As you are feeding your feline friend, you may be wondering, can cats eat bananas?
Are bananas harmful to cats, or do they have nutritional benefits?
And what about the mushy texture, will cats enjoy the feel of that?
And imagine the mess if it got stuck in their fur!
Perhaps the sugar and fiber in bananas may be a problem.
Let’s see what the truth is about cats and bananas.
Cats can safely eat bananas in moderation. One slice per day would be an appropriate portion size. Bananas contain a lot of sugar, particularly as they ripen, and this could be a problem for cats. Weight gain and diabetes are possible side effects. Although bananas do have nutritional benefits, such as vitamins and minerals, these requirements are usually taken care of with commercial cat food. Cats are not particularly fond of sweet foods and may not enjoy bananas anyway. The smell of the banana peel may also be unappealing, and it can actually be used as a repellant to deter cats.
Do Cats Like Bananas?
You may be surprised to find that your cat won’t even touch a piece of banana.
Cats are not known for having a sweet tooth and rarely eat fruit.
The other drawback as far as cats are concerned is the smell of the banana peel.
As the banana ripens, it emits a chemical compound called isoamyl acetate.
It has a similar smell to nail varnish or paint.
Cats are so averse to this smell that it can actually be used as a deterrent to them away.
Adding banana peels around a garden is said to keep cats away.
The texture of bananas may also be unappealing.
However, if your cat does enjoy bananas, they should be offered in moderation.
A maximum of one slice per day would be more than enough.
A banana contains a lot of sugar and fiber.
This can lead to the same side effects as in humans – diabetes and weight gain.
And the excess sugar can lead to tooth decay in cats.
The fiber may be difficult to digest, leading to intestinal problems and an upset stomach.
It is not recommended to feed bananas to kittens less than one-year-old.
Their digestive systems may not be fully formed and be unable to cope with the fruit.
Although not proven, cats are said to be scared of bananas as their curved shape reminds them of snakes!
How to Feed Bananas to Cats?
Assuming that your cat actually enjoys bananas, how should you feed them?
Knowing that sugar and fiber can be a problem, only offer a small amount.
Firstly, remove the peel, as this should not be fed to cats in any form.
Next, cut just one slice of banana into tiny pieces.
Cats may not enjoy the texture of larger pieces, and they could be a choking hazard.
Try mushing the banana slice with a fork and adding it on top of your cat’s food.
If this is the first time trying your cat with a banana, look out for allergic reactions.
They may develop a watery nose or runny eyes.
The fiber may lead to an upset stomach, causing diarrhea or gas.
And, of course, if your cat already has medical problems such as obesity or diabetes, then bananas should be avoided altogether.
Don’t try and force your cat to eat bananas if he is not interested.
Cats are actually carnivores and prefer meat.
In fact, they struggle with digesting plant-based foods.
And cats are unable to absorb the vitamins in bananas.
Can Cats Eat Bananas?
Final Thoughts
Cats can eat bananas, but only in moderation.
The high sugar content may lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and diabetes.
Bananas also contain a lot of fiber which a cat’s digestive system may struggle to cope with.
Cats may not even like bananas, as they are meat eaters and don’t enjoy sweet foods.
The smell of a banana peel is not pleasant to a cat.
So, if your cat does enjoy bananas, only small portions are the key.
And if your feline companion turns his nose up, don’t force him to eat a banana.
Your cat knows best!
And what about our other furry friends, are bananas safe for guinea pigs?