Can Cats Eat Corn?

Yes, cats can have a small amount of plain corn—emphasis on plain, though. 

Buttery corn, creamed corn, and heavily seasoned corn dishes are a different story because they’re often made with butter, cream, salt, or seasonings that can give your cat an upset stomach. Corn on the cob is also a no-go. The cob can be a choking hazard or cause a dangerous blockage if swallowed.  

Many commercial cat foods include corn, but that doesn’t mean the corn on your plate is a good snack. In pet food, corn is part of a complete, balanced formula; at home, plain corn should only be offered as an occasional treat.

If you’d like give your cat corn in treat form instead, these crunchy cat treats can be even more satisfying for your kitty: 

Even though it is safe in small amounts, corn isn’t especially good for cats. 

Cats are obligate carnivores, so corn doesn’t offer the kind of protein-forward nutrition they actually need. That said, it can provide some small benefits when given occasionally: 

• It has some fiber. Corn has some fiber so it can help support digestion in backed-up kitties. 
• It provides some nutrients. Corn has essential fatty acids that support skin and coat health and some antioxidants that can contribute to overall health. It also has a small amount of protein, though not as much as the meat-based foods cats need. 

While it provides some benefits in small amounts, corn can be bad for cats if the portion is too big or it’s prepared wrong. Here are some things to watch out for: 

• Corn on the cob: The cob is a choking hazard and obstruction risk and isn’t easy for cats to digest if they swallow part of it. 
• Canned or creamed corn: These versions are often too salty, too fatty, or packed with extra ingredients that make them harder on your cat’s stomach. 
• Seasonings: Butter, garlic, onions, and spice blends that are often used to season corn are not good for cats. 
• Too much at once: Corn is starchy and easy to overdo, and too much at once can lead to an upset stomach. 

Your cat should really only eat a few kernels of corn. Less than 1 tablespoon of plain, cooked corn per week is plenty, and even that is best split into just a few kernels at a time. 

A good rule of thumb is that all treats combined, including corn, should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. The remaining 90% should come from a complete and balanced cat food.

If you decide to give your cat some corn, here’s how to do it safely: 

• Use plain, cooked kernels only. 
• Let the corn cool first. 
• Skip butter, salt, cheese, and seasonings. 
• Never offer the cob or husk. 
• Keep the portion small. 

Corn isn’t toxic so overindulgence isn’t usually an emergency. If your cat ate too much corn, they’ll most likely end up with an upset stomach.

Watch for signs such as:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Low appetite
• Belly discomfort

Call your veterinarian if:

• Your cat ate the cob or husk.
• The corn was heavily buttered or seasoned.
• Your cat keeps vomiting or seems like they’re in pain.
• Your cat stops eating.

If you can’t get ahold of your vet and need quick answers, you can also call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Can cats eat corn on the cob? 

No, cats should not eat corn on the cob or chew on the cob itself. It can be a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage if swallowed. 

Can cats eat canned corn? 

It’s best not to feed cats canned corn. Canned corn often comes with extra sodium or other additives that can make it harder on your cat’s stomach.

Can cats eat creamed corn? 

No, cats should not eat creamed corn because it’s too rich and often contains ingredients cats don’t need, such as butter, cream, salt, or added seasonings. 

Can kittens eat corn? 

No, treats like corn should wait until your cat is at least a year old. After weaning, kittens should be eating nutrient-rich kitten food rather than snack foods or table scraps.