Now, popcorn in general terms is no more than a super common commodity for film snacking or just to have casually when one needs one. Cats would, too, stick around if this is where the action goes down. Sniffing, trying to steal bites—the curiosity in general would most definitely be there. Well, now the question at hand would be: can they have popcorn safely?
While plain popcorn in itself is not toxic to cats, it is not nutritious for them either. Most types of popcorn also include butter, salt, and artificial flavorings that are toxic to your feline friend. This guide explores whether popcorn is safe for cats, the potential risks, and the best ways to handle a cat’s curiosity about this crunchy snack.
Is Popcorn Safe for Cats?
Plain, air-popped popcorn does not contain any toxic substance to cats; it is not encouraged, though, to be part of a cat’s diet. Being obligate carnivores, cats are supposed to feed on a meat-based diet. Foods like popcorn do not contain any nutritious ingredients that help or benefit felines. Giving the cat one piece of plain popcorn, it will do minimal damage; however, it is best to avoid giving them this snack altogether as a treat.
Some popcorn turns out to be very harmful to cats because of added ingredients mixed into them. The seasonings, butter, cheese, caramel, and flavor enhancers in most commercial varieties of popcorn will cause stomach disorders and many more health hazards when given to the felines.
Possible Risks of Popcorn in Cats
Even though plain popcorn is considered non-toxic, there are several risks one would be exposed to if feeding popcorn to cats.
Risk of Choking
The kernels are a potential choking hazard for cats, particularly to kittens and small cats. These hard, unpopped kernels may block the throat of a cat or may cause dental problems. Even fully popped popcorn may be uncomfortable to chew and swallow by some cats.
Digestive Problems
As such, a cat’s stomach is sensitive and solely designed to process meat-based proteins, not grains. Feeding them too much popcorn may cause stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or vomiting. Besides, some cats have a mild intolerance to corn and further digestion problems.
Seasonings Are Toxic
Most store-bought or microwavable popcorn includes added ingredients such as salt, butter, and artificial flavorings that are toxic to cats.
- Salt can lead to dehydration, and also an electrolyte imbalance.
- Butter and oils add an extra amount of fat, which can lead to stomach problems or obesity.
- Caramel and chocolate-flavored popcorn is toxic to cats, as it contains extremely high sugar content, added along with other toxic additives.
- Cheese-flavored popcorn may contain artificial flavorings and dairy products, to which most cats have a low digestion rate.
Corn Allergies
While most cat-processed foods contain corn in them, some cats do unfortunately have an actual allergy to the ingredient. If your cat just so happens to be allergic to corn, then popcorn will indeed cause symptoms such as itching, skin irritation, or even gastrointestinal problems.
What Happens If a Cat Eats Popcorn?
Generally speaking, there is nothing to worry about in case your cat ingested some plain, air-popped popcorn. However, flavored or buttered popcorn could cause a bout of digestive distress. It could include symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, or even signs of discomfort.
Although rare, if the cat ingests an unpopped kernel, this could lead to a choking incident or intestinal obstruction. If your cat seems distressed, is coughing, or choking, call a vet immediately.
How to Keep Popcorn Away from Cats
If you like popcorn and would like to make sure your cat stays safe, here are a few simple ways you can keep them away from popcorn.
Store Popcorn Safely
Store popcorn in closed pantries or containers where your feline friend will not be able to access it. If you leave a bag of open popcorn, your playful kitty may take a taste of it.
Snacks Not To Be Shared
If your kitty seems interested in popcorn, that is something you should not share with your pet. Give them some other reward, like freeze-dried meat or even a chicken piece.
If you are having popcorn while watching movies or working, then keep the bowl out of your cat’s reach. Sometimes the cats get curious and one piece might fall and be consumed without anyone seeing it.
Popcorn Healthy Alternative
You may give a crunchier treat alternative for your cats devised only for consumption of food in them, whenever you want them to snack on those.
| Excellent to Feed | Not Much |
| Cooked lean meats | Caramel or chocolate-covered popcorn |
| Commercial cat treats | Cheese-flavored popcorn |
| Catnip treats | Unpopped kernels |
Since such treats are healthier and more befitting of the cat’s nutritional requirements and digestive system.
Can Cats Eat Popcorn Flavored with Cheese or Butter?
Cheese and butter-flavored popcorn are not safe for cats. The cheese flavorings in popcorn contain dairy that may be hard on the cat’s digestion, hence could cause stomach upset. The grease in buttered popcorn is harmful and can easily result in obesity and stomach problems. Artificial cheese flavorings and preservatives are toxic to your cat’s health.
While one or two pieces of flavored popcorn for a cat won’t hurt, yet, one must try and avoid the chances of offering flavored popcorn in the future to their pet.
Can Kittens Eat Popcorn?
Kittens also shouldn’t get popcorn, as it will be even more sensitive to their systems than an adult cat. Younger kittens have a high chance of choking on food items they shouldn’t be eating, anyway, and can easily get away with just a diet of high-quality kitten food and pre-approved treats well into being an older kitten as well.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats Popcorn
Generally, in case your cat has taken only a small amount of plain popcorn, not much can be done but monitoring for the signs related to gastrointestinal disorder. If flavored or buttered popcorn, then look out for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
If your cat has ingested an unpopped kernel and is coughing, choking, or in distress from a lack of breath, see a vet immediately. A veterinarian will be able to find out if the kernel is stuck in the throat or lodged and causing an intestinal blockage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is microwave popcorn safe for cats?
Most of the microwave popcorn is seasoned with salt, butter, and chemicals used as flavor enhancers and will be toxic to cats.
Can cats eat air-popped popcorn?
Plain, air-popped popcorn isn’t toxic but doesn’t provide nutritional value and must only be given in extremely minimal quantities.
What if a cat has too much popcorn?
Too much popcorn can lead to digestive upset, which includes vomiting as well as diarrhea.
Are kernels of popcorn bad for cats?
Yes, in that the kernels are not popped and can choke and even cause intestinal obstruction.
Can cats have popcorn seasoned?
No, your cat should never be fed cheese, caramel, or artificially flavored popcorn.
