Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

Can cats eat popcorn? Read this before movie night

What happens if your cat eats popcorn? Find out here

By
Cat with head in a bowl of popcorn
VektorSport / Shutterstock

What’s better than a movie night with your best friend? How about an at-home one with your furry friend curled up on your lap? You may also have a bowl of popcorn on your lap. What happens if your cat snags a piece? Is popcorn toxic to cats? Can cats have popcorn? You’ll want to understand the answers to these questions, especially if popcorn is a staple in your home. Some foods, such as onions and chocolate, aren’t safe for cats.

What about popcorn? Beyond being a crunchy, quintessential movie night snack, popcorn is surprisingly healthy for humans (especially sans added salt and butter). Popcorn is a source of B1, B3, and B6 vitamins and minerals, such as zinc and potassium. Cats can benefit from these? Yes, but their regular food contains what they need to thrive. Can cats have popcorn anyway? Unlike chocolate (a no-go), the answer is complicated.

Recommended Videos

Can cats have popcorn?

Cat eating popcorn off a board
ROMAN ODINTSOV / Pexels

The ASPCA doesn’t list popcorn as toxic for cats. You’re likely OK if your cat snagged some out of your hand like an adorable but pesky little thief or you accidentally dropped some on the floor. However, you’ll want to avoid intentionally letting your cat eat popcorn. While this delicious snack is a good one for humans, popcorn poses some health hazards for feline friends, such as:

  • Disease risk. Popcorn often contains butter and salt. These add-ons aren’t great for humans, raising the risk of issues like heart and kidney disease (but enhance the taste). Ditto for cats.
  • Popcorn also has excess calories. Cats that regularly consume too many calories are at a higher risk for weight issues like obesity.
  • Popcorn has grains. A feline’s digestive system is distinct from ours (we’re omnivores), and their bodies are designed to get nutrients from a particular source. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get their nutrients from animal flesh. They don’t need carbs. While a grain here and there is generally OK, too much can cause issues, including tummy aches.
  • PFOA and PFAS. Many packaged popcorns contain “forever chemicals.” Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). Scientists are still learning about these chemicals’ effects on cats and humans. However, research, including from the AVMA, indicates that these chemicals may have endocrine-disrupting effects.
  • Choking. Cats can choke on the kernel. If your cat begins to choke on popcorn, seek emergency care immediately.

Closing thoughts

White cat looking at popcorn on a counter
Lizavetta / Shutterstock

Popcorn isn’t considered toxic for cats, but the snack is unnecessary and can pose health risks, including upping the chances of developing digestive issues or choking. As carnivores, cats don’t need grains, which popcorn has. The butter and salt on many popcorn pieces aren’t great for human or kitty health, and the snack can contribute to excess caloric intake (and unnecessary weight gain).

Related

Your best bet is to avoid giving your cat popcorn and stick to a regular diet of food and treats specifically for cats. Speak with your pet’s vet before letting them eat any human foods, and if you’re concerned about your cat’s health after they eat something, like popcorn. Increased thirst, lethargy, and decreased appetite may indicate your cat is severely reacting to something they ate. Quick care can increase your odds of the best outcomes.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
BethAnn Mayer
BethAnn Mayer
Contributor
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
Can cats and pet birds coexist? 7 tips for keeping pets safe and happy
It's not unheard of to see these two species be friends
A white tabby cat with green eyes stands looking out a window

If you're familiar with Looney Tunes, you know the famous duo comprised of Tweety Bird and Sylvester the Cat. They were popular cartoon characters until recently, though they may have also helped spread the stereotype of a vindictive cat-and-bird relationship that we know and love today.

But can cats and birds live together? It's only normal to speculate. While it seems like birds and cats could easily occupy different spaces and avoid each other's presence, the reality of cat and bird households can look very different. You'll want to know this about cats and pet birds living together and what you can do to make it as peaceful of an experience as possible for everyone involved.
Can birds and cats live together?

Read more
Can cats eat bread? What to know before you feed this snack
Cats can eat bread, but should they?
A cat in a chef's hat in front of bread

Sometimes, you can remove items hazardous to your cat's health from your home, such as daffodils. However, certain food products, like coffee and grapes, may be more challenging (or impossible) to nix from your lifestyle.

Bread is also often a kitchen table staple. The versatile carb is accessible and easy to dunk into soups, used for a sandwich, or topped with avocado. Your cat will likely be around bread throughout their lives. Is bread a threat to a cat's life? Can cats eat bread? Some foods, like chocolate, can present severe health issues for cats. Others, like broccoli and carrots, are considered safe. Which list does bread fall into? The answer is complicated. Here's what to know about whether bread is toxic for cats and if handing over a slice might improve their health.
Can cats eat bread?

Read more
A quick guide for the people food cats can (and can’t) eat
Discover which foods can go onto your table and your pet's plate
Black cat looking at a dinner plate

When you're cooking dinner, does your cat stand in the kitchen sniffing at the air? Pets often want to share some food off our plates, but it's important to make sure that any snack you give them is safe for them to eat. Occasional treats of people food for cats are fine, and they may even help expand your kitty's palate. But there are also some foods you definitely should not feed your cat. While it's safest to stick to traditional cat food and cat treats, here's some people food cats can eat and a few foods they should not.
Is it OK for cats to eat people food?

Human food should never replace their main meals because cat food has been specifically formulated for felines. Instead, any table scraps need to supplement a balanced diet. Even if everything in their bowl is fine to eat, they might wind up getting too much fat or not enough protein from your dinner. Too much of any one thing could also upset their tummy.

Read more