Kiwi is a delicious summer fruit that can be enjoyed in fruit salads, smoothies, or simply by itself. The small rounded fruit is popularly referred to as a superfood because of its high nutrient content. Kiwi is packed with beneficial vitamins, minerals, and, antioxidants.
You may have long been enjoying your bowl of fruit salad before you notice your fur baby looking at you with longing eyes. It may have hit you then to ask it is safe for cats to eat kiwi. So, can cats eat kiwi? Is it safe for them?
In this article, I talk about the most common questions cat owners ask about feeding kiwis to their feline babies. Keep reading to know more about it.
Can Cats Eat Kiwi?
Yes, cats can eat kiwis. Kiwi is non-toxic to cats and can be enjoyed in small amounts by cats. Kiwi is full of nutritional benefits that are good for your cats such as vitamins and minerals. However, cats are obligate carnivores that do not require fruits or any other plant-based foods. Thus, although kiwi is safe for cats, it should only be given to them in moderate amounts occasionally and not excessively. Cats may suffer from obesity and gastrointestinal issues if they eat too much kiwi.
Is Kiwi Good For My Cat?
Kiwi is called a superfood because of its diverse nutrient content. Humans benefit from this nutrient when they eat kiwi and cats likewise can benefit from the it, too. Below are some of the benefits of feeding kiwi to your cat:
Easy Digestion
Kiwi contains an abundance of dietary fiber which is good for your cat because it aids their digestion by providing the nutrient their gut-friendly bacteria require. It also makes their bowel movement easier by bulking up their stool.
Dietary fiber can make your cat feel fuller faster after they have eaten only a small amount. This is a great way to control weight gain if you are concerned that your cat may be tending toward overweight.
Source of Antioxidants
Kiwi is known to contain antioxidants such as phenolics, vitamin C, and carotenoids. Vitamin C is a common antioxidant that is renowned for stimulating collagen synthesis. Vitamin C can make your cat's coat shinier and firmer by boosting collagen production.
Mineral content
Minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus are contained in kiwi. Phosphorus, together with calcium, work together to give your cat healthy bones and teeth. Iron prevents anemia while magnesium is involved with the cellular activities in your cat's body.
Low calories
Kiwi is a low-calorie fruit. That means you can let your cat have some kiwi without worrying about weight gain. Coupled with its dietary fiber content, it is an excellent weight loss choice for your cat.
But make sure you consult with your vet first before including a kiwi diet for your overweight or obese cat.
Hydration
Kiwi contains a high water content which is beneficial to your cat because of the tendency to become dehydrated from not drinking enough water. By feeding small bites of kiwi to your cat, you can supplement their water intake.
Can Kiwi Harm My Cat?
Even though kiwi is non-toxic to cats, there may still be some extreme effects if it is given to cats in excess.
The first factor to be concerned about is the high sugar content in kiwi. Kiwis may be low in calories but they are high in sugar, and this should be a real concern for your cat. Too much sugar in your cat's diet can not only cause obesity but can also lead to chronic conditions like diabetes. However, when given in moderate quantities, your cat should be just fine.
Also, cats can experience a laxative effect if they eat too much kiwi because of the fiber content. This can lead to severe diarrhea and eventually, dehydration. If your cat eats only a little quantity of kiwi, it may experience mild symptoms like vomiting and stomach upset. This, usually, is no cause for alarm as the symptoms disappear after a few days.
Finally, cats, like humans, may be allergic to kiwis. Some sensitive cats may experience allergic symptoms such as a swollen face, itchiness, high temperature, restlessness, etc after eating kiwi. If you notice any of these signs in your cat after feeding them kiwi, reach out to your vet immediately.
Can Cats Eat Kiwi Seeds?
Kiwi seeds are safe for cats. Unlike the seeds of other fruits that can harm your cat, cats can safely eat kiwi seeds. The seeds contain higher concentrations of vitamins (such as vitamins C, K, E, and folates) and minerals. Kiwi seeds are small and can be served together with the flesh of the fruit to cats.
Can Cats Eat Kiwi Skin?
Generally, the skin of kiwi is safe for cats. However, it is best to avoid feeding the skin to them because of the fine hairs present on the skin that can irritate their throat and digestive system.
Can Cats Eat Golden Kiwis?
Golden kiwifruit is a variety of kiwi that has smooth, hairless skin. The flesh is golden yellow, rather than green, and it has fewer seeds with a smaller core. If cats can eat regular kiwi, can they eat golden kiwi, too? You guessed it. Yes, they can.
Golden kiwifruit has a larger vitamin C content. However, golden kiwifruit contains actinidine, an enzyme that can cause a lot of allergies in cats. So, watch your cat for any signs of allergy. If they don't show any symptoms, then you can go ahead with feeding them the fruit.
Conclusion
Kiwi is a delectable fruit that both humans and cats can enjoy. It is refreshing and full of nutrients. Cats can be treated to a few bites of kiwifruit every once in a while but it shouldn't become a regular part of their diet.
Allergies are not common but if your cat shows any symptoms of allergy after eating a piece of kiwi, reach out to your vet immediately.
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