Food safety

Can Cats Eat Bananas?

Safe in small amounts — Bananas for cats.

Safe in small amounts

Why: Bananas are not toxic to cats. They are high in sugar and potassium, so they work as an occasional treat rather than a food — a cat has no nutritional need for fruit, and too much can upset the stomach.

Safe serving: One or two thin slices as an occasional treat. Treats should stay under 10% of daily calories.

If your cat ate bananas: No action needed for a few slices. If your cat ate a large amount, watch for vomiting or loose stools and call your vet if it lasts more than a day.

Related: Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Pumpkin

Why this verdict

Bananas are not toxic to cats. They are high in sugar and potassium, so they work as an occasional treat rather than a food — a cat has no nutritional need for fruit, and too much can upset the stomach.

Safe serving

One or two thin slices as an occasional treat. Treats should stay under 10% of daily calories.

If your cat ate bananas

No action needed for a few slices. If your cat ate a large amount, watch for vomiting or loose stools and call your vet if it lasts more than a day.

Related foods

Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Pumpkin

Check another food

Back to the Food-Safety Checker to check all 90 foods, or see the beginner feeding guide and the feeding estimator.

Before you use the result

Use the result as a starting point for observation and planning. Cats vary by age, body condition, temperament, medical history, and household setup.

Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, and the Cornell Feline Health Center — Feeding Your Cat. Chocolate toxicity figures are approximate values from the Merck Veterinary Manual. If your cat ate something on the toxic list, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.