Can Cats Eat Corn?

A few plain corn kernels are unlikely to hurt your cat, but corn isn’t a food cats need. Cats get what they need from meat-based cat food. Plain kernels are a once-in-a-while nibble at most. The cob can block your cat’s gut, so keep it away.

Why corn isn’t a great food for cats

Cornell’s Feline Health Center says cats are obligate carnivores. That means they rely on nutrients found only in animal products. In the wild, their prey is high in protein, medium in fat, and very low in carbohydrates (starches and sugars). Corn is mostly starch.

That doesn’t make corn poison. The Merck Veterinary Manual says a limited amount of carbohydrates isn’t necessarily bad for cats. Corn also doesn’t appear on the ASPCA’s list of people foods to avoid feeding pets. But a complete and balanced cat food already gives your cat everything it needs. Corn only fills space where better food could go.

How to serve corn safely

If your cat wants a taste, keep it small and plain:

• Offer one or two cooked kernels, cut off the cob.
• Skip butter, salt, oil, and seasoning.
• Watch for an upset stomach, such as vomiting or loose poop, over the next day.
• Stop if anything looks off.

The ASPCA says too much of a food your pet isn’t used to can cause an upset stomach. Cornell says treats should stay under 10 to 15 percent of your cat’s daily calories. Merck also advises against giving table scraps.

Other kinds of corn

Is corn on the cob safe for cats?

No. Keep the cob away from your cat. The Merck Veterinary Manual shows corn cobs as a cause of blockages in the small intestine, the long tube where food moves after the stomach. The ASPCA’s veterinarians say corn cobs are at the top of the list of things dogs swallow that get stuck. Most of the evidence we found is about dogs. But Merck says cats can get blockages too, and blockages in any pet cause vomiting, tiredness, and not eating, and may need surgery.

Throw cobs away where your cat can’t reach them. Don’t give your cat a cob to chew on or play with.

Are corn husks safe for cats?

Don’t let your cat eat them. We didn’t find a veterinary source that talks about husks directly, so we can’t say how risky they are. Husks are stringy plant leaves, not food, and cats don’t need them. Merck says cats are more likely than dogs to get a blockage from long, stringy things such as string or yarn. If your cat swallowed a lot of husk and starts vomiting or stops eating, call your vet. Pull husks out of the trash before the cat gets to them.

Is cornbread safe for cats?

Not really. Plain cornbread isn’t poison. But it has no value for a cat, and it often has extras that can cause trouble. Check for:

• Onion or garlic. The ASPCA says these can irritate the gut and damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. Cats are especially sensitive to them. See our guide to foods that are toxic to cats.
• Salt. The ASPCA says too much salt can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even death.
• Butter and other fats. The ASPCA says high-fat foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in some pets, pancreatitis, a painful swelling of the pancreas.

Raw batter isn’t a good idea either. The ASPCA warns about raw yeast dough, which can swell in the stomach. Don’t let your cat lick the bowl. If your cat ate cornbread with onion or garlic, call a vet or a hotline.

What about the corn plant in my house?

The houseplant named “corn plant” (Dracaena fragrans) isn’t edible corn. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats. Signs include vomiting (sometimes with blood), drooling, not eating, and wide pupils. Call a vet if your cat chews it.

What to watch for after your cat eats corn

A few kernels usually cause no trouble. Call your vet if your cat vomits more than once, seems very tired, stops eating, or seems to hurt when you touch the belly. Those are signs of a blockage, according to Merck. Don’t wait to see if it passes.

Better treats for your cat

• Treats made for cats
• A few pieces of your cat’s regular food as a reward

Keep treats to about 10 to 15 percent of daily calories, and feed complete and balanced cat food for the rest. Many cats also beg for dairy, but that has problems too. See can cats eat cheese?