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Pet safety

Is Popcorn toxic to cats?

Zea mays var. everta 'Strawberry Popcorn'

Non-toxic to cats

No — popcorn is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Popcorn is a variety of Zea mays, which the ASPCA classifies as non-toxic; the toxic 'Corn Plant' on the ASPCA list is the unrelated Dracaena fragrans. Note that hard un-popped or partially popped kernels are a choking and tooth-fracture hazard, so keep dried cobs out of pets' reach.

Is popcorn toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is popcorn toxic to cats?

No — popcorn is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Popcorn is a variety of Zea mays, which the ASPCA classifies as non-toxic; the toxic 'Corn Plant' on the ASPCA list is the unrelated Dracaena fragrans. Note that hard un-popped or partially popped kernels are a choking and tooth-fracture hazard, so keep dried cobs out of pets' reach.

Is popcorn safe for cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists popcorn as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A cat that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.

Is popcorn toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Popcorn is non-toxic to dogs as well. See the full popcorn pet-safety guide for both species.

What other plants are safe for cats?

Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a cat home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best cats-safe plants list to check more before you buy.

Full popcorn pet-safety