It’s natural to want to give your cat a treat every now and then. However, just because something is safe for humans doesn’t always mean it’s safe for cats. It’s always important to make sure, even in treats that seem harmless.

So, can cats eat popcorn? Well, yes and no. Certain types of popcorn can be safe, while others should not be given at all.

Is Popcorn Safe for Cats?

The way popcorn is prepared will determine if it’s safe for your cat. Plain, air-popped popcorn is generally safe for cats to eat in moderation. However, buttered, salted, caramelized, or cheese-coated popcorn can be harmful and bring more problems than benefits.

While a few pieces of plain popcorn won't harm a healthy adult cat, it shouldn’t be considered a regular treat or dietary supplement. Too much can interfere with a cat’s nutrition, especially since they thrive on a meat-based diet.

Does Popcorn Have Any Nutritional Value for Cats?

While popcorn has low calories, it doesn’t offer much nutritional value for cats. In fact, popcorn is largely irrelevant to a cat’s dietary needs. Cats rely heavily on good levels of high-quality protein to maintain healthy vision, support muscle growth, and enhance overall development. 

Adult cats need approximately 5.2 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight. Since popcorn doesn’t provide any, it’s not an essential part of its diet. So, while popcorn is not toxic in small quantities, it is nutritionally empty for cats.

Additionally, popcorn is high in carbohydrates. Consistently feeding your cat popcorn only contributes to weight gain and digestive issues, which are undesirable outcomes. 

If you’re looking to give your cat a treat, it’s best to stick with the staples.

Potential Health Risks of Feeding Popcorn to Cats

Even if plain popcorn isn’t toxic, there are several health risks to consider when giving it to your cats.

Choking Hazard

Popcorn kernels, especially those that are unpopped, can be a serious choking hazard. Cats may struggle to chew them properly, and large pieces can easily get lodged in the throat and cause digestive obstruction.

Digestive Upset

If a cat eats too much popcorn, it may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating, all of which are common signs of digestive upset. Flavored popcorn is even riskier, with oils, additives, and preservatives that can irritate the stomach and digestive tract.

Weight Gain

Popcorn has high levels of carbohydrates, which means that excessive consumption will lead to an increase in weight, especially if your cat is not that active. The snack only provides empty calories, which do more harm than good.

Toxic Additives

Common popcorn additives such as salt, butter, and other flavorings all cause a string of problems that do not contribute to your cat’s health. 

Excessive salt consumption can lead to serious health issues such as dehydration, seizures, and collapse. Popcorn with onion and garlic seasoning is also toxic, causing damage to a cat’s red blood cells, resulting in anemia.

Additionally, butter-flavored popcorn contains a compound called diacetyl, which can be harmful to cats.

Diacetyl inhalation through this has often been linked to a specific lung condition in humans called “popcorn lung.” This can have similar effects on cats, as diacetyl inhalation can also cause lung problems in cats.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats Popcorn

If your cat has managed to sneak a few pieces of popcorn, be sure to monitor them closely. For plain, air-popped popcorn, the risk is considerably less. 

Still, watch out for any signs of problems, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or overall discomfort. If your cat has consumed a large quantity of flavored popcorn, then it’s best to visit the clinic.