Has your cat eaten some popcorn? Are you worried the popcorn will make her sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to help and understand it’s scary when our feline fur babies eat something they shouldn’t.
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In this article, we’ll take a look at popcorn and whether or not it can make your cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is Popcorn?
Popcorn is a huge favorite when it comes to snacks in the US. Many people enjoy it while watching movies, as an afternoon snack, and more. Did you know that popcorn is an ancient food? Back in 1948, Herbert Dick and Earle Smith found some small heads of corn and individually popped kernels in a cave in New Mexico. When carbon dated, the corn was found to be over 5,00 years old!
Popcorn can be healthy for humans, depending on how it’s made and served. Popcorn is classified as a whole grain food, which has lots of great fiber that humans need. In addition, popcorn does contain some nutrients, including B1, B6, B3, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. It also contains polyphenol antioxidants, which provide a host of health benefits for humans.
Humans can safely enjoy popcorn; however, can popcorn make cats sick?
Popcorn and Cats
The good news is that popcorn, alone, is not toxic to cats. However, it can be a choking hazard and can cause some health issues due to the oil, salt, toppings, and butter it may contain.
Cats don’t process grains very well. This is because they’re obligate carnivores, which means they mostly eat protein, not fruits and veggies. Plus, cats don’t require carbohydrates in their diet.
If your cat happens to eat one or two pieces of popcorn, chances are she will be OK. However, the problem to be concerned with is if your cat happens to eat popcorn that contains a lot of butter, salt, or toppings that are toxic to cats.
So, if your cat has eaten a large amount of popcorn, it’s probably a good idea to call the vet. She may be OK, but it’s better to err on the safe side.
Is popcorn ever OK for cats? Well, it’s OK to give your cat a few pieces of air-popped popcorn, which doesn’t contain salt, butter, or other toppings. She can enjoy a few pieces, but not more as an occasional treat.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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