Can Cats Eat Bananas? Are There Any Benefits?

Bananas aren’t toxic to cats, but that doesn’t mean they should be a regular part of their diet. In fact, your feline friend shouldn’t be eating plants at all, unless it’s grass for them to munch on or a bit of veggies in their cat food. Can cats eat bananas as occasional treats, then? The answer is complicated.

Are Bananas Safe for Cats to Eat?

The word ‘safe’ can mean different things. Your cat won’t get sick from eating a slice of banana (but they can if they eat too much). Because cats are obligate carnivores, plants are difficult for their digestive systems to process. Also, they don’t need the vitamin C commonly found in plants. They get all their vitamins, potassium and other minerals from animal sources.

What To Do If Your Cat Eats Banana?

Cats can eat small amounts of banana without any bad effects. However, if they eat a lot in one sitting or start stealing it regularly, it’s best to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you figure out how to modify your cat’s diet. They should get all the nutrients they need without the risk of health issues from eating foods that aren’t meant for them.

Cats are notoriously picky eaters, so it’s unlikely that they’ll be interested in bananas. However, some kitties may want to eat just about anything, which can be a sign of pica – a disorder characterized by an abnormal appetite for non-nutritive substances.

Are Bananas Safe for Kittens?

Let’s get real, kittens shouldn’t eat bananas at all. Besides, teaching them to eat human food is a bad idea (before you know it, they’ll be stealing your banana bread or fruit salad!).

Can Cats Be Allergic to Bananas?

Cats can be allergic to anything, including bananas. The most common signs of a banana allergy in cats are itchy skin and gastrointestinal upset. 

Are Banana Peels Bad for Cats?

Imagine this, you’re peeling a banana, and a piece of the peel falls to the floor. You hear tiny little pawsteps, and before you know it, your cat runs away with the peel in their mouth. What do you do?

Hopefully, catch them and snatch the peel back. The peel is very hard for cats to digest. Besides, bananas can be covered in pesticides and other chemicals that can be harmful.

Can Cats Eat Bananas for Diarrhea?

Bananas can help relieve diarrhea in humans, but the same isn’t necessarily true for cats. In fact, feeding your cat too many bananas can actually make their tummy problems worse. 

Of course, there will always be exceptions. Maybe for your aunt’s cat, that banana really helped. But maybe, for your friend’s aunt’s cat, the banana caused the kitty to vomit and feel bad. In other words, don’t make a habit of treating your cat with a non-expert advice.

Why Is Your Cat Interested in a Banana?

Cats can be attracted to bananas because of their smell or the bright color (or just because you’re eating it). It’s certainly not about the sweet taste, as your kitty doesn’t have receptors on their tongue to detect it.

Some cats just wanna have fun! All they want is to play with it. How about giving them a banana plush toy with catnip instead?

Why Are Some Cats Scared of Bananas?

On the other hand, some kitties are afraid of bananas, as you can see on YouTube or TikTok. Why? One theory is that they pick up on the scent of ethylene emitted by banana peels as the fruit ripens. Another point is that in most videos, owners sneakily put bananas behind their cats. Felines can be afraid of things sneaking up on them. You’d also be scared if you turned around and saw a small-dog-sized banana out of nowhere! 

What Healthy Treats Can You Give Your Cat?

There’s an abundance of healthy cat treats. Think: cooked or dried chicken, fish, boiled eggs, or low-sugar store-bought treats. And let’s not forget some grass in a pot!

You can also prepare some homemade treats! For once, your cat will be included in the cooking. 

Editor’s Note 🍌🐈

Make sure that treats don’t take up more than 10% of your kitty’s daily meals. Cats don’t know how to control their weight, and they’re prone to overeating if given the opportunity.

Don’t Make Your Cat Celebrate Banana Day

So, can cats eat bananas as an occasional treat? Yes, but they really shouldn’t. Treat the banana as a snackcident (an accidental snack) rather than a go-to option. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Banana Can a Cat Eat? 🍌

Provided your cat is not allergic to bananas, one or two pieces as an occasional snack is enough.

Can Cats Eat Bananas for Diarrhea? 💩

Nope! Bananas can be a safe way to treat diarrhea in humans, but not for cats. 

Why Do Cats Love Banana? 😻

Most probably because of their smell and texture. While they can’t taste the sweetness, they may find this novel food item interesting.

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