Can Cats Have Popcorn? Can You Offer Popcorn As A Snack?

There are times when my cat becomes my partner for a cozy movie night. We share the same interest in movies. We both enjoy watching a good thriller, and I’ve often noticed that my cat shares my choice of snacks as well. 

Often, I have noticed my little one aim for my ice cream bowl or my bowl of popcorn. However, I have always wondered whether I should share it with my cat. Is it a good idea? Is it healthy for them? Can cats have popcorn? 

Here’s what I found out. Cats can have popcorn; it is not toxic to them. However, when combined with the wrong ingredients or served in a big portion, it can cause health concerns. 

Why Is My Cat Obsessed With Popcorn?

Why do cats like popcorn? Cats are mostly obsessed with food that smells good. And I don’t have to explain how a freshly popped bag of popcorn smells, which is why they find it attractive. More so, if it is cheese or butter popcorn.  

Felines are always attracted to fatty foods. Plain popcorn tastes bland, but they might still eat it for that crunchy texture.  

Can Cats Have Popcorn?

As I mentioned earlier, cats can have popcorn. However, there are certain things to keep in mind. This is only true for plain popcorn. Your feline friend can have freshly made popcorn regardless of age or breed.  

However, popcorn with toppings such as caramel, salt, butter, chocolate, or garlic can cause serious health issues. Giving your feline butter popcorn can cause diarrhea in them. Giving them fresh popcorn is okay, but it should also be in limited amounts. 

Why Is Butter Popcorn Harmful For Felines?

Popcorn is not high in calories, but adding cheese or butter to it can increase its fat and cholesterol content.  

Giving them greasy food can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and vomiting. Moreover, giving them butter popcorn regularly can cause heart disease, weight gain, and clogged arteries.  

Can Cats Eat Popcorn With Salt? 

Salt adds flavor, but it is toxic to cats when given in large amounts. Salt toxicity can cause them to gag, vomit, and lose their appetite. Moreover, it can cause lethargy and tremors.  

However, can popcorn kill cats? Well, if the dose is too high, it can. It can kill a cat within 24 hours.  

An average-sized cart needs 42 milligrams of sodium per day. And oil-popped butter popcorn contains around 109 mg of salt.

Here is a list of different types of popcorn, along with their salt content. 

1. Air-popped: 1 mg 

2. Air-popped with butter: 45 mg 

3. Oil-popped: 97 mg 

4. Oil-popped with butter: 109 mg 

5. Low-fat microwaved: 54 mg 

6. Oil-popped and microwaved: 88 mg 

7. Popped in low-fat oil: 67 mg 

8. Cheese popcorn: 98 mg 

Is It Okay If My Cat Ate Popcorn? I Mean Store-Bought Popcorn?

Now that you have the answer to whether cats can have popcorn, it’s time to see what kind is safe for them. Most pre-packed popcorns contain salt, butter, and artificial flavors, which are harmful to your cats. Some of the store-bought popcorn even contains: 

1. Microwaved popcorn contains perfluorooctanoic acid and causes hyperthyroidism. 

2. Moreover, the artificial butter flavor contains a component known as diacetyl that impacts cats’ neuromuscular and respiratory health. 

Giving them a few kernels once in a while would not get them sick, but it is always better to avoid it. If you are wondering is it okay if my cat ate popcorn, then it is best to give them home-made popcorn without any flavors. 

Alternatives To Popcorn 

There are various other healthy treats you can share with your cats that will not cause them any health issues. Additionally, you can offer them various meat-based treats and vegetables as well.  

If you’re wondering what vegetables cats can eat, there are some that they might love, such as carrots and cucumbers. Here is a list of healthy foods you can give your cat as a snack. 

1. Plain cooked meats like chicken, beef, fish, turkey, and ham 

2. Pineapple 

3. Bananas 

4. Watermelon 

5. Blueberries 

6. Strawberries 

7. Apples 

8. Peas 

9. Plain or cooked eggs 

10. Sweet potatoes 

However, it is always recommended to consult a vet before you include something new in your feline’s diet. All cats are different. Something that works for your neighbor’s cat might not work for you. 

Does Popcorn Have Any Health Benefits?

A cup of air-popped popcorn has around 30 calories. Moreover, it is cholesterol-free. This can be a good snack for overweight cats, but it does not have any significant health benefits.  

Popcorn contains iron, calcium, fibre, protein, carbohydrate, fat, sugar, and some vitamins, but in very low quantities. Plants are basically carnivorous animals, and this kind of plant-based food does them no good.  

However, some veterinarians often suggest chewing on popcorn to help clear up tartar deposits and improve dental health. 

What Are The Risk Factors?

What happens when you give your cat popcorn? Here are some of the drawbacks of giving them popcorn, so you can make an informed decision accordingly. 

Accidental Choking 

Popcorn can clog a car’s air filter because of its shape and texture. Certain breeds, such as Scottish Folds, Persians, and British Shorthairs, are more prone to choking due to their flat facial structure and the way they consume food. 

Digestive Tract Condition 

Unpopped kernels are difficult to digest, and kittens who like to eat those often gorge, which can cause them gastric problems. Moreover, it can cause digestive issues, including constipation, bloating, and anorexia. 

Fibre Overdose 

Cats are carnivorous species and don’t need fibre. Popcorn is rich in fibre, so giving it to them too much can cause gastrointestinal issues and malabsorption in felines.  

Loss Of Tooth 

Unpopped kernels can hurt their dental roots if they chew on them too hard. It can fracture their teeth, dislocate them, and cause chipped teeth. 

Moreover, some cats often suffer from grain or corn allergy, which might cause some of these symptoms: 

1. Lack of appetite 

2. Red, itchy eyes 

3. Loose stools 

4. Unnatural shedding and inflamed skin 

5. Sudden weight loss 

Allergies can cause anaphylaxis, and in some extreme cases, it can cause death. Can cats have one piece of popcorn? Yes, they can. And this is what you should do if you are starting to introduce them to your feline friend. 

When Corn Is Okay, Then Why Not Popcorn? 

Most commercial cat foods contain grains, primarily cornmeal and corn. Corn is not costly and is easily available as a source of fibre for pet foods. Moreover, it is like a bonding agent that holds food together. 

But cats get their vitamins and proteins from meat. This is why proteins, corn, and other vegetables fill up space in their stomachs without providing them with the required nutrients. 

So, if you are wondering how much popcorn can I give my cat, or can cats have popcorn, it is safe to say a few pieces without any seasoning will be good. However, avoid it when your cat is sick or pregnant.