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 your bunch of bananas. However, it happens more than you might think.
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 eat bananas, as they are non-toxic to your cuddly cat. However, it’s essential that they only get bananas in moderation because that’s all their digestive tracts can handle. In this article, we’ll go into everything you need to know about feeding your feline this wildly popular fruit.
Can Cats Eat Bananas?
The answer to that question, as previously stated, is yes. It’s okay to feed your cat a 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. Always make sure that the banana is ripe before feeding any to your cat as well.
Using caution when feeding 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. Older cats are more at risk for developing diabetes. Since bananas contain sugar, it might be best to refrain from giving them to an older cat.
Remember to cut the banana into manageable pieces for your cat. Try mixing a small piece of banana with her regular cat food to see how she reacts before feeding her anymore, just in case she has an allergic reaction. Make sure to stay away from rotten bananas as they have more of a chance of upsetting your pet’s stomach.
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, so make sure that you keep them out of her reach and only give her a tiny bit every now and then.
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 she eats too many of them. While frozen bananas can be an excellent treat for your cat, the risk of obesity and diabetes should convince you to save them for the rarest of treats.
Are Cats Afraid of Bananas?
Some cats are afraid of bananas. It’s thought that a banana’s shape, just like zucchinis and cucumbers, has cats often mistaken it for a snake, and they react with fear. If your cat has ever been given potassium chloride by your vet, then this could be the cause for fear as well, as the medicine smells quite a bit like bananas. In fact, many cats don’t like bananas just because of the banana smell, even if they’ve never been prescribed this medicine.
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 Grapes? What You Need to Know!
- Can Cats Eat Celery? What You Need to Know!
- Can Cats Eat Peanuts? What You Need to Know!
Featured Image credit: Andrew Sergeev, Shutterstock
