No, cats should not eat corn on the cob because of its potential risks.
Corn is considered both a cereal grain and a starchy vegetable. It is high in carbohydrates, vitamins, potassium, and folic acid that can benefit humans. However, the same cannot be said about cats. These animals are obligate carnivores that rely on animal-derived meat and fat to function properly.
Since corn is packed with other nutrients cats do not need, it’s best to only offer it once in a while and in moderation. You can let your feline pet enjoy a few pieces of plainly cooked corn kernels, but never give her the entire cob. Munching on the hard cob can accidentally cause various health complications. It can damage her teeth and jaw, block her airway passage, or cause obstructions in her digestive system.
What to do if your cat accidentally eats corn on the cob: Check to see if the cob has any missing chunks. If there are, observe if your cat is choking. Signs include retching or gagging, coughing, distress, salivation, pawing at her mouth, blue mucous membranes, and rubbing her face against the ground. If possible, try to remove the piece that’s lodged in your cat’s mouth or throat. Do so by carefully swiping it with your finger. Do not poke your finger down her throat or it may push the piece further.
In addition, find out which ingredients were used to cook the cob. If you suspect there are harmful ingredients present, speak with your vet immediately while watching for symptoms of poisoning. She may experience vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, twitching and fitting, difficulty in breathing, and shock or collapse. Also, keep an eye out for skin inflammation or swelling, depression or coma, and changes in her drinking, urinating, and appetite.
In summary: With your vet’s consent, small amounts of corn can be occasionally offered to your pet cat. Never leave an entire corn on the cob for her to eat as this may cause accidents. Discover which other human foods you can safely feed your pet cat by reviewing our “can cats eat” blog category.
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