Many humans experience a range of adverse effects when eating corn or recipes with corn in them. The most common reaction in humans is cramping sometimes accompanied by diarrhea. When it comes to whether cats can eat corn, the effects are a bit less noticeable.
If you choose to let your cats eat corn, start with a small amount. Observe them carefully over the next several days for any change in behavior, specifically more frequent scratching of the skin. If your cat shows no adverse reaction after eating corn, gradually increase the amount of corn you feed your cat each time. After each change in amount, observe your cat carefully for any symptoms.
Cats who have corn included as an occasional part of their diet can do okay as long as their diet includes enough meat and protein (tuna, salmon). The digestive track of a cat is short. It’s specifically made for the digestion of high protein meals like meat.
How Much Corn Can Cats Eat?
When it comes to figuring out how much corn cats can eat, it will depend on whether or not your cat has experienced any negative symptoms. If your cat seemed fine after eating a little bit of corn on several different occasions than it’s okay to feed your cat corn in moderation. Corn contains natural sugar and can sometimes be difficult to digest in large amounts. Cats need a balanced diet that includes protein and other nutrients to prevent malnutrition.
If your cat experiences any of the symptoms described in the next section, it’s probably better to refrain from giving your cat any corn or foods with corn in them. For cats that experience a negative reaction to corn, you will also want to eliminate any dry or canned cat foods that include corn as an ingredient.
Are Some Cats Allergic to Corn?
Yes, some cats are allergic to corn. In fact, corn or foods with corn ingredients is one of the foods cats are more often allergic to. It’s very likely that cats allergic to corn will have a more severe reaction to than described above.
Constant scratching of the skin is the most common sign of a corn allergy in cats and in dogs. Cats allergic to corn may experience one or more of the following additional symptoms after eating corn:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Can Cats Eat Corn on the Cob?
The same rules for corn apply to whether cats can eat corn on the cob. Cats who show any allergic reaction or symptoms to corn should not be fed corn on the cob either. But cats who show no symptoms can eat corn on the cob in moderation. It’s probably best not to let them actually eat the cob itself as it may be difficult to digest, especially for young kittens.
Can Cats Eat Cat Food with Corn in it?
One very common reason that cats and dogs are taken to the vet is for excessive scratching. Many times, one of the first recommendations from the vet will be to check your pet’s commercially prepared cat food to see if corn is one of the main ingredients.
Manufacturers of both canned and dry commercial cat food often use corn as a filler ingredient. Corn is a less expensive filler and this helps the companies cut their costs and make more of a profit.
Many dogs and cats are allergic to corn on top of it having very little nutritional value. Steer clear of pet foods with corn as a major ingredient to reduce potential health problems.