Why
Banana is not toxic to cats. The concern is that it is the wrong kind of food for them. Cats are obligate carnivores, and the Cornell Feline Health Center explains that they rely on nutrients found in animal products. Banana is mostly sugar and starch. PetMD's veterinary guide notes that the fiber, potassium and magnesium in banana are outweighed by its high carbohydrate and sugar content, and that some cats get vomiting or diarrhea after eating an unfamiliar food like this.
Most cats are not interested anyway. In 2005, researchers reported in PLoS Genetics that one of the genes needed to build the sweet taste receptor does not work in cats, so they cannot taste the sweetness that makes banana appealing to people. A cat that seems to like banana is probably responding to its soft texture, its smell or simply the novelty.
That sugar still counts for the body even if the cat cannot taste it. Cats that are overweight or have diabetes should skip banana altogether, because the carbohydrate can make weight and blood sugar harder to control.
What to watch out for
- The peel, which is hard to digest and could cause choking or a blockage
- Large portions, which add sugar and calories and can upset the stomach
- Cats with diabetes or obesity, which should not be given banana
- Banana bread, muffins and cakes, which add sugar, fat and sometimes chocolate or raisins
- Banana chips, which are usually fried and sweetened
- Vomiting, diarrhea or constipation after trying banana for the first time
How to serve it
- Use fresh, ripe banana with the peel and any stringy bits removed.
- Cut or mash a very small piece and offer it on its own or on top of your cat's usual food.
- Try a tiny amount the first time and watch your cat's stools and appetite over the next day.
- If your cat ignores it, do not keep offering. There is no nutritional reason to insist.
- A small piece of plain cooked chicken or a commercial cat treat is usually a better fit for a carnivore.
How much?
PetMD's veterinary guide suggests no more than a piece about 1 inch (2.5 cm) square, every few weeks, for a healthy adult cat. Smaller is fine, and none at all is fine too.
Why cats with diabetes or weight problems should skip banana
PetMD's veterinary guide advises that cats that are overweight or diabetic should generally avoid banana because of its natural sugar and carbohydrate. For a diabetic cat, even a small amount of sugary fruit can make blood sugar harder to keep steady, and extra calories work against weight control.
If your cat has diabetes, kidney disease or another long-term condition and has eaten banana, or you are thinking of offering it, ask your vet first. The same applies to cats on a prescription diet, where any extra food can interfere with the treatment.
Can kittens eat banana?
A healthy kitten can have a very small taste, but kittens have small stomachs and need their food to count toward growth. A complete kitten food already provides everything a kitten needs, so banana is best kept as a rare novelty, if it is offered at all.
Keep pieces tiny for kittens, and never leave a banana peel where a playful kitten can chew and swallow it.
Common questions
Are bananas good for cats?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Banana is not toxic to cats. The concern is that it is the wrong kind of food for them.
Are bananas bad for cats?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: the peel, which is hard to digest and could cause choking or a blockage.
Are cats allowed to have bananas?
Yes. Use fresh, ripe banana with the peel and any stringy bits removed.
Can cats eat banana peels?
No. The peel is tough and hard to digest, and a cat that chews and swallows pieces could choke or develop a blockage. Throw peels away in a bin with a lid.
Can cats be allergic to bananas?
PetMD's veterinary guide says true banana allergies are uncommon in cats, but some cats get vomiting or diarrhea after eating a new food, even the first time. If that happens, stop offering it.
Is banana good for a cat with constipation?
Do not use banana to treat constipation. A cat that is straining or has not passed stool for two or three days needs a vet check, and straining can also be a sign of a urinary blockage, which is an emergency.
Sources
- PetMD. Can Cats Eat Bananas? (Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP)
- Li X, Li W, Wang H, et al. Pseudogenization of a sweet-receptor gene accounts for cats’ indifference toward sugar. PLoS Genetics, 2005;1(1):e3.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
If your cat has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital or an animal poison control service right away, even if your cat seems fine. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.