Though cats aren’t typically known to have a sweet tooth like some humans or dogs, they might be curious enough to have a lick of candy corn if they come across it. So, if your cat takes a nibble of this treat, is it toxic?
According to Ginger Watts Brown, DVM, DABVT, DABT, a veterinarian and director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, cats can eat candy corn (but shouldn’t!).
However, any amount of this sweet treat is likely to give your cat’s stomach upset in the form of digestive issues. If your cat eats candy corn, here’s what you should do:
Can Cats Eat Candy Corn?
Technically, cats can eat candy corn, but it’s not the best idea. The ingredients typically found in candy corn are a concoction of sugars, oil, and coloring—a far reach from your obligate carnivore’s natural diet.
“These ingredients are not normal components of a cat’s diet, so they would likely cause varying degrees of vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst depending on the amount ingested,” Brown says.
Whether you love or hate candy corn (we all know there’s no in-between), it’s best not to share with your feline friend.
Is Candy Corn Toxic to Cats?
Generally speaking, the ingredients in candy corn are non-toxic to cats, Brown says. Even sugar alcohols like xylitol, erythritol, and maltitol – which are often used as artificial sugars – aren’t toxic to cats (but they are toxic to dogs!).
“Xylitol is a popular sugar alcohol that is very toxic to dogs, causing low blood sugar and liver injury,”
Brown explains. “When cats eat xylitol, we do not see these severe signs. But xylitol can cause diarrhea in cats, so it should not be purposely fed to them.”
If you think your cat has gotten into your bag of candy corn, Brown says it’s important to keep a close eye on them.
Depending on how much candy they ate, they could experience everything from a mild tummy ache to vomiting and diarrhea. If there is continued vomiting, lack of appetite, or if your cat becomes lethargic—seek medical care right away.
Is All Candy Bad for Cats?
As we all know, candy isn’t good for cats. But did you know that some types of candy and other Halloween treats can be more dangerous than others?
If you think your pet has ingested something toxic, experts like Brown are standing by at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) and can help determine if your cat was exposed to a toxic amount of the substance and if a veterinary examination is needed.
Chocolate
Brown says that while cats usually prefer savory snacks to sweet ones, the majority of Halloween-related calls to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control are about pets getting into chocolate treats.
“Cats that eat chocolate candy could be at risk for a racing heart, arrhythmias, blood pressure changes, agitation, and in some cases tremors and seizures,” she says. “If your cat eats chocolate, it is important to seek veterinary advice.”
Raisins
We’re not entirely sure why grapes are toxic to pets, but we do know that they should be kept well out of reach of cats and dogs.
Ingestion of grapes is thought to cause kidney damage in cats, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep them away from all four-legged friends.
Candy Wrappers
Not only can candy be dangerous to cats, but the wrappers, sticks, and plastic bags they come with can pose a serious threat as well.
Swatting at your pile of candy wrappers may look harmless (and cute), but “if these are eaten by a cat, there could be a risk for an intestinal obstruction,” Brown says.
