Bananas for cats – Sweet treat or toxic fruit?
Bananas are a delicious fruit snack. When you need something quick, their high fruit sugar content makes them a popular energy source, especially for athletes. But does the same apply to your agile feline? A small piece of banana generally won't harm your cat. The banana should neither be unripe nor overripe and the amount is especially important. A thin slice of banana can be a tasty treat for your cat to enjoy, but not every day, only occasionally.
As carnivores, cats are usually not very interested in fruit, let alone bananas. Because a vegetarian diet can't provide your cat with all the essential nutrients. However, some felines do develop a taste for it and want to enjoy the sweet snack from time to time. Other fruits, like strawberries or apples, can also be a varied reward in small amounts.
Are bananas healthy for my cat?
You probably already guessed: Bananas are not directly toxic to cats, but they're also not healthy. That's because the digestive system of cats is designed for their main food: meat, and they get important nutrients from digested animal protein. Not all cats react sensitively to a banana snack; this varies from cat to cat.
The high potassium content can, however, negatively affect your cat's heart function. This is not immediately noticeable and should therefore not be underestimated either. Also, the combination of the potassium and carbohydrate content can cause symptoms of poisoning in your cat. You'll save yourself a lot of worry if your cat skips banana snacks.
For daily feeding your feline friend, it's better to focus on food with a high meat content, as that's what will suit her best. Grains or sugar have no place in a healthy diet for your cat. We're here to help and offer you a choice between Pets Deli wet food, dry food or BARF: Packed with high-quality ingredients, no frills!
Extra meaty, grain- & sugar-free, and suitable for allergy sufferers
Which cats should not eat bananas?
Those who definitely shouldn't eat banana slices are older and sick cats, as well as young kittens. For the growth of little felines a precise amount of nutrients in the food is important. Their digestive tract, especially at the beginning, can only handle junior food.
My cat ate banana and is vomiting
Your cat loves bananas and helped herself to a portion that's too large of the sweet fruit? If she reacts to the feast with vomiting, you should urgently see your veterinarian. They can determine whether the symptoms are actually caused by the banana or if something else is behind it.
Even if you and your cat are sent home again, as a result of eating banana there may be further symptoms. Since this could be a case of poisoning, you shouldn't delay the next visit to the vet.
Symptoms, for which you should definitely take your cat to the veterinarian:
Lethargy
Vomiting
Abdominal cramps
Circulatory problems
