Cat Tips

Can Cats Eat Popcorn?

Fact Checked
Key Points
  • Cats can eat plain, airpopped popcorn in moderation
  • Avoid feeding popcorn with butter, seasonings, or unpopped kernels due to health risks like digestive issues and choking hazards
  • Popcorn should be an occasional treat, not a regular part of a cat’s diet

Corn dates back 10,000 years to modern-day Mexico. Fossil evidence from Peru suggests that corn was popped as early as 4,700 BC, and thousands of years later it continues to be a popular treat! The popcorn industry in the United States alone is valued at over $1 billion annually.1 This shouldn't be too surprising; any movie-watching experience is incomplete today without a tub of popcorn.

Can Cats Eat Popcorn?

Cats can eat plain, air-popped popcorn. But before going ahead and sharing a tub of popcorn with your cat, there are a few more things you should know. For example, how much popcorn is safe to give to a cat, and what happens if a cat eats too much popcorn.

Do Cats Like Popcorn?

Cats are often intrigued by the foods they see their families eating. But not every cat enjoys the same treats. There is no way to know for sure if your cat will enjoy popcorn, but if you have unseasoned popcorn, feel free to give your cat a piece to taste test.

Is Popcorn Good for Cats?

The low-calorie count can make it a healthier snack for humans wanting a lighter treat. Popcorn also contains fiber which can help lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, improve digestion, and help prevent constipation in humans. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage and has low glycemic levels which can make it a good snack option for individuals with diabetes.2

While we humans can get these benefits from eating popcorn, can a cat get all of these same benefits?

Health Benefits of Popcorn for Cats

Popcorn is essentially empty calories for a cat, even in its plain air-popped form. It provides little to no nutritional value for our felines, so although air-popped popcorn isn't likely to be harmful, it's best to stick to a normal meat based diet.3

Risks of Popcorn for Cats

Potential risks can include:4

Butter - Butter is high in fat and can cause a cat to experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Additives - The salt, seasonings, and flavors added to popcorn can be harmful to cats and can lead to digestive upset, dehydration, and other health issues. Keep in mind that garlic seasoning is toxic to cats and should never be added to popcorn that you plan on sharing with your pet.

Choking hazard – If your cat is snacking on a bowl of popcorn, watch and make sure that they do not eat any raw or unpopped kernels. The kernels can pose a serious choking hazard for your pet.

Dental Concerns - Hard kernels may cause dental problems or damage to a cat's teeth, issues which can be expensive to treat, and cause financial strain to pet parents. Pet insurance can help pet parents with the cost of eligible bills, providing additional financial support for unexpected vet bills. Learn more about whether pet insurance covers dental.

How Much Popcorn is Okay for Your Cat?

It's fundamental to understand is that your cat is carnivorous. So, most of their nutritional requirements should be fulfilled from meat and other protein-based cat foods. Popcorn should not be a part of your cat’s regular diet but can be given as an occasional treat. When sharing popcorn with your cat, limit them to no more than 2-3 small popped kernels. Read this article for more diy pet treat ideas.

What Can Happen if Your Cat Eats Too Much Popcorn?

The extra salt, butter, oils, and spices in popcorn can cause digestive tract issues for your cat. If you end up feeding a lot of popcorn to your cat or if they end up eating too much of it, look out for the following signs and symptoms, and contact your vet immediately4 -

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Lethargy

  • Other indications of digestive distress.

Expert Insights From Spot

Offering your cat a taste of your favorite foods might seem harmless, but it's important to remember that not all human foods are safe for pets. Spot's internal data reveals that pet insurance claims for dietary indiscretions average $642*, emphasizing the necessity of thorough research and caution when treating your cat with human foods.

Conclusion

If you want to offer your cat popcorn occasionally as a fun treat; stick to plain, unsalted, air-popped popcorn. This may not be the most nutritious treat for your cat but if your cat loves the texture and smell, then a tiny bite is okay sometimes.

Article author Vishal Jain

With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.

Sources

*Claim reimbursement examples are based on administrative data from 2019 to 2024. Actual reimbursement amounts may vary depending on plan type and options, including annual limit, co-insurance, and annual deductible, as well as the specifics of the claim and your policy terms.

  1. “United States Popcorn Market...Industry Share, Size, Growth,” Mordor Intelligence, 2024, www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-popcorn-market.

  2. "Health Benefits of Popcorn," WebMD, 14 Sep. 2022, https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-popcorn.

  3. Mitchell, Sandra. "Can Cats Eat Popcorn?" Pet MD, 1 Dec. 2023, https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/can-cats-eat-popcorn.

  4. Taylor, Chad. “Can Your Cat Snack on Popcorn?” Daily Paws, 12 Aug. 2024, www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-nutrition/what-can-cats-eat/can-cats-eat-popcorn.

The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.

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