Can cats eat popcorn? Popcorn is the ideal food for when you sit down to watch multiple episodes of a show in a row. This light and crispy snack are perfect for a movie night or a midday pick-me-up. In addition to its surprising health benefits, popcorn is a convenient pre-meal snack for folks who are limiting their calorie intake.
During a particularly exciting scene in one of our favorite shows, we may grab a large handful of popcorn and accidentally knock some of it to the floor. You might worry that your cat will become sick if he or she frequently leaps for them to eat.
Some “human foods,” or meals often consumed by humans, can have negative consequences on cats because of how they absorb these nutrients. However, a cat’s diet can benefit from the addition of numerous human foods that are not poisonous to them.
If you’re wondering if your cat can eat popcorn, here’s what you need to know:
Can Cats Have Popcorn?
So, can cat eat popcorn? To put it briefly, yes and no. Popcorn on its own is safe for cats, but adding butter and salt makes it dangerous due to the risk of choking and other health problems.
While the ASPCA does not include popcorn on its list of dangerous foods, the widespread use of butter and salt on popcorn does. Cats are obligatory omnivores, but their digestive tracts do not process grains the same way that ours do.
Carbohydrates… are not required by a cat’s metabolism or diet. Moderate consumption of grains is OK, but only if they are maintained to a minimum.
The microwaveable popcorn that is widely available is another issue with popcorn. However, perfluorooctanoic acid has links to ADHD and thyroid problems in humans. Thus, you should avoid many microwave bags.
Additionally, microwave popcorn has much fake butter. Inhaling diacetyl, a molecule present in artificial butter has links to lung illness in animals.
Related: CAN CATS EAT CATNIP?
Health Benefits of Popcorn
This crispy whole-food snack has many nutrients that are great for human health. Popcorn, as a whole grain food, is full of nutrients, say nutritionists. Popcorn contains a wealth of nutrients, including dietary fiber, and vitamins B1, B3, and B6. Moreover, it also has minerals like zinc, magnesium, and potassium.
Antioxidants namely polyphenols are present in popcorn. They have a relation to better circulation, fewer gastrointestinal problems, and a lower risk of prostate and breast cancer. Many different fruits and vegetables contain polyphenols, although the concentration of this substance is typically low. This is because of the presence of water. Due to popcorn’s low water content (only 4%), eating it is like ingesting a highly concentrated dose of this helpful cancer fighter.
Can Cats Eat Corn?
Don’t give your cat corn if you season it with salt and butter, just like you wouldn’t give it to a human. But there are particular textures that cats prefer.
Corn is a whole grain that you can safely consume in the form of cornmeal, polenta, oats, barley, and whole wheat breadcrumbs. If you prepare them thoroughly, these healthy meals are easier for a cat to digest and provide some nutritional value.
However, a diet consisting primarily of animal meat is the healthiest option for your cat.
FAQs: Can Cats Eat Popcorn?
Can Cats Eat Popcorn With Butter?
Butter, salt, caramel, and many spices and condiments, including garlic, can all be harmful to your cat’s health.
Is Popcorn Safe For Cats?
Cats can safely eat regular popcorn. But it can cause suffocation if they swallow it. Furthermore, it has little nutritional value for cats and shouldn’t be included in your cat’s diet.
Can Cats Eat Buttered Popcorn?
When they eat in small quantities, one or two pieces of buttered popcorn are not expected to cause any sort of harm. However, it has high carbohydrate and fat content and relatively low protein content. This makes butter popcorn an inappropriate human diet for cats. As an added health hazard, inhaling diacetyl from pre-buttered popcorn can lead to respiratory issues.
Can Kittens Eat Popcorn?
It is better to avoid feeding popcorn to kittens.
Parvaiz Yousuf is a senior SEO writer and editor with an experience of over 6 years, who also doubles up as a researcher. With an MSc zoology degree under his belt and possessing complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge, he works as a science journalist for a US-based website and Asian Scientist (A Singapore-based magazine). He also works as Director of Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund YPJK since 2018. Besides, he has several publications to his name on cancer biology and biochemistry in some reputed journals such as Nature & International Journal of Molecular Sciences, & magazines such as Science Reporter, BUCEROS BNHS, and has an abiding interest in ornithology. He also worked as a Research Associate for JK Policy Institute.
