You may sometimes go bananas over something. But have you ever seen your cat go bananas over bananas? Seeing a cat eating bananas may not be common, but what if your cat likes bananas?
Can cats eat bananas? Is it safe for her? Is it good for her?
Facts you need to know
Banana is a fruit, as we all know. It is a plant that belongs to Musaceae family. It can grow up to 26 feet. A cluster of bananas has individual bunches that can have up to 25 bananas.
It commonly grows in the Southeast Asian region. It became popular in the Caribbean during the late 1800s. Since bananas are easily perishable, which means it can easily transition from green to overripe, transporting it to far flung destinations was almost impossible until refrigeration and transportation system was finally developed.
At present, banana is a favorite instant and healthy snack across the globe.
What's in a Banana?
Bananas are nutritious. It is a rich source of manganese, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin C, copper, biotin and dietary fiber. A medium banana has only 105 calories. It sure is sweet but it has a low Glycemic Index.
It can give you a boost in energy because it is packed with potassium. Potassium can help in preventing muscle cramps. This is the reason why many athletes are munching on a lot of bananas during workouts and tournaments.
Is Banana Toxic to Cats?
Bananas are healthy and nutritious, but can you feed it to your feline friend? Are bananas toxic to cats?
According to ASPCA website, bananas are safe and non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. So, generally, bananas are safe for cats.
Can Cats Eat Bananas?
For humans, banana is such a sweet and delightful fruit. It is close to perfection because it is packed with nutrients, convenient to eat and great-tasting. But can cats eat it? Will cats like it?
Some cat owners like you may be wondering if your beloved cat can switch from meat to fruit and vegetable diet. Others may be wondering if it is okay to share any human food with cats. To be on the safe side, you must learn more about the cat's body and how they react to certain human foods.
Cats Can Only Absorb Fiber
While it is beneficial for some animals to eat bananas, cats cannot absorb some of the nutrients from bananas. They will only absorb dietary fiber. However, they do not need fiber like humans do.
Some cat owners swear that frozen fruits like bananas are great healthy treats for pet cats or dogs. They are also claiming that bananas are better than ready-made cat treats from pet stores.
Caution in Giving Bananas
Keep your cat's age in mind as older cats are more likely to develop diabetes. Start with a very small amount both to prevent choking and to observe her reaction. Try mixing a small piece with prepared cat food. Adding water is always a good idea. Don't give her too much at once and never let her eat the peel.
The peel is inedible and will just be a choking hazard. Don't feed her another fruit right after and stay away from rotten bananas that will just upset her stomach.
1. Cats are Sensitive to Strange Food
Cats have sensitive digestive systems. They are not used to varying food types. There are certain foods that may be toxic to cats.
Bananas are not dangerous to cats. But those are not part of your cat's normal diet. Feeding her with bananas may cause stomach upset.
2. Bananas are Too Sweet for Cats
It is very obvious that bananas are sweet. It contains natural sugars that are commonly harmless to humans. However, cats do not need much sugar in their diets.
Having a high sugar diet can cause obesity and diabetes to your feline. Those are extremely dangerous conditions that you do not want for your cat, right? So, you must watch the sugar in her diet.
3. Cats Can Actually Eat Fruits
Cats can actually eat some fruits. Banana is considered safe for them. You can give them fruits as frozen treats every once in a while.
Some of the acceptable fruits for cats are: strawberries, blueberries and seedless watermelons. Apples (without core) can also be given to them. Do not give the core or seeds of fruits to cats because those may contain toxins.
Some vegetables may also be fed to cats. Green beens, carrots, zucchini, squash, spinach and lettuce are also harmless to cats. Potatoes and sweet potatoes are also safe for cats as long as you do not add sugar, butter or seasonings.
Related: Best Cat Foods for 2020
Can Bananas be Beneficial to Cats?
Bananas are nutritious food for humans. But for cats, it may not be. The sugar content of bananas is not required in a cat's diet.
Too much sugar intake can actually make your cat obese. So, be easy on giving her frozen bananas if you do not want her to end up having diabetes.
Precautions in Giving Bananas to Cats
Aside from the sugar content, you must also want to pay attention to the amount of bananas that you will feed her. Sudden change in diet or too much bananas can make her stomach upset.
Can Cats Digest Bananas?
Bananas are not normally part of a cat's diet. Her digestive system may not be able to digest and absorb the nutrients properly. She can only absorb sugar and fiber.
A large portion of banana may also be hard for her to digest. It can even cause her to have constipation. So, it is better to just feed her a small amount of bananas.
Click Here To Find Out If Your Kitty Can Eat Apples
Why Some Cats Are Afraid of Bananas?
Has your vet prescribed a medicine made with potassium chloride? This medicine smells so much like bananas you might be tempted to taste it. (Don't.) Cats seem to hate it and may associate the banana smell with yucky medicine they've been forced to take.
Most cats just dislike the smell of bananas even if never given banana scented medicine. In fact, rubbing banana peels on furniture can discourage a cat from getting close enough to claw them.
There's also the possibility that the banana shape (like cucumbers and zucchini) reminds them of a snake and startles them.
Bottom Line
Can Cats Really Eat Bananas?
They sure can. Bananas can be healthy for your cat. So you can surely give it to her as a treat.
Feeding bananas to your cat depends on your priority as a pet owner. You may think that banana is probably a more nutritious treat for your cat than those store-bought munchies. Or you may have a cat that really likes bananas.
Whether you are going to feed her with bananas or not, it is all up to you. If she likes it, then let her have it! Just make sure that you give it in small portions only.
Though bananas are not toxic to cats, it is much safer to not include bananas in her regular diet. As a responsible cat owner, make sure that you give her a healthy and balanced diet.
