{"id":38330,"date":"2019-03-05T21:56:35","date_gmt":"2019-03-05T21:56:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/?p=38330"},"modified":"2023-03-17T16:26:53","modified_gmt":"2023-03-17T16:26:53","slug":"can-cats-eat-bananas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/can-cats-eat-bananas\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Cats Eat Bananas?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humans love bananas on their cereal and oatmeal, on their peanut butter sandwiches, and even as a snack all by themselves. But, unlike monkeys and even some dogs, cats are not known for their love of the popular fruit.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, there are some cats out there who do love to eat bananas. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bananas are a great source of potassium, which is great for heart and kidney functions, but they are loaded with carbs, which isn\u2019t a significant part of a feline diet. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, that leads us to the question &#8211; can cats eat bananas? And, do they even want to?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article we\u2019ll cover the following:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats and Bananas, What You Need to Know<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can Cats Eat Bananas?<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can Kittens Eat Bananas?<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Negatives of Cats Eating Bananas<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;background:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px;margin-bottom:40px;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap:hover{background:#ffffff;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kadence-info-box-image-inner-intrisic-container{max-width:101px;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kadence-info-box-image-inner-intrisic-container .kadence-info-box-image-intrisic{padding-bottom:100%;width:300px;height:0px;max-width:100%;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kadence-info-box-icon-container .kt-info-svg-icon, .kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-info-svg-icon-flip, .kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-number{font-size:50px;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-media{color:#444444;background:#ffffff;border-color:#eeeeee;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:20px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap:hover .kt-blocks-info-box-media{color:#444444;background:#ffffff;border-color:#eeeeee;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-infobox-textcontent h2.kt-blocks-info-box-title{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:5px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-infobox-textcontent .kt-blocks-info-box-text{color:#555555;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore{background:transparent;border-color:#555555;border-width:0px 0px 0px 0px;padding-top:4px;padding-right:8px;padding-bottom:4px;padding-left:8px;margin:10px 0px 10px 0px;}.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap:hover .kt-blocks-info-box-learnmore{color:#ffffff;background:#444444;border-color:#444444;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-infobox kt-info-box_ce71ab-0d\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap info-box-link kt-blocks-info-box-media-align-left kt-info-halign-left\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-media-container\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-media kt-info-media-animate-none\"><div class=\"kadence-info-box-image-inner-intrisic-container\"><div class=\"kadence-info-box-image-intrisic kt-info-animate-none kb-info-box-image-ratio kb-info-box-image-ratio-square\"><div class=\"kadence-info-box-image-inner-intrisic\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guarantee-f-e1676260441883.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" class=\"kt-info-box-image wp-image-37684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guarantee-f-e1676260441883.png 300w, https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guarantee-f-e1676260441883-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-infobox-textcontent\"><p class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-text\">This content has been reviewed and approved by our in-house Veterinarian for accuracy.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats and bananas, What You Need To Know<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A feline diet is all about protein. Cats do not require carbohydrates, but they can digest them in a limited way. However, carbs really shouldn\u2019t make up more than about two percent of your cat\u2019s daily diet because if you feed your cat too many carbs, it can cause significant problems.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats are obligate carnivores (they rely on a diet of meat only) and they lack the enzymes needed to digest and use most plant-based foods. This means that when a cat eats a banana, it might not be able to use any of the fats or protein in them.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since cats are meat eaters, most of them probably don\u2019t have much of an interest in eating bananas. But, all cat parents know that felines can have unexplained interests in certain foods. So, you might have a kitty that loves bananas.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, even if your cat loves bananas, you really should avoid feeding them the fruit. A small bite every now and then probably won\u2019t hurt. But, if you go that route, dress your cat up in a monkey costume first because it\u2019s super cute.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In all seriousness, high levels of carbs in a feline diet is harmful, and it can contribute to diseases like diabetes and irritable bowel disease.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bonus fact: Most cats actually don\u2019t like the smell of bananas, and rubbing banana peels on furniture can discourage them from getting too close to claw it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can Cats Eat Bananas?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, cats can eat bananas, but that doesn\u2019t mean they should. Cats have different nutritional needs than humans, and in addition to protein, indoor cats require nourishment like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/why-do-cats-need-taurine\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">taurine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and lots of fats. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do bananas have those things? Yes. But, cats need to get their nourishment from packaged cat food. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reason is because cat food doesn\u2019t have artificial sweeteners. Cats don\u2019t have have a sweet receptor on their tongue, so they don\u2019t need sweet treats. The natural sugars in bananas can be harmful because they can\u2019t digest them like humans can.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This might be why some cats are afraid of bananas.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bananas are not toxic to cats, but there are much better ways for your cat to get their vitamins, protein, and fats. Human foods are never the answer because they don\u2019t offer beneficial nourishment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can Kittens Eat Bananas?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The same thing goes for kittens. Bananas are not beneficial in any way for your fur baby. In fact, bananas can cause even more harm than they would for adult cats because kittens are so small.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even a small amount of bananas can cause problems in a kitten\u2019s stomach. They can\u2019t digest the sugar, and it can build up fast. This can eventually lead to diabetes and obesity.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bananas do not offer any nutrition for kittens. And, even though they can be soft and mushy, bananas are not easily digestible and they are not essential for kittens.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Negatives of Cats Eating Bananas <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The high sugar content in bananas can lead to diabetes and obesity if your cat eats them regularly. This is especially true for older cats. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bananas can also cause an upset stomach or constipation, especially if they eat too much at one time. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your cat\u2019s digestive system can\u2019t properly digest the sugar or the fiber like a human. And, in some rare cases, cats can experience an immune reaction if they have antibodies that bond with the chemicals in a banana. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some cats might have allergic reactions to bananas, and the breed of your cat is a contributing factor to fruit allergies.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your cat loves bananas, just make sure that they are ripe. When a cat eats a rotten banana with mold, it can make them extremely ill and cause vomiting and diarrhea.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As for banana peels, they are an absolute no-no. The peel is inedible and they can be a choking hazard.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>So, can cats eat bananas?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, cats can eat bananas, but it needs to be in moderation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can\u2019t resist sharing your bananas with your cat, do it in very small quantities and don\u2019t do it often. When it comes down to it, cats really shouldn\u2019t eat bananas because there are absolutely zero health benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plus, many cats find them downright scary.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But, as cat lovers know, every kitty has their own quirky food preferences.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you do have a cat that loves to eat soft, smushy pieces of banana, try an alternative snack like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2UkgvrC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Delectables Lickable Cat Treats<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You can hand feed this gourmet treat that comes in a lickable tube, and it is a great snack to supplement your cat\u2019s balanced diet.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make sure your cat is happy and healthy, you want to make sure they have plenty of meat in their diet, not plant-based foods. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is your cat bananas for bananas? Or is there another fruit your cat has a thing for? Let us know in the comments below.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Humans love bananas on their cereal and oatmeal, on their peanut butter sandwiches, and even as a snack all by themselves. But, unlike monkeys and even some dogs, cats are&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":38334,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":5,"label":"Nutrition"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Can-Cats-Eat-Bananas.png",800,578,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Michael Steele","author_link":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/author\/michael_flywheel\/"},"comment_info":2,"category_info":[{"term_id":5,"name":"Nutrition","slug":"nutrition","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":5,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":108,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":5,"category_count":108,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Nutrition","category_nicename":"nutrition","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38330"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38330"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38330\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55019,"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38330\/revisions\/55019"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38334"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38330"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38330"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catkingpin.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38330"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}