While there are a lot of fruits cats cannot eat, bananas are one of the few that cats can eat (in small amounts). However, even though it’s perfectly safe for cats to eat bananas, you should only give them one to two 1 inch chunks every once in a while. Too much banana for a cat can cause digestive issues.
Why Can Cats Eat Bananas?
Many people foods like chocolate are toxic to cats and should never be given to them. Also, some fruits like grapes are extremely toxic to cats and should be kept away at all times. Bananas prove the exception, as they’re safe to feed to cats and even make great ingredients in homemade cat treats.
How Much Banana Can I Give my Cat?
Cats are carnivores, meaning they need meat to get most of their nutrients. Bananas, being plants, don’t really offer much in the way of nutrition for them. In fact, too much banana can cause digestive issues in cats because of the high starch content. Also, because bananas are high in sugar, you cat is at risk for gaining weight if fed too much. Only give your cat one to two 1 inch pieces of banana every once in a while.
Fruits That Are Toxic to Cats
Unlike bananas, there are other fruits that are toxic to cats. Most people are unaware of these poisonous fruits:
- Citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruit, limes, etc.)
- Cherries
- Tomatoes
- Grapes
- Raisins
The rule of thumb here is when in doubt, don’t feed it to your cat. If your cat has eaten something potentially hazardous, keep an eye out for certain signs that will indicate you need to take your cat to the vet. These will include vomiting, diarrhea, changes in behavior and lethargy.
