Disclaimer: Always check with your vet on what “human foods” your cat can and cannot eat as information may vary based on their dietary needs and health conditions.
Cats can eat corn in small amounts, and it’s even a common ingredient in some cat foods. Corn offers some fibre and protein, but it’s not nutritionally essential for cats. Cats are obligate carnivores, so their diet needs to focus primarily on meat-based proteins.
Read on to learn more about whether cats should be eating corn, how much is too much and better alternatives to corn.
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Is corn good for cats?
Corn isn’t harmful to cats, but it doesn’t offer much nutritional value for them either. While it does contain fiber, carbohydrates, and some essential nutrients, cats don’t actually need these in their diet. Corn-based fillers are sometimes used in cat food, but they mainly serve to add bulk, not high-quality nutrition.
In small amounts, plain corn (without any added salt, butter, or seasoning) can be a safe occasional treat for cats, but their diet should still be primarily protein-rich, coming from meat sources.
Is corn bad for cats?
Corn isn’t inherently bad for cats in small amounts, but it’s not particularly beneficial either. A small taste of plain, cooked corn is safe for cats, but feeding them too much could lead to digestive issues, since their systems aren’t designed to process high levels of carbohydrates. This could eventually lead to obesity, diabetes and even an allergy to corn with repeated exposures over time.
Cats are obligate carnivores, so a diet heavy in grains like corn can dilute the nutrients they actually need. For the best nutrition, stick to high-protein, meat-based foods for your cat, and offer corn sparingly, if at all.
Which is why at Petchef, we ensure that all the ingredients that go into your cat’s meal is made for obligate carnivores! All the meals tailored for cats contain:
It’s completely free of preservatives, additives, fillers and grains! If you’d love for your cat to eat the food they were born to eat, come have a chat with our friendly pet nutritionist to find the ideal meal for your pet
How much corn can a cat eat?
A small bite or two of plain, cooked corn is generally a safe amount for cats, but even this should only be given occasionally. For most cats, a piece about the size of a kernel or two is more than enough.
Cats don’t need corn in their diet, so it’s best to keep it to an occasional treat. If you notice any digestive upset (like gas or diarrhoea) after they’ve had corn, it’s best to avoid giving it again.
How to tell when a cat has had too much corn?
If your cat has eaten too much corn (or fruit), they may show some digestive symptoms or other signs of discomfort. Here’s what to watch for:
- Digestive upset: Diarrhoea, loose stools or vomiting
- Lethargy: Your cat seems more tired than usual if their stomach is bothering them
- Reduced appetite: They might avoid food (even their favourite treats) if they’re feeling bloated or nauseous
- Excessive drooling: This can happen if they feel queasy
- Dehydration: They might lose fluids from diarrhoea or vomiting, so watch for signs of dehydration, like dry gums or reduced skin elasticity.
If your cat shows any of these signs, keep them hydrated and avoid offering any more corn or treats for a day or two. If symptoms are severe or don’t resolve within 24 hours, it’s best to consult your vet for advice.
How often can cats eat corn?
Cats can eat corn very sparingly—ideally, only as an occasional treat. Once every few weeks is generally a safe frequency if your cat enjoys it. However, corn isn’t nutritionally necessary for cats, so if they skip it altogether, that’s perfectly fine and actually healthier.
It’s best to keep corn as a rare, small treat to avoid any digestive issues or imbalances.
How to feed your cat corn?
If you want to give your cat corn as an occasional treat, here’s how to do it safely:
Always remember that corn should only be a small part of a cat’s diet, and their primary nutrition should come from high-quality, protein-rich cat food.
Bonus: are corn products good for cats?
Short answer: NO.
Canned Corn, Sweet Corn, Popcorn, Corn Chips, Corn Dogs, Cornbread, are all processed forms of corn that highly likely contain additives, preservatives and seasonings that could be harmful to your pet. Plus, snacks like popcorn can easily result in choking as it’s rough on the intestinal tract.
While they’re not highly poisonous (unless they contain harmful ingredients like chocolate, caffeine, onions, garlic, chives, and leeks), they shouldn’t be offered as treats but they may not be too harmful if your cat sneaks a bite.
