No, banana plants are not toxic for cats — this is according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). It is also indicated that banana is non-toxic for dogs and horses.
Since bananas are safe for cats to eat, is it okay to include them in their daily diet? Know more about bananas and cats in this article.
Can Cats Eat Banana?
Yes, cats can eat bananas. However, bananas are only considered a safe, infrequent treat for healthy cats. If your cat suffers from a medical issue (such as diabetes), avoid giving them bananas.
Bananas may be also difficult for cats to digest. Since they are carnivores, their bodies lack enzymes that can completely process a plant material in their stomachs.
Bananas are abundant in vitamins and minerals, but they are not good for a cat’s digestive system. Although a small amount will not endanger your cat, eating too many bananas may cause GI issues such as constipation.
A cat’s nutritional requirements should be complemented with more appropriate cat food. Fruits, vegetables, and grains are not necessary for a cat’s balanced diet.
It is important to know that not all cats are the same. Some cats may ingest a certain food item without problem, whereas another cat may consume the same thing and develop vomiting, diarrhea, or other negative symptoms.
What is a Banana?
Banana plant is a Musa species from the Musaceae plant family. Although they may reach the heights of trees, banana and plantain plants are not wooden, and their visible “stem” is formed up of the bases of the massive leaf stalks. Therefore, bananas are technically enormous herbaceous plants.
Some Musa species like M. Basjoo Sieb. & Zucc. endemic to Japan and M. ornata Roxb., native from Pakistan and Burma, are grown only as ornamental plants or for fiber. M. textilis Nee which is commonly found in the Philippines is grown only for its fiber, prized for strong ropes as well as tissue-thin tea bags. The so-called Abyssinian banana, Ensete ventricosum Cheesman, formerly E. edule Horan, Musa ensete Gmel., is grown in Ethiopia for fiber and staple foods derived from the young shoot, stem base, and corm.
Keeping Cats Away From Banana
Keeping your cats away from your plants will not only protect them but will also safeguard your plant from possible damages that your cat can do to your plant. Restricting your cat’s outside activities will keep them safe from potentially toxic and harmful plants.
Keep your cats engaged and mentally stimulated indoors to reduce the likelihood of their straying.
Plants to Avoid For Your Cats
If you are a cat owner and unsure if the plants growing in your yard are harmful to your cats, check out this list of toxic plants for cats. You can also check our list of non-toxic plants for cats.
