Did you know that the third Wednesday in April is officially recognized as Banana Day? It’s a strange hashtag holiday that’s rumored to have its roots in the trend of students celebrating the fruit as a lunchbox staple.
But beyond the idea of attempting to dress your cat up as a banana in honor of the holiday, how about we look into the year-round issue of whether cats can eat bananas?
You’ll probably be happy to know that most cats can occasionally eat bananas without problems, but there are exceptions. Of course, all good things should be done in moderation, and you should always ask your vet before sharing human foods with your cat, including bananas.
Here’s what you should know about cats and bananas.
The Nutritional Benefits Of Bananas For Cats
From a nutritional point of view, bananas are potassium powerhouses. That’s part of the reason why they’re sometimes suggested as a human hangover cure.
Potassium is great for the kidneys and heart, as well.
Bananas are also a decent source of fiber.
The Nutritional Downside Of Bananas For Cats
On the other hand, bananas are also pretty carb heavy, and if you’re currently in a battle to get your cat down to their ideal weight, carbs can be the enemy.
Additionally, cats are best suited to a protein-based diet, so adding regular bananas to feeding times doesn’t seem like the smartest way to go.
Bananas also contain sugar, which is a substance that cats struggle to digest. So that’s another mark against bringing bananas into the regular feline dining circle.
Should Cats Eat Bananas As A Snack?
Yes, cats can indeed eat bananas as a snack, so long as you get the okay from your vet.
Bananas are not toxic to cats, so if you find your favorite feline stealing a bit of your banana, there should not be any immediate danger or health concerns.
So if you want to try out banana as a quick snack for your cat, cut off a tiny piece first or mush up some banana in a bowl and see if they show any interest.
If you find that your cat seems really into the idea of scarfing down bananas, be cautious. Remember, a small piece of banana on occasion can be okay. However, due to their carb and sugar content, bananas should not become a regular part of your cat’s diet.
Has your cat ever tried a bite of your banana? Did they like it? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
