually picky eaters as one might think. Therefore, we have looked at several different foods and tell you if it’s safe for your cat to eat or not. Like this one: Can Cats Eat Cream Cheese?
Health Benefits of Kiwi For Cats
Probably, you are a bit clear about, Can cats eat kiwi? Now, you wonder how this fruit helps your cat regarding health and nutrition. Here are some health benefits of kiwi for felines:
Enhanced Digestion
Kiwi is rich in dietary fiber that helps in the cat’s digestion. These dietary fibers provide essential nutrients that felines’ gut bacteria require.
In addition, these dietary fibers also help in conditions like diarrhea and constipation by bulking up the cat’s stool. Moreover, kiwis’ fiber content also helps control body weight in felines.
Boosts Immunity
Vitamin C found in kiwi is important for stimulating collagen synthesis. Vitamin C also makes felines’ coats firmer and shinier by boosting collagen production.
Being a well-known antioxidant, vitamin C works together with other antioxidants and prevents cell damage in the feline’s body. Consequently, they aid in preventing chronic diseases like cancer and arthritis and reduce early aging.
Hazards of Feeding Kiwi To Cats
First, high sugar content in kiwi makes your cat obese and can lead to diabetes. The high sugar content also causes tooth decay and other dental problems. Besides, too much fiber content leads to diarrhea and dehydration in felines.
Secondly, the hair on the kiwi’s skin causes serious irritation to the felines’ mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Also, the skin can cause choking in your pet.
Can Cats Be Allergic To Kiwi?
Yes, eating kiwis can provoke some allergic responses in your cat. As mentioned above, cats lack sweet taste receptors. As a result, they can consume a high amount of kiwi without becoming overwhelmed by their sweet flavor.
Some of the common symptoms of kiwi allergy in felines include:
- Stomach upset
- Irritation
- Coughing and sneezing
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
What To Do If My Cat Eats Kiwi?
You should not be worried if your pet has consumed a bit of kiwi. But in case the cat has eaten a high amount of this fruit, keep an eye on the cat for some time.
If you observe any sickness in the pet, it’s time to call your vet immediately. Symptoms like diarrhea or allergic responses can be dangerous for the cat if prolonged for some time. If you want to offer some kiwi to your kitten, peel it thoroughly and give it in small amounts.
Final Thoughts
Can cats eat kiwi? Yes, they can. Being carnivores, cats can fulfill all their nutritional needs from animal protein. However, you can serve them kiwi in a moderate amount. Kiwi helps in boosting immunity and improving digestion in felines.
On the other hand, a high amount of kiwi can cause diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay. If your cat shows allergic responses after consuming kiwi, you should immediately contact your vet.
