Can cats eat popcorn If you’ve been snacking on a bowl of popcorn while binge watching the latest TV series, you might have wondered whether you can share some popped kernels with your cat. If popcorn can be eaten by humans, can cats also eat it?
There isn’t a quick yes or no answer. While popcorn by itself isn’t toxic to cats, many of the toppings and additives commonly used on popcorn can be. Popcorn kernels can be choking hazards for cats.
As always Ask your veterinarian.Before you share human food with your feline friend, make sure to include popcorn. Here’s what you need to know about popcorn and cats.
Popcorn Is Okay for Cats to Eat?
Corn by itself isn’t poisonous for cats, and many commercial brands of cat food use it as a filler ingredient. While corn doesn’t really confer much in the way of vital nutrition to an obligate carnivore like a feline, it won’t necessarily hurt your cat to eat some.
So if you air-pop some popcorn at home, and restrain from putting any additional toppings on it — whether savory or sweet — then it’s probably okay to let your cat snack on a couple of bites if they show any interest in popcorn.
Some kitties even enjoy using popcorn as a toy!
Just consult your regular vet first if you do decide to add popcorn — or any human food — to your feline’s diet.
Popcorn for Cats: When is it safe?
The problem with popcorn and cats? Nearly all commercially manufactured popcorn comes with extra toppings and spices.
To maintain a healthy diet for your cat, avoid giving it popcorn that is salty, spicy, buttery, sugary, or both.
If you’re not air popping the popcorn without the addition of any extra oils, do not feed it to your kitty.
Also, if you’re living with a very young or very old cat, be aware that popcorn kernels can sometimes become choking hazards. You can either closely monitor your cat’s attempts to eat popcorn or you can be cautious and not give your cat popcorn.
Have you ever seen your cat munch on popcorn? Do you ever allow your cat to sneak a bite of your plain, air-popped popcorn snack? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
