Can Cats Eat Bananas?

Yes, cats can have bananas in small amounts. Bananas aren’t toxic to cats and a bite or two is generally safe as an occasional treat. However, bananas are high in sugar and carbs, which cats don’t get any health benefit from eating.  

Cats are obligate carnivores, so their bodies aren’t designed to digest fruit efficiently. Because of this, moderation is key. 

Yes, bananas are safe for cats, and they might have some health benefits too:  

• They’re high in potassium. Bananas supply plenty of potassium, which supports healthy heart, kidney, and muscle function in cats—though your cat should already be getting enough from a balanced diet. 
• They’re a good source of other nutrients. Bananas contain soluble fiber, which can support digestion, along with small amounts of vitamin C and vitamin B6, which play a role in immune function and metabolism. 
• They contain natural prebiotics. The fiber in bananas can act as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your cat’s gut and potentially supporting overall digestive health. 
• They’re hydrating. Bananas are about 75% water, so offering a small slice can give them a little hydration. That said, if your cat doesn’t drink water regularly, they should be given canned cat food instead of kibble—not bananas.  

Just remember: While these nutrients sound great, your cat only needs a tiny amount to benefit, and bananas shouldn’t replace regular cat food or vet-recommended treats. 

While bananas are certainly not toxic, there’s a reason they should only be fed in small portions. 

As mentioned, cats’ digestive systems aren’t great at handling plant food sources, because they’ve evolved to rely on meat to survive. Additionally, unlike dogs, they have minimal requirements for carbohydrates in their diets.  

That said, here are some of the downsides related to cats and bananas: 

• They’re high in sugar. Because of their high sugar content, if overdone, bananas can be bad news for a cat’s health, especially if they have issues such as diabetes or obesity. Over time, too many bananas can also contribute to weight gain, which could increase your cat’s risk of diabetes. 
• They can cause stomach upset. Bananas could cause digestive issues, like diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and regurgitation, in certain cats, especially if given in excess. 
• They might not like them. Cats aren’t always tolerant of new foods in their diet, and unlike dogs, they tend to not like sweet treats, Dr. Bayazit says. 

All treats, including bananas, should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. The remaining 90% should come from a well-balanced cat food that supplies your kitty with all the essential nutrients they need. 

Dr. Bayazit recommends giving your cat about 1 inch of a sliced banana as an occasional treat, no more than a few times per week. 

But before you do, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. The vet can determine the right portion size for your pet and weigh in on any health issues that might preclude a cat having bananas.  

Cats aren’t very fruit-motivated, so they might not even want a banana. However, should your cat be interested, Dr. Bayazit has a few tips on the best ways to serve the fruit: 

• Remove the peel. Cats can’t properly digest banana peels. 
• Cut the banana. You should only serve about an inch or less of a banana, cut it into smaller pieces.  
• Offer a little at a time. Give your cat a small piece—about the size of a blueberry—to make sure they can safely eat it before upping the portion size. 
• Watch your cat closely. Keep an eye on your pet in case there are any unusual reactions, especially if this is the first time you’re giving your cat banana. 

As for how to serve the banana to your cat? You can give it on its own as a treat or mix it into their wet or dry food. 

Alternatively, you can buy cat treats that are made with bananas. These are already portion-controlled and can make it easier to monitor your cat’s overall calorie intake. 

A couple of our favorites include: 

Bananas aren’t toxic, but too much can cause digestive upset, especially for more sensitive felines or cats with underlying medication conditions.  

If your cat overdoes it, it can cause: 

• Diarrhea 
• Constipation 
• Vomiting 
• Regurgitation 

If you notice any of these signs, stop giving your cat banana and monitor them. If symptoms are severe or don’t resolve within 24 hours, call your vet.  

In addition to bananas, cats can eat a wide variety of other fruits, including: 

• Apples and pears (peeled and without seeds) 
• Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries 
• Seedless watermelon 
• Mangos 
• Pineapples 
• Apricots 
• Honeydew 
• Nectarines 

If you prefer not to serve your cat fresh fruit, you can opt for store-bought treats that contain some of these cat-approved varieties: 

Q: Can kittens eat bananas? 

A: Treats, like bananas, can be introduced after your kitten reaches 1 year.  

Once kittens are weaned—typically at eight or so weeks—and ready to move on to food, they should only be given good-caliber kitten food with plenty of nutrients.  

Dr. Bayazit cautions that you don’t really want young kitties to get overly fond of sweet things. 

Q: Can cats eat banana bread? 

A: No, cats shouldn’t eat banana bread. While plain bananas are safe, banana bread often contains added sugar, butter, and potentially harmful ingredients, like raisins or artificial sweeteners, that can be dangerous for cats. 

Q: Can cats eat banana peels? 

A: Banana peels aren’t toxic to cats, but they’re tough to digest and could cause stomach upset or even a blockage if swallowed. It’s best to keep peels out of reach. 

Q: Why does my cat love bananas? 

A: While all cats are different, some may really develop a taste for human foods, like bananas. If your little love is especially drawn to bananas, offering a small piece every so often is purr-fectly reasonable (as long as your cat is in good shape!).