Can Cats Eat Popcorn?

Plain, air-popped popcorn is not poisonous to cats, so one or two pieces won’t hurt a healthy adult cat. But your cat doesn’t need it, and the butter, salt, and flavors we put on popcorn are the real problem. Plain and tiny is the only way to share it.

Why plain popcorn is okay but not great for cats

The ASPCA says air-popped popcorn is a healthy snack that avoids a lot of fat and salt. That is the version to think of as “safe enough” for a small taste.

Still, cats are built to eat meat. Cornell explains that cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely on nutrients found only in animal products. A cat’s regular complete and balanced food already gives it what it needs. Popcorn is just a snack with no real job in your cat’s diet.

Is buttered or salted popcorn safe for cats?

No. Movie-style popcorn is the kind most likely to cause trouble.

• Salt: The ASPCA says too much salt can cause extra thirst and peeing, and sometimes upsets the salts in the blood.
• Butter and oil: The ASPCA warns that fatty foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In some pets they can lead to pancreatitis, a painful swelling of the pancreas.

One stray buttered piece is unlikely to be an emergency. A handful from the bowl is a different story, so keep the bowl out of reach.

Other kinds of popcorn

Flavored popcorn (cheese, garlic, onion, ranch)

No. Many seasonings contain garlic or onion powder. The ASPCA says onions and garlic can irritate the gut and damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia, and that cats are more at risk. The Merck Veterinary Manual calls cats the most sensitive animals to these plants. It says some cats have gotten sick from less than a teaspoon of cooked onion, and that signs of anemia can take several days to show.

Chocolate or sweet-coated popcorn

No. The ASPCA says chocolate contains methylxanthines, which can cause tremors, seizures, and death in pets. Some sweet coatings may also contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener. The ASPCA says it can cause low blood sugar and possibly liver damage. Read the label, and see our guide on chocolate and cats.

Unpopped kernels

Skip them. None of the sources we read say kernels are safe for cats, so we can’t recommend them. Sweep up any that fall near your cat’s reach.

Signs to watch for after your cat eats popcorn

If your cat ate plain popcorn, just watch it for the next day. Based on the ASPCA’s warnings, look for:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Much more thirst or peeing than usual
• Tiredness or not wanting to eat

Call your vet if signs last or get worse, or if your cat is a kitten or has health problems. After garlic or onion, look for weakness, pale or yellow gums or eyes, and not eating, and call right away.

Better treats for your cat

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

Cornell says treats should stay under 10 to 15 percent of a cat’s daily calories. To see which foods are truly dangerous, read our guide to foods that are toxic to cats.