Can cats eat banana?

Are bananas bad for cats?

Actually, bananas are not bad for cats , as long as they are offered very small amounts and from time to time, never daily, much less in a diet based solely on fruits and vegetables. Unlike omnivorous animals that can take advantage of and obtain nutrients from vegetables, our cats are carnivorous by nature , so they only obtain energy and essential nutrients from animal tissue, with animal proteins being the fundamental part of their diet. , followed by fat.

Bananas in particular are also very rich in carbohydrates, especially when they are very ripe. Such sugar content is not good for the body of our feline, which is not adapted to diets rich in carbohydrates , so its body could be affected, being prone to the development of diseases such as diabetes mellitus or obesity. In addition, some cats can experience an allergic reaction to even a minute consumption of bananas. To know if your cat is having such a reaction, you should pay attention to the appearance of clinical signs such as itching or swelling of the throat or mouth, as well as of the mucous membranes, symptoms of suffocation or wheezing.

Benefits of banana for cats

As we say, the benefits of this fruit are really minimal for cats, however, offered from time to time it can provide some nutrients. Bananas have many benefits for people due to their nutritional content, highlighting the following nutrients:

Potassium
Magnesium
Fiber
Vitamin A
vitamin B1
vitamin B2
Vitamin B3
vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Folic acid
Vitamin E
vitamin k
Tannins
carbohydrates

Now, of all these benefits, which ones are really useful for cats if they eat bananas? The potassium content may be good for your cat’s heart and kidney health , but too much could also be detrimental. The folic acid in the banana helps to create new cells and protein metabolism, while the fiber helps the cat’s intestinal health , although an excess can cause diarrhea. Regarding the latter, the banana also has tannins that could protect against this condition due to its astringent action.

However, the banana hardly contains protein or fat , the most important macronutrients for the cat, so it is good to offer a little from time to time, but never routinely because it does not provide them with what they need for the correct maintenance of their health and obtaining nutrients.

How to give banana to a cat?
If you have decided to try giving your cat a little banana, you should know how to do it to avoid problems:

In the first place, you have to remove the skin of the banana in its entirety, also removing the strands and everything that can choke them or make them feel bad at the digestive level.
Next, you should cut the banana into small pieces so that your cat does not swallow them whole without chewing and could harm himself. Think that he is not used to eating this type of food and it could be very strange for him and he could even get scared and choke.
The amount you should give him is around a fifth of a banana at most (four or five pieces for an adult cat). Likewise, it is very important to watch while you take it to detect any signs of allergy and to be able to act quickly.

How often to give a cat banana?

As we have mentioned before, bananas are an unnecessary fruit in the diet of cats, so you could never give them at all. However, if you want to offer small amounts as a reward or as a special food, it is best to give your cat bananas very occasionally . There are other much more beneficial foods that you can also offer as a reward, such as pieces of dehydrated tuna, pieces of chicken breast, etc. In addition, there are other fruits and vegetables that are much more recommended for these animals, such as pumpkin or strawberry, although it is also important to limit their consumption.