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Can Cats Eat Bananas?

Can Cats Eat Bananas?

Updated on July 18, 2024
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Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

The answer is a complicated, yes, cats can try a taste of bananas on very rare occasions. Bananas are generally considered harmless for cats to eat in small amounts and do not contain elements that are toxic to felines. There’s typically no need to worry if your pet snatches some off the floor. But if you’re wondering, “Are bananas good for cats?” the answer is no. Cats are natural meat-eaters, and their digestive systems and have not evolved to digest fruits and vegetables well. If you want to let your cat try a piece of a banana, there are important considerations to keep in mind.

As always, please consult your veterinarian about cats and bananas before offering a taste

Bananas contain a lot of carbohydrates and sugar—which can be bad news for a cat especially if they have health issues such as heart disease, liver problems or diabetes. It’s recommended to avoid letting cats with any health issues have a banana at all.

And while we’re considering the question “can cats have bananas?”, the bigger question to ask might be “do cats eat bananas?” Cats are notoriously picky eaters, and there’s a good chance your pet will have no desire to take a single lick at a banana—no matter how appealing you might otherwise make it.

Are bananas good for cats? 

When considering the health benefits of bananas for cats, there are two fundamental questions—are bananas safe for cats, and are bananas bad for cats?

Bananas aren’t toxic to cats, in that a healthy adult cat is unlikely to have any serious negative health effects from eating a small amount of banana. However, it’s entirely possible that the banana will not agree with their digestive system, in which case your cat may experience vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. If these symptoms don’t go away or become more severe, call your veterinarian right away.

The answer to the question “are bananas good for cats?” is no. Cats are a type of meat-eating animal called obligate carnivores. This means that most of their nutritional needs are met from eating meat, and their digestive system is especially suited to this type of diet. Providing your cat with high-quality cat food is ideal to ensure they are getting a wholesome diet with all the nutrients they need. 

For this reason, feeding your cat bananas has no health benefits. Cats can more readily find the nutrients they need in high-quality cat food.

Furthermore, since fruits don’t suit cats’ digestive systems, there can be some minor short-term side effects—and more significant long-term side effects—that you should keep in mind when considering the question “can I give my cat banana?” 

Each cat is different, and what their digestive system tolerates can vary from cat to cat. Perhaps one cat may tolerate a small amount of banana just fine, but another cat may develop digestive upsets. The short-term side effects will most likely be caused by gastrointestinal distress and result in diarrhea, constipation and/or vomiting.

The long-term effects would be similar to eating many other high-carbohydrate, high-sugar foods that the feline digestive system is not designed to process, leading to weight gain, improper nutrition, diabetes and issues with your cat’s heart and liver. 

For all these reasons, the answer to “are bananas bad for cats?” when it comes to their diet is yes, they can be, so they should just be avoided.

How to feed bananas to your cat 

Most your cat’s daily calories should come from foods specially formulated to give them the nutrients they need. Human foods like bananas and other treats should only be given to cats occasionally and in moderation. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before adding new foods to your pet’s diet. Treats should never exceed 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake.

Can cats eat banana peels? No, to let your cat try banana, first peel the banana and then chop off a small piece. In addition to their digestive system not being especially suited to a high-carbohydrate diet, your cat’s teeth are not designed to chew such food, either. If you provide too large of a piece, your cat may swallow it and choke.

If your cat shows signs of gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting or diarrhea, or more severe symptoms consult your veterinarian.

FAQs About Feeding Your Cat Bananas

No, bananas aren’t considered toxic to cats, but they are not an appropriate treat for cats to eat, either. Bananas are high in carbohydrates and sugar—neither of which is easily processed by a cat’s digestive system.

The most likely negative side effect for an average, healthy cat who eats some banana is gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.

Cats with pre-existing health conditions—such as heart disease, liver problems or diabetes—can experience more severe adverse effects from eating bananas. Be sure to monitor them closely and contact your veterinarian if any symptoms are seen.

As previously mentioned, the feline digestive system is not designed to process fruits, and a few foods can be highly toxic to your cat and should be avoided at all costs:

  • Cherries 
  • Grapes or raisins 
  • Avocados 
  • Green tomatoes 

Additionally, the natural acids in citrus fruits can cause gastrointestinal issues in pets and should also be avoided, even though citrus fruits are not toxic.

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