Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

Can cats eat bananas? Why you shouldn’t serve them often

Mary Johnson
By

While some fruits (like grapes) are widely known as potentially deadly to cats, most people are left in the dark when it comes to other tasty human snacks. Bananas are loaded with vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. However, those are the health benefits bananas can give humans, not cats. Have you ever wondered, “Can cats have bananas?,” or have you Googled, “Are bananas poisonous to cats?” We’ll break down everything you need to know about whether you can share a bite of your favorite snack with your cat. 

A close-up of a long-haired cat sitting on a dining room table.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Why cats shouldn’t eat human food … often

Some of our favorite foods can make cats seriously ill, and others are toxic. Grapes, raisins, chocolate, alcohol, and any drink containing caffeine are all extremely dangerous to your fur baby. Despite the clichéd scene from a multitude of films, you should never give your cat a saucer of milk or cream as a treat; cats are actually lactose intolerant. Giving your cat dairy products can cause digestive issues, including vomiting and diarrhea. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat-based diets for optimal health. Foods rich in carbs, like bread, should not be given to your feline fur baby because cats have a difficult time digesting carbohydrates and derive little nutrition from them. Contact your local emergency vet immediately if you suspect that your cat has eaten something she shouldn’t. 

Recommended Videos

Can cats eat bananas?

It may surprise you to learn that bananas are on the list of human foods you can safely give your cat. However, we don’t recommend giving your cat more than the occasional slice of banana. Because bananas are loaded with sugar, they may cause weight problems if eaten in large doses. Over time, overconsumption of sweet treats like bananas may cause your cat to develop diabetes. If your cat already has a weight problem, restrict her intake to a tiny bite every now and then. The majority of your cat’s calories should come from animal products that provide adequate nutrients, so try not to turn bananas into a daily after-dinner treat. 

A woman pets a long-haired cat sitting on a dining room table.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to safely give your cat a banana

When it comes to giving your cat human food, you can’t just cut off a mouthful and set it down for your cat. Here are a few steps to get you started. 

1. Talk to your vet first

Your vet knows your cat’s health inside and out. You should always consult your vet before starting your cat on a new diet, adding supplements, or sharing some of your food with her. Not only can your vet advise you on whether your cat can safely eat bananas, but he also can recommend how much to give her depending on her weight and overall health. 

2. Prepare the banana

Once your vet gives the A-OK to serve your cat the occasional slice of banana, it’s time to prepare. Peel the banana completely, taking care to remove the fibrous stringy bits often left behind (they can be a choking hazard), and cut it into small slices. Cut one of those slices into small bites, roughly the size of your cat’s favorite treat, and set them out on a plate. You can also try mashing up a banana slice and feeding it to your cat as a yummy paste. 

3. Make sure your cat tolerates bananas

No matter how much your cat loves her treats, please refrain from giving her too much banana at once. Keep an eye on your cat over the next few days to see how she tolerates bananas. Some cats may develop flatulence or other digestive issues. If that’s the case with your cat, you’ll want to find a different snack you can give her. 

4. Try pumpkin instead

If your cat doesn’t digest bananas well, you still have options if you want to give her the occasional sweet treat. Many veterinarians recommend giving cats pumpkin to alleviate constipation, as it helps the bowels move more regularly. Pumpkin is also an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help cats feel fuller longer. If your cat is a little on the hefty side, try giving her pumpkin puree instead of fattening cat treats. 

A long-haired cat sits on a table surrounded by fruit.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As a general rule, cats shouldn’t eat human food. However, there are a few exceptions. You can safely give your kitty a tiny slice of banana every now and then as long as she doesn’t suffer any digestive issues. And if you still want to give her a special snack, you can’t go wrong with pumpkin. 

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Why do cats like to sleep on the bed with people? This common behavior explained
Does your kitty adore sleeping on your bed? Here's why that's so normal
Orange cat sleeping on a bed covered by a blanket

Few first-time cat owners expect their cats to be affectionate, yet many cats seek their owner's attention. Compared to dogs, cats are typically thought of as more standoffish and less loving. That's certainly not always the case. You may be surprised when your otherwise aloof cat prefers to sleep in your bed over any other place in the house, but cats have many reasons for wanting to sleep in your bed. Read on to learn why your cat likes sleeping in your bed and the pros and cons of letting them do so.

Reasons your cat likes sleeping on your bed
How did your bed become your kitty's favorite sleep space? Several reasons could be in play.
Your cat loves you
Though they sometimes act indifferent, cats love people just as much as dogs do. Sleeping in your bed may be your cat's way of letting you know they care. When your cat sleeps with you, they show that they enjoy your company. This is especially common if you met your cat during the first four to nine weeks of their life when imprinting occurs. If you were a stable and caring presence during this time, you've likely imprinted on your cat and gained their complete adoration and trust.
Your bed is oh-so-comfortable
Cats can sleep up to 15 hours a day -- they are sleep pros. They’ve probably tried to nap in every spot in your home, so they know the comfiest, warmest, and best locations for napping. It makes sense that they would try sleeping in your bed. And all the blankets and pillows you put on your bed for yourself only make it more enticing for your cat. After all, you find your bed comfy, so why wouldn’t they?

Read more
The kind of nutty behavior to expect if you don’t neuter your cat
Will neutering your cat prevent destructive behavior? Here's what you need to know
Tiger cat meowing while walking across a patio

If you've adopted a male cat from a shelter or rescue, chances are your cat is already neutered. But if you've gotten your cat from a private breeder or seller, then you might be struggling with the decision to neuter your cat. When making that decision, it's important to think carefully about the pros and cons of that procedure. Neutering can have a strong effect on your male cat's behavior, so make sure you know what to expect from un-neutered male cat behavior when deciding on the best option for you and your cat.

What happens if I don't neuter my cat?
According to VCA Hospitals, un-neutered cats might contribute to the cat population control issue. Millions of cats are euthanized each year because there aren't enough homes for them, and an un-neutered male cat who comes into contact with an unspayed female can contribute to this ongoing issue.
Un-neutered male cat behavior can include several undesirable habits. Many un-neutered cats spray urine as a way of marking their territory, and they might do this within and outside of your home. An un-neutered cat is also more likely to be aggressive toward another un-neutered male. This is caused by competition between males who are trying to protect their territory, and these fights can result in serious injuries.
Cats that have not been fixed are also more likely to roam and travel great distances, particularly during mating season. This sexual interest may drive your cat to leave home and can increase the chances of his getting lost or injured while traveling.

Read more
Cat begging for food? How to make it stop for good so you can eat in peace
6 essential tips to nip cat begging behavior before it gets worse
Car eating from a food bowl

If you have a cat obsessed with food, you're probably all too used to hearing them beg for food constantly, especially anytime you go into the kitchen. However, if your cat begging for food is getting out of hand, you'll need to step in and make some changes to discourage this begging. Plus, some foods aren't safe for cats to consume, anyway.
Cats may beg for food because of boredom, habit, or hunger, so getting to the root of your cat's behavior is essential when trying to change it. These tips can help you better understand how to get your cat to stop begging for food, so mealtimes become much less stressful for you both.

Start with a trip to the vet
If your cat is always begging for food, it could indicate a health issue. Worms and intestinal parasites could be feeding off your cat and making them feel like they're always hungry. Hyperthyroidism is a common health condition that can also make cats feel continuously hungry. Other health issues like cancer and diabetes can have a similar effect.
If your cat has recently developed this new behavior, it might indicate a physical issue. Make an appointment with your vet to have your cat checked over, just in case. In many cases, treating the underlying health issue can leave your cat feeling satisfied again and make the begging behavior disappear.

Read more