Why
VCA lists bananas as a fine treat in moderation, but notes fruit is higher in sugar than vegetables. Cats can't taste sweetness the way we do, so many ignore it anyway.
How to serve bananas
- Peel and cut a thin slice into tiny pieces.
- Treat it as a rare extra.
Watch out for
- Too much sugar can upset the stomach.
- Not a good idea for diabetic or overweight cats.
How much bananas can a cat eat?
Treats of every kind should stay under 10% of a cat's daily calories. Here is that daily treat budget by size, and how much bananas it buys if bananas is the only treat that day. Bananas has about 89 kcal per 100 g; 1 medium (7" to 7-7/8" long) (118 g) is about 105 kcal.
| Cat size | Daily treat budget | Max bananas a day |
|---|---|---|
| Small cat (6 lb) | 18 kcal | 20 g (a quarter of medium (7" to 7-7/8" long)) |
| Average cat (10 lb) | 26 kcal | 29 g (a quarter of medium (7" to 7-7/8" long)) |
| Large cat (14 lb) | 34 kcal | 38 g (a third of medium (7" to 7-7/8" long)) |
Less is better for overweight or diabetic cats. Work out your own cat's numbers with the cat food calculator. Calories: USDA FoodData Central, Bananas, raw.
Other fruit: quick answers
| Food | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Citrus fruit | Avoid | Best avoided. Citrus oils and acid can irritate, though a small taste usually only upsets the stomach. |
| Coconut | Small amounts | A very small amount is unlikely to cause harm, but it can upset the stomach. |
| Peaches | Small amounts | A small piece of peeled flesh is fine. Never the pit, stem or leaves. |
| Watermelon | Small amounts | A little seedless flesh is fine. Remove the rind and seeds. |
| Grapes | Toxic | No. Grapes are on vets' do-not-feed lists for pets. |
| Raisins | Toxic | No. Raisins are on vets' toxic lists for pets, just like grapes. |
Rules for any new food
- Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
- Keep all treats under 10% of your cat's daily calories . The rest should come from a complete cat food.
- Check labels for onion and garlic powder, which turn up in stock, gravy, baby food and seasoned meat.
- If your cat has a health condition, such as diabetes, kidney disease or a sensitive stomach, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Frequently asked questions
Are bananas safe for cats?
A small piece now and then. Bananas are safe but high in sugar.
How much bananas can a cat have?
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a cat's daily calories. For an average 10 lb neutered cat that is about 26 kcal a day, or roughly 29 g of bananas if it is the only treat that day.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals, "Can You Feed Pets Certain Fruits and Veggies?"
- Pet Nutrition Alliance, "Calculating Calories Based on Pet Needs"
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy (April 2018 release)
Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.