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If you just opened a bag of popcorn, your cat may be curious to see what you’ve got. Some cats are naturally curious about human food; some are keen to have a bite, while others may just want to play with it. Popcorn is a popular snack for us humans, but is it safe for your feline friend?
The answer has arguments on both sides. Plain popcorn is not toxic to cats as such, but is also not something cats should have. Most cats are unlikely to be drawn to popcorn, but they can generally eat one or two plain popped kernels without experiencing any ill effects. On the other hand, the additives and toppings commonly used in making popcorn can be harmful to your cat’s health, not to mention, it’s empty calories at the end of the day, and may lead to an upset stomach. Unpopped kernels may even pose a risk for choking in some cases.
Before offering your cat any popcorn, here’s what you need to know.
Is Popcorn Safe for Your Cat to Eat?
Corn is present as a filler in many commercial cat foods. Therefore, your cat might be already eating corn, but in a very different form from popcorn. So is there a way you can offer popcorn safely to your cat, now and then as a rare treat?
Although not a great idea to offer popcorn in the first place, plain popped popcorn, one to two kernels, can be generally safe for most cats in strict moderation.
Serve it Plain
Popcorn may contain additives and toppings such as onion, garlic, caramel, butter, salt, and other spices. These products can cause health issues for your cat with some being toxic, depending on the amount. Popcorn can also be very salty and make your cat extremely thirsty.
Therefore, you could offer a small plain popped kernel but don’t make a habit out of it. But remember, popcorn provides absolutely no nutritional value to your cat, and if they eat too much, it can certainly lead to signs of a stomach upset.
Serve It as a Rare Treat
Popcorn has little or no nutritional value to your cat. Your cat may find the texture more appealing than the taste, and play with it rather than want to eat it. Therefore, serve it as a very rare treat in moderation and plan to give your cat other nutritional treat options instead. Never give them unpopped kernels.
Popcorn Risks for Your Cat
Whilst not strictly toxic, there are a few problems that popcorn may pose for your cat. Being so lightweight, cats may accidentally inhale popcorn or end up with bits and pieces stuck in the soft mucosa inside their mouth and esophagus.
If we’re talking about flavored popcorn, butter and salt are certainly not healthy options for our cats, and other additives like caramel, chocolate, sugar, or seasonings can result in digestive upset or even weight gain if eaten regularly.
Corn vs. Popcorn
In commercial cat food, corn is listed in many instances as an ingredient. Corn as such can act as a carbohydrate energy source, source of soluble fiber and a filler.
Corn provides carbohydrates that are converted to energy, but as such are not considered essential for cats due to them being obligate carnivores. Excess carbs are not suitable for cats as it may lead to long term health issues. Your cat should be eating complete and balanced cat food based on animal protein.
Popcorn doesn’t contain the essential nutrients that cats need. Therefore, consider healthier and more appropriate treat options for your feline. Because of this, popcorn is not a necessity and while one or two popped kernels eaten accidentally are unlikely to cause any serious health issues, it really isn’t something your cat needs or benefits from in any way.
What Should You Do If Your Cat Eats Popcorn?
Once you notice your cat has eaten some of your popcorn, closely monitor them for any choking. Although rare, if it happens, it will be immediately after chewing on popcorn or unpopped kernels. If they swallow it without difficulties, for the next 24 hours you’ll also need to observe them and their toilet habits for any gastrointestinal signs such as diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, excessive thirst or lethargy. Ensure your cat is eating and behaving normally or otherwise reach out to a vet for advice.
If you want to speak with a vet but don't want to leave home, you can head to PangoVet.com. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your cat — all at an affordable price!
Summary
While a piece or two of plain popped popcorn is unlikely to harm your cat, it’s not entirely risk free. Popcorn has no nutritional value for your cat and should only be served as a small rare treat, if any. If you still wish to offer your cat popcorn, make sure it’s plain, air-popped without any extra toppings and additives and make it one or two, not more. Supervise them when eating.
If your cat is showing any signs of discomfort or distress after eating popcorn, do not hesitate to reach out to your vet for advice.
Learn more about what your cat can and can’t eat:
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
