Can cats eat corn? You’re probably asking this if you’d like to share a bit of corn with your kitty, or if your cat accidentally got a bite from your plate.
The short answer is yes, cats should be fine if they eat small amounts of corn. However, it’s best left as a sometimes-treat for kitty, not as a regular part of their diet.
With summer here again, corn on the cob might be a part of your barbecue or seasonal celebrations. Keeping that in mind, let’s dig into the science behind whether cats can join in with the feasting fun and safely eat corn.
Is It Safe For A Cat To Eat Corn?
Good news first: Most cats can safely eat a bit of corn without showing any ill effects.
So if your feline happens to scoop up a piece of corn next time you’re grilling, there’s no need to panic; although, you do need to keep an eye out if you topped your corn with spices or seasonings that could harm your cat.
And as with almost all human foods, your kitty should only ever be eating it in moderation.
What Are The Nutritional Pros & Cons Of Cats Eating Corn?
Corn contains a decent amount of plant-based protein. For humans, the B vitamins in corn can help aid healthy vision, while its insoluble fiber can also assist with any digestion issues you might be having.
Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores who require a diet that’s mostly protein. So, as you may have guessed, corn will not provide enough protein to become a cornerstone of your cat’s diet.
Why Does Corn Appear On Cat Food Ingredient Lists?
You might have noticed that corn is often listed as an ingredient in your feline’s regular food.
Unfortunately, commercial cat foods aren’t packed with corn because of any health reasons or nutritional benefits; it’s just a cheap grain that’s used as filler in the food.
A high presence of corn in your kitty’s mealtime favorites can also be an indicator of a low-quality food. Your cat’s regular food should have very high meat content.
As mentioned, corn is not a substitute for the protein and nutrients your cat needs from meat.
Should You Let Your Cat Eat Corn?
While the idea of watching your cat nibble their way through an entire corn on the cob might sound amusing, in reality it’s best to keep corn away from your kitty.
Although, if they do manage to sneak a kernel or two, you don’t need to panic unless your cat shows obvious and immediate signs of an allergic reaction.
And if you’re really adamant about having a little corn in your cat’s routine, try considering switching to a corn-based litter.
Does your own cat love to chow down on an occasional kernel of corn? Has your kitty ever stolen a cob off your plate? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
