Can Cats Eat Bananas? Vet Approved Facts & Advice

If there’s one fruit that many people usually have sitting on their kitchen counter, it’s bananas. You would think that since cats are true carnivores, you wouldn’t have to worry about your feline pal jumping on the counter and devouring a few pieces of banana. However, it could still happen.

What you may be concerned about is whether cats can eat bananas and if it’s safe and healthy for them to do so. The answer is yes, cats can get a taste of bananas, as they are non-toxic to your cuddly cat, but they are also not particularly nutritious or healthy for them. That’s why it’s essential that they only get bananas in moderation because that’s all their digestive tracts can handle. 

Bananas have very little to no benefit for your cat, and as they are rich in sugar, may lead to a stomach upset. In this article, we’ll go into everything you need to know about feeding your feline this wildly popular fruit. However, if your cat is diabetic, on long term medication or suffers with a health condition, speak to your vet before offering any sugary treats such as banana, as they are not appropriate for all cats.

 

Can Cats Eat Bananas?

The answer to that question, as previously stated, is yes. It’s okay to feed your cat a small piece of banana every now and then, bananas are safe for cats. However, it shouldn’t be made into a habit because bananas aren’t an appropriate food for felines. It’s better to feed your cat a meat-based treat daily instead of a sweet banana daily.

Remember, cats are different from humans and have different digestive tracts as well. It’s important to note that bananas are full of sugar and carbohydrates, stuff that your cat doesn’t need in large quantities.

Can Bananas Hurt Cats?

As long as you’re feeding your cat a small amount of banana without the peel, then it’s safe. However, you need to take the peel off the banana and cut the banana into small pieces to avoid it becoming a choking hazard. Peel can also lead to an intestinal blockage if a larger piece is swallowed. Always make sure that the banana is ripe before feeding any to your cat as well. You shouldn’t give your cat more than a one-inch square piece of banana every few weeks, as there are far more appropriate and healthier treats for them. 

Using caution when offering your cat bananas is the best way to ensure your cat is able to eat this fruit without getting hurt or sick. Below are a few tips for feeding your cat bananas.

Tips for Feeding a Cat Bananas

It’s essential to take into account the age of your cat when it comes to feeding them bananas. Middle-aged cats are more at risk for developing diabetes. Since bananas contain sugar, it is best to completely refrain from giving them to cats with diabetes or cats that are obese.

Remember to cut the banana into manageable pieces for your cat. Try mixing a small piece of banana with their regular cat food to see how they react before feeding them anymore, just in case they have an allergic reaction or get digestive upset. Make sure to stay away from rotten bananas as they have more of a chance of upsetting your pet’s stomach. And remember, this should only be offered as a treat, every few weeks, not as a regular snack.

Can Cats Digest Bananas?

As cats have sensitive digestive systems, bananas may be hard for them to digest. This can lead to an upset stomach or even constipation if your cat eats too much banana or any amount of banana peel, so make sure that you keep them out of their reach and only give them a tiny bit every now and then, without any peel.

Are Bananas Healthy for Your Cat?

Bananas are full of nutrients and very healthy for humans. For cats, they aren’t so healthy. Bananas contain quite a bit of sugar, which can make your cat obese if they eat too much or have it as a regular treat, or alongside other sugary treats. While bananas can be considered a safe but infrequent treat for your cat, the risk of obesity and worsening diabetes management should convince you to save them for the rarest of treats.

 

Are Cats Afraid of Bananas?

Some cats may certainly be, but we’re not sure why. Also, cats seem to lack the sweet taste receptor and mostly neither like nor dislike the taste of sweet carbohydrate foods. Some may dislike the smell of banana and its peel, but again, we haven’t found any reliable research that can explain this. 

These are just a few of the facts that you need to know about cats and bananas. While the answer is yes, cats can eat bananas, it’s best to take precautions and only feed your feline pal this tasty treat on very rare occasions.

For more information on what cats can eat, check out:

• Can Cats Eat Celery? What You Need to Know!
• Can Cats Eat Peanuts? What You Need to Know!

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Featured Image Credit: tugol, Shutterstock