Can cats eat banana?


Cats eat a lot of foods commonly used by humans. But some can be harmful to them. But can cats eat banana?

Sometimes our pets are interested in unusual foods, at least for them. They certainly like to browse through what we eat, and sometimes they don’t ask us for a taste of what we are munching because they already know it, but just to find out more. Sometimes, unfortunately, some food can hurt them and should not be given. Cats, especially, being carnivores, seem more attached to animal meat and protein, but in reality sometimes we could give them food to complement their diet with some food rewards.


Can cats eat banana?

There are videos on the internet of cats eating bananas with relish, which will certainly have caused laughter and amazement in web viewers. But are these foods really suitable for felines? What are the risks of this fruit for cats?

Surely the cats mouth can gnaw and chew the soft pulp, even with great taste. And despite cats’ curiosity about some questionable food items, responsible pet owners must always ask themselves whether a food is suitable or potentially harmful to their cats.

Can the cat eat banana or is it a health risk? This fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals, but still not exactly healthy for a cat’s system. While a small amount won’t hurt your cat, too many bananas can cause gastrointestinal problems such as constipation.

As for the possible benefits of bananas, a cat’s dietary needs should be supported with more appropriate foods. Cats fed a complete and balanced diet do not need the addition of fruit, vegetables or grains.

Cats lack the enzymes needed for digestion, so their diet shouldn’t exceed 0-2% carbohydrates or sugars. Overall, cats don’t even need bananas in their diets. Therefore, feeding bananas to a cat can cause long-term problems. It is therefore not so right to reason if the cat can eat the banana, but if his organism is able to process this food.


How cats can eat banana

If we really want to give our cat a gift with a little banana, it is better to give pre-sized portions. Let’s avoid giving banana peel: not only is it a potential choking hazard, but it can also cause problems for our cat if ingested.

In any case, once the peel is removed and the banana cut into small pieces, we observe the reaction of our cat. We offer a small piece and see if there are any allergic reactions. Mostly, symptoms show up moments after eating. If allergic symptoms occur, it is best to make an appointment with the vet.


Are bananas safe for cats?

A cat can also potentially experience an allergic reaction by eating even a small serving of banana. Pet owners who choose to have their cat eat bananas need to watch carefully for signs of an allergic reaction.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction in cats can be:

  • Itchy mouth and throat
  • Itching
  • Swelling of the skin or mucous membranes
  • Narrowing of the throat
  • Wheezing

Benefits of bananas

While bananas aren’t toxic to cats, they’re not necessarily easy for them to digest. As for their positive aspects, a cat’s health could benefit from the fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin C and folic acid in bananas – only if not consumed in excess. 

Bananas, while nutritious for humans, are not as nutritious for a cat. Especially since the sugar content of bananas is not necessary for a cat’s diet. They are high in potassium, and this mineral improves a cat’s health by helping the heart and kidneys. However, too much potassium in a cat’s body is just as dangerous as it is if insufficient.

Bananas are also rich in folate, and folic acid helps metabolize proteins in a cat’s body and build new cells. They also have a high fiber content, which while regularizing the cat’s intestine, if they are too many times can also cause diarrhea. Generally, when a cat eats a banana, he will only absorb dietary fiber.


Side effects

And even though the cat can eat banana because it is not toxic to him / her, this fruit can still adversely affect your pet’s health. First, the weight gain caused by the sugar and carbohydrates in bananas could lead to obesity.

Also, blood sugar levels if too high could lead to diabetes. As mentioned before, fiber, when ingested in large quantities, can cause diarrhea. But in any case, it is difficult for a cat to digest plant-based foods. Usually, this can lead to vomiting, flatulence, and abdominal pain.


But do cats like bananas?

A cat can therefore eat bananas, more or less, as explained. However, a cat cannot feel the sweetness of this fruit, due to the lack of a genetic need to develop it. Being carnivores, cats need meat and proteins. Bananas are essentially a sweetened fruit. In the long run, a cat’s tongue doesn’t particularly notice the sweetness of the fruit.

If our cat likes bananas, then he is truly a curious creature. If we want to use this food as a treat for our pet, we can think of making a frozen banana for him / her as a homemade summer treat, it is fresh and it is easy to prepare at home. Bananas are among the most nutritious fruits. However, when thinking about sharing a banana with a cat, it is important to understand that even a banana can upset a cat’s stomach and lead to health problems.


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