Can cats eat corn? Yes and no. Cats do not enjoy eating corn as a meal all the time. Corn can be harmful to cats, but it also has some nutritional benefits. Corn is frequently mixed with cat food as a filler, but not the main ingredient. The corn used in cat food is usually low quality, and it is well tested to make sure it does not affect cats in any way.
Is Corn Harmful to Cats?
When cats eat corn, they experience some side effects. Reasons why cats should not eat corn.
Corn is a carbohydrate.
Cats do not digest carbohydrates well. They are mainly used to eating meat and other animal products that contain protein. Carbohydrates have high sugar levels, which can spike the cats’ blood sugar causing various heart problems and death.
Poor food digestion
Corn contains phytic acid that hinders digestion and minerals like zinc and iron absorption. When the cat takes corn in large quantities or for an extended period, phytic acid will bring problems to the cats’ digestive system. It causes the cat to lose essential minerals and makes it malnourished.
Causes allergies and complications
Most cats are allergic to corn because of the sugar and phytic acid in the corn. The two elements trigger allergic reactions in cats. Some of the allergic reactions experienced by cats are scratching, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, and weight loss.
Can Cats Eat Corn?
Having listed why cats should not eat corn, vets agree that cats can also eat corn. Corn can be beneficial to cats if taken in the right quantities. Here are some of the reasons why cats can eat corn.
Corn contains fiber
Cats need tomatoes because they contain fiber. Fiber is an essential element because it controls digestion. Cats also need fiber to balance their blood sugar not to be so high or so low.
Corn has various nutritional vitamins
Corn contains different essential vitamins like vitamin C, phosphorus, and magnesium. Cats can eat corn from time to time to help them get these three vitamins to boost their nutrition.
Do you Know?
We’ve done our research for lots of foods and have vetted them if they are safe for your pets. Why not check out this article: Can Cats Eat Chicken?
Signs and Symptoms of Corn Poisoning in Cats
Too much corn on a cat might exhibit the following symptoms, which will show that your cat has been negatively affected by the corn. Here are some of the symptoms:
- Drooling
Cats that have corn poisoning are most likely to experience drooling. This is a condition where saliva unintentionally flows out of the cat’s mouth. As the cat owner, you should look out for this sign after your cat has had a lot of corn and take them to the vet for a check-up.
- Retching and vomiting
Corn poisoning in cats will cause them to hurl, and sometimes they might end up vomiting. If a cat keeps vomiting, you are advised to take them to the nearest veterinary clinic for diagnosis and treatment.
- Muscle weakness
Cats that have corn poisoning experience muscle weakness and lack of energy. The cat will be dull and might sleep at the same place for a long time. Because of the weak muscles, it falls back down when the cat stands up. The cat owner can notice this drastic change and should rush the cat to the vet.
- Diarrhea
Diarrhea can occur if a cat eats lots of corn. The corn can cause digestive upset and gastric upset, which will lead to diarrhea. Executive diarrhea will dehydrate the cat and interfere with the absorbent of essential nutrients and minerals salts.
- Loss of appetite
Corn can cause constipation and bloating, leading to a cat losing its appetite. When not taken care of early, the cat loses weight due to diarrhea and lack of mineral salts and vitamins since it is not eating enough food.
Cat owners should consult a veterinary doctor before feeding their cats with much human food, especially carbohydrates and vegetables. Big cats can handle it and recover if fed corn, but kittens experience severe adverse effects, leading to death.
