 If you're wondering if you can feed bananas to your cat, the short answer is yes. The long answer involves a look at feline nutrition and steps you should take to keep your cat safe and healthy. Sure, bananas are an appealing and healthy snack for humans, but what about our feline friends? Can cats eat bananas too? The short answer is yes, bananas are generally considered to be safe for cats. But before you let your cat go bananas on a banana, ha, it's important to consider the pros and cons. Namely, just because your cat can eat a banana, might not mean that he should. We paired up with the University of Missouri Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Service to find out more about feline nutrition and gain some expert advice on what's considered a balanced diet so you can feed your cat a diet that's healthy and meets all his needs. Do cats like bananas? That depends on the individual cat, but considering the fact that felines are notoriously picky eaters, most of them are not as interested in experimenting with new foods as dogs are. It's more, many cats are even scared of bananas. You've probably seen funny videos where cats get terrified by a harmless banana. Experts explain that this is because most cats dislike the ethyl acetate odor these fruits give away. In fact, rubbing banana peels on furniture can be a great trick to prevent your pet from clawing them. There's also the possibility that the shape of the banana reminds them of a snake and startles them. Are there any risks with feeding cats bananas? While the Clinical Nutrition Service says that banana is considered a non-toxic food for cats, it notes that there are caveats. First, good luck getting your kitty to eat one, cats are notoriously picky eaters and since they're naturally inclined to eat an only meat diet, you probably won't find that they're as interested as your canine companion. Second, bananas are only considered to be a safe, occasional treat for healthy cats. So if your cat has a health condition, such as diabetes, avoid feeding them bananas. Third, remember that no cat is the same and that their diets can vary a great deal when it comes to tolerating certain foods. The Clinical Nutrition Service explains, some cats may consume a particular food item with no issue, and another cat may consume the same item and develop vomiting, diarrhea, or other adverse signs. Lastly, keep in mind that the vast majority of your cat's calories should come from foods specially formulated to give him the nutrients he needs. Human foods like bananas should only be offered as an occasional, tiny treat, not a daily dessert option. How can I feed bananas to my cat safely? Taking into account the caveats above and feline nutritional needs, the Clinical Nutrition Service says to follow these steps to safely feed bananas to your cat if he's meowing for a bite. Ask. Talk to your veterinarian before giving your cat any new human foods, even if they're typically considered to be safe for pets. Your veterinarian is in the best position to advise on what your cat should eat. Calculate. To determine how much banana your cat can safely eat, you'll need to do a little math. The Clinical Nutrition Service says treats shouldn't account for more than 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake. For example, if your cat eats 250 calories a day, only 25 of those calories should come from treats. According to the FDA, one medium banana is around 110 calories. Cats vary in the amount of food they need to eat each day to maintain an ideal weight. If you aren't sure how many calories your cat needs or what his ideal weight is, visit with your veterinarian about developing a nutrition plan that's specific to your cat. Hello. This video is sponsored by Beemix Pets. Are you looking for high quality cat collars at an affordable cost? Check out BeemixPets.com. Use coupon code KittenLife, to get 20% off. Prepare. To prepare the banana for your cat to eat, first remove the peel, which could be difficult for your cat to digest. Cut up the banana into cat bite-sized pieces that are easy for your pet to manage, about the size of your cat's kibble. Or try mushing a tiny bit into a puree and sprinkling a top as food, if you're ready to put your culinary creativity to the test. Monitor. The Clinical Nutrition Service says that even foods that are considered safe, such as bananas, can have unexpected reactions, so watch your pet for signs of gastrointestinal problems like vomiting or diarrhea after trying new food. It's also a good idea to introduce only one new food at a time. That way, if your cat does start showing signs of illness, you can more easily determine the source of the problem. If you think your cat is having an adverse response to bananas, call your veterinarian. One are bananas bad for cats. So your brave little lion defied the odds, dove into his banana snack, and devoured it. It's rare but entirely possible, but before you start adding this into his daily diet, remember that nutrients are more important than treats, and bananas don't provide the kind of nutrients cats need. So while a small amount every once in a while probably won't hurt, too many bananas can cause diarrhea, allergic reactions, and even spikes in blood sugar that could lead to diabetes. Cats are sensitive to strange food. Digesting plant-based foods is a struggle for them, so feeding your feline friend bananas might cause stomach upset. Bananas have a high carb and sugar content. Cats lack the enzymes required for their digestion, which is why a healthy cat diet should contain no more than 2% sugar or carbohydrate. So, while a slice of banana here and there won't harm your cat, feeding them bananas frequently or in large amounts can raise blood sugar levels, which can lead to obesity and diabetes. The most common clinical signs of feline diabetes include constant urination, excessive thirst, lack of appetite, vomiting, and reduced mobility. Protect your vet right away if you notice any of these symptoms and keep your pet's age in mind, as cats are more likely to develop diabetes as they get older. Bananas also contain high levels of dietary fiber. Cats can't absorb some of the nutrients from bananas, they will only benefit from the fiber, which can bulk up the stool. Fiber is not considered an essential part if a cat's diet so the added benefits of bananas are limited. Finally, you should be extra careful because some cats can experience an allergic reaction from eating even a small portion of a banana. According to the Clinical Nutrition Service, even foods that are considered safe, like bananas, can have unexpected reactions. Symptoms of allergic reaction to bananas include itching of the mouth and throat, swelling, itchy rash, wheezing, narrowing of the throat, etc. If you're unsure whether your cat is getting the nutrients he needs from the food he eats every day, bring up your concerns with your veterinarian. They are ready to help you find good options for your pet. And don't be shy about asking which foods are considered safe for your cat, open, honest communication with your vet is key to keeping your cat safe and healthy. If you notice any symptoms or anything else that were mentioned earlier of the ordinary after serving a banana to your cat, be sure to contact your vet. Can cats eat other fruits? If you're having second thoughts about offering your kitty a banana, or they simply dislike the taste, you should consider giving them other cat safe fruits as a healthy snack. Some of the acceptable fruits for cats are blueberry, strawberry, watermelon, and apples, without the seeds and core. Some vegetables are also safe for cats, including carrots, spinach, green beans, zucchini, lettuce, and potatoes, without any added salt, seasonings, or butter. Pay attention to the quantity that you will feed your cat. Bananas aren't toxic to cats, but they contain a lot of sugar, which cats have trouble digesting. A piece of banana as an occasional treat will probably not harm your pet, but consuming it on a regular basis can increase their blood sugar levels, causing weight gain and diabetes. Too much banana can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your cat won't actually benefit from eating bananas. They'll be better off if you feed them healthy, meat-based snacks. Your vet is in the best position to provide advice on what your feline companion should eat. If you enjoyed this video, kindly press the like button. Also don't forget to subscribe with notifications on, so that you don't miss out on videos like this. Thank you for watching.