Pet safety
Is Hayward Kiwitoxic to cats & dogs?
Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward'
Is hayward kiwi safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags hayward kiwi as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is not listed as toxic by ASPCA, but the fruit, leaves, and skin can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) in cats and dogs if eaten in quantity, and some individual animals are sensitive to the actinidain enzyme in the fruit. The fuzzy skin and leaves contain oxalic acid in low concentrations. Treat as mildly toxic to pets and limit access; the fruit is safe for human consumption and widely eaten. Consult a vet if a pet ingests significant quantities.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats hayward kiwi?
Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is not listed as toxic by ASPCA, but the fruit, leaves, and skin can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) in cats and dogs if eaten in quantity, and some individual animals are sensitive to the actinidain enzyme in the fruit. The fuzzy skin and leaves contain oxalic acid in low concentrations. Treat as mildly toxic to pets and limit access; the fruit is safe for human consumption and widely eaten. Consult a vet if a pet ingests significant quantities. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to hayward kiwi, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate hayward kiwi
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move hayward kiwi out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of hayward kiwi to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to hayward kiwi
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Cucumber — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Lettuce — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bean — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Pea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Hayward Kiwi and pets — frequently asked questions
Is hayward kiwi toxic to cats?
Hayward Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is not listed as toxic by ASPCA, but the fruit, leaves, and skin can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) in cats and dogs if eaten in quantity, and some individual animals are sensitive to the actinidain enzyme in the fruit. The fuzzy skin and leaves contain oxalic acid in low concentrations. Treat as mildly toxic to pets and limit access; the fruit is safe for human consumption and widely eaten. Consult a vet if a pet ingests significant quantities. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is hayward kiwi toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Hayward Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like hayward kiwi is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats hayward kiwi?
Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is not listed as toxic by ASPCA, but the fruit, leaves, and skin can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) in cats and dogs if eaten in quantity, and some individual animals are sensitive to the actinidain enzyme in the fruit. The fuzzy skin and leaves contain oxalic acid in low concentrations. Treat as mildly toxic to pets and limit access; the fruit is safe for human consumption and widely eaten. Consult a vet if a pet ingests significant quantities. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to hayward kiwi, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate hayward kiwi?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of hayward kiwi to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to hayward kiwi?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include cucumber, lettuce, bean, pea. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full hayward kiwi care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete hayward kiwi care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.