Can Cats Eat Bananas? Or Other Banana-Related Foods?

Can Cats Eat Bananas

Can cats eat bananas? Banana bread, banana peels, banana chips, banana peppers, any form of banana? Let’s find out…

Are Bananas Bad for Cats?

In a nutshell, bananas are not good for cats, no.

One of my cats is the kind of cat that will nibble on almost anything, and this includes bananas.

So, I’m never surprised to hear other people say the same, although it’s not the kind of food that cats really gravitate to.

Bananas are high in sugars and carbohydrates though, and this is a huge problem for cats. Cats just don’t require much carbs in their diets.

In fact, just 0-2% of their diets need to be carbs. So, even a small nibble on a banana is going to give them their carb fix, not to mention the various other ingredients in bananas that aren’t necessary and can potentially cause issues.

Cats lack the enzymes needed to digest and use a lot of plant food sources. They are meat eaters, and would not eat any plant-based foods and fruits in the wild with meat on the table.

So, the results of eating banana can be anything from an upset tummy and diarrhea, which isn’t pleasant for you or your cat I’m sure you’ll agree, to more painful and possibly fatal problems.

Can Cats Eat Banana Peels?

Can Cats Eat Banana Peels

This is a question I seen throw around. I’m not sure if it’s because people want to use the peels for something, or because cats can find them in bins…

Either way, banana peel is worse than the banana itself for cats. The texture of the peel is too rough and can cause a blockage on top of the fact that it doesn’t have the nutritional value a cat needs.

If your cat has eaten some banana peel you might end up with a sick kitty. I’d keep a close eye on them for the next 24 hours or so.

And, if they are scavening peels and other scraps out of your kitchen or outside bins, get a cat-proof bin!

Can Cats Eat Banana Chips?

Keeping in mind that banana is not a good food for cats to be eating. Banana chips are slices of dried banana, often covered in sugar or honey and fried.

Sounds yummy to me, but doesn’t sound like something a cat should be eating, does it?

Keep your banana chips locked away from your cat, that’s my advice. I’m sure a lot of cats will take the opportunity to eat some given the chance, so don’t give them the chance.

Can Cats Eat Banana Peppers?

I love banana peppers. They are mild chili peppers that are used in all kinds of dishes. A lot of which I bet you are not even aware as you’re eating them.

They are also pretty tasty just eaten raw, so it’s no surprise that people have them around the home where cats can potentially find them.

Should you be worried if you think your cat has eaten some banana pepper? I don’t want to scare you, but it’s potentially very dangerous for cats to eat any form of pepper.

Peppers contain a substance called Glycoalkanoid Solamine, which is potentially harmful for cats.

If you’re sure your cat only had a tiny nibble I’d just keep an eye on them for the next 24 hours or so.

Any more than a nibble and I advise you giving your vet a call for a professional opinion.

Can Cats Eat Banana Bread?

Can Cats Eat Banana Bread

This is another question that relates to me and my cats. I often make a banana loaf if I have bananas that are over ripe and need using.

Again, and I’m sure you’re seeing a theme in this article, banana bread, banana cake, banana loaf, whatever you make with black overripe bananas is not to be consumed by your cat.

There is literally no reason for them to be eating banana breads and cakes. There is no nutritional value for them, they are just treating themselves to foods they shouldn’t be eating.

It’s our jobs as owners to make sure that our cats are well looked after and given a nice balanced diet.

That doesn’t mean no treats. It just means treats and foods appropriate and good for our kitties health.

In Summary

I hope you found this article, ‘can cats eat bananas’ helpful and interesting. Please drop me a note if you have any feedback or questions.

You’ll find plenty more helpful and interesting cat-related content over in the blog.