Can cats have bananas, or should pet parents keep these fruits to themselves? Evaluate the benefits and risks of feeding bananas to cats with the help of this article.
Fruits Packed with Nutrition
Bananas are nutrient-dense fruits with many health benefits for cats. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B6, B9, C, as well as copper, magnesium, manganese, and potassium.
These nutrients work together to improve the various body functions in cats. Potassium supports heart and kidney health. It helps soothe muscle cramps and a good energy booster. If fed in moderate amounts, bananas can aid in increasing blood potassium in cats.
Manganese plays a role in improving skin quality as it encourages collagen production. Vitamin B6 aids in regulating kidney function. Vitamin B9 aids in creating new cells and proper protein metabolisation.
Bananas are also a good source of dietary fibre. It encourages fluid functioning of the digestive system so long as cats do not consume excessive amounts of dietary fibre.
A Healthy Snack but Not Ideal
Are bananas good for cats to eat? Not really. Although bananas are not toxic to cats and are full of nutrients, these fruits are not the best snack for them.
Feeding bananas to cats can cause side effects that can be bad for their health. We have listed down the health risks of feeding bananas to felines:
Contain High Levels of Sugar
An average banana contains around 17 grams of natural sugar. Feeding it to cats in large amounts can lead to various health issues such as dental problems, obesity, and diabetes.
For this reason, bananas should be given to felines in moderation. If you have a diabetic cat, rethink the idea of serving banana as her snack. The same goes for senior cats since they are less active and therefore quick to gain weight.
May Cause Hyperkalaemia
Banana has high potassium levels that can contribute to the sudden spike of potassium in your cat’s body. This condition is called hyperkalaemia, a debilitating health issue in felines.
If you plan to feed your cat a banana, keep in mind that the recommended daily potassium intake in cats is 0.33 grams.
Too Much Dietary Fibre
Dietary fibre is good for your cat’s digestive health, but it can be bad for her tummy if consumed excessively. Felines may feel sluggish and bloated after ingesting too much of it.
In some cases, digestive issues may arise, including diarrhoea and vomiting. This can put your cat in danger of dehydration. If both symptoms continue for 24 hours, she should be taken to the vet right away.
Does Not Contain Nutrients Cats Need
Vitamins A and C, taurine, protein, fats, and other amino acids are the primary nutritional requirement of cats. Bananas are indeed packed with vitamins and minerals, but most of them are not essential for cats.
Many vets also attest that felines mostly obtain a healthy and balanced diet from cat food. Thus, supplementing their meals with healthy human food such as bananas is often unnecessary.
Can Cause Allergies
Bananas can trigger allergic reactions in some cats. For this reason, it is important to give only a small amount of this fruit, especially if it is her first time consuming one.
Wait and see if your cat shows any signs of allergic response such as itching, rashes, and wheezing. Stop feeding her bananas once these symptoms manifest, and bring her to the vet for a check-up.
You may be thinking, “Will bananas hurt cats?” after reading the health concerns about this fruit. No, it won’t hurt them, provided that pet parents serve this fruit to their furry friends with caution and moderation.
Bananas for the Young Ones
Can kittens eat bananas too, since adult cats can? Yes. However, pet parents will need to wait for kittens to reach their first year before they can give this fruit as a snack.
For the first 12 months of their life, young cats should only consume food that is specifically formulated for them. This specific food contains nutrients essential for their body growth and development.
Pet parents can start giving healthy snacks such as bananas to kittens towards the end of this period. However, it should be done gradually to avoid upsetting their stomach.
Read: Guide on Kitten Feeding
A Little Goes a Long Way
We have mentioned that it is safe for cats to consume bananas in small amounts. So, how much banana can a cat eat? Offering 1 or 2 small pieces of bananas as cat treats won’t hurt.
Before serving bananas to your cat, make sure to remove the banana peel. Its hard fibrous texture is indigestible for her and may cause stomach blockage.
Feeding large chunks of bananas to cats is not advised as these are potential choking hazards. Slice these into tiny bite-sized pieces for safer and easier consumption. Mashing these fruits and turning them into frozen bananas is also a wonderful idea.
Not a Feline Favourite
The answer to the question “Can cats eat bananas?” might be yes, but you will find that most cats are not exactly excited to have the fruit as a snack compared to other food items.
There are 2 possible reasons why cats prefer not to eat bananas. First, it is scientifically proven that cats cannot taste sugar because they lack taste receptors for sweetness. Hence, anything sweet, such as a banana, is not mouthwatering for them.
Second, banana peels have a compound called ethyl acetate, giving cats an unsavory smell. This could be the cause why a lot of felines become frightened and run away when they come face to face with the fruit.
Other Food Items That Contain Banana: Safe for Cats or Not?
Banana is often used as the main ingredient in various types of snacks. Is it okay to share these food items with your cat? Let’s find out.
Can Cats Eat Banana Bread?
Yes, cats can eat banana bread, but it is better to keep it away from them. It has little to no nutritional value for your pet. Moreover, it is loaded with sugar and contains other ingredients that can be harmful to her.
Can Cats Eat Banana Chips?
Yes, banana chips are safe for cats to eat. It is the ideal form of banana to serve your feline friend. It is easily digestible, and you have more control over the portion intake of your cat.
However, we do not recommend store-bought banana chips for your cat. These contain oil, which is bad for your cat’s tummy. It would be better if you made banana chips yourself at home.
Simply place bake small pieces of bananas in the oven or place them in the dehydrator. Serve it plain to your cat.
Can Cats Eat Banana Pudding?
No, keep banana pudding out of cats’ reach. It is not safe for your cat to eat since it has high levels of sugar and contains milk.
Keep in mind that most cats are lactose-intolerant. Feeding them dairy products can lead to severe digestive upset, flatulence, and bloating.
Can Cats Drink Banana Milk?
No, banana milk is bad for cats because, just like banana pudding, it contains dairy. It also has large amounts of fat, which can lead your furry friend to gain weight.
Finding Alternative Healthy Snacks for Cats
What fruits can cats eat? Bananas are not the only healthy treats for felines. Here are other fruits that you can include in your cat’s snacks list.
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Cantaloupe
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Watermelon
Since most fruits are high in sugar, they should not be a part of your cat’s diet daily. Share them occasionally with your feline friend. Be sure to get rid of seeds, rinds, leaves, and skins since these are choking hazards for your cat.
