By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Corn Pops are a sweet, puffed corn cereal made by WK Kellogg Co in the United States. Their light crunch and size make them easy to bat around the floor. A cat that eats one or two is unlikely to come to harm. But this cereal is mostly sugar and corn, and there is no reason to make it a habit.
Key takeaways
- Corn Pops are not toxic to cats, but they are not a good food for them.
- The manufacturer's label lists milled corn, sugar and corn syrup as the first three ingredients.
- Cats lack a working sweet taste receptor and do not need sugar.
- Extra calories add up fast for indoor cats. Cornell notes obesity is the most common nutritional problem in cats.
- Mild vomiting or a soft stool are the most likely effects of a bigger serve.
- Related reading: body condition scoring for cats, weight loss tips for cats.
What is in Corn Pops
According to the WK Kellogg Co SmartLabel page for the US product, Corn Pops contain milled corn, sugar, corn syrup, and 2 percent or less of molasses, salt, vegetable oil (hydrogenated coconut, soybean and/or cottonseed), mixed tocopherols for freshness, annatto extract for colour and wheat starch, plus added vitamins and minerals. Products sold in other countries can differ, so check the pack.
For a cat, that means:
- Sugar, corn syrup and molasses. Three forms of sugar with no benefit for a cat.
- Milled corn and wheat starch. Carbohydrate that a carnivore does not need.
- Vegetable oil. A small amount of extra fat.
Why sweet cereal is a poor fit
Cats are obligate carnivores. The RSPCA explains that their bodies are built around a meat-based diet and they cannot use plant foods the way dogs can. Research in PLoS Genetics found cats lack a functioning sweet receptor, so sugar does not even register as a treat. Cornell recommends that treats stay within 10 to 15 percent of daily calories, and sugary cereals fill that space with empty energy. Over time, extra weight can contribute to diabetes and arthritis in cats.
Signs to watch for
After a few pieces, most cats show nothing. If your cat ate a larger amount, watch for:
- vomiting
- soft stool or diarrhoea
- reduced appetite for its next meal
- a bloated or uncomfortable belly
When it is an emergency
Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 if your cat:
- ate a cereal mix that contained chocolate, raisins or nuts
- keeps vomiting or has diarrhoea for more than a day
- is lethargic, hiding or seems in pain
- is choking, gagging or pawing at the mouth
Do not make your cat vomit at home.
How vets help
Bring the box or a photo of the label. For a few pieces of plain Corn Pops, your vet will usually recommend monitoring. If your cat is unwell, your vet may examine it and offer supportive care. If your cat is overweight or always hunting for snacks, your vet can work out a safe weight plan.
Prevention and alternatives
- Store cereal in a sealed container in a closed cupboard.
- Pick up stray pieces after breakfast, especially if kids eat at the table.
- For a crunchy reward, use a commercial cat treat or a few pieces of your cat's own kibble.
- Try a puzzle feeder or treat ball for play that does not involve human food.
FAQ
Are Corn Pops poisonous to cats?
No. They are simply full of sugar and offer nothing a cat needs.
Can I give my cat a Corn Pop as a toy?
It is better to use a cat toy. Cereal pieces get eaten, and a habit of snacking on human food is hard to break.
Is the hydrogenated oil a problem?
The amount in a piece or two is tiny. The bigger issue is the overall sugar and calories.
Could eating sweet cereal give my cat diabetes?
A few pieces will not. Diabetes in cats is linked with obesity, so a steady diet of extras is the concern. Talk with your vet if you notice your cat drinking or urinating more.
Talk with a vet
If your cat is gaining weight or always after table food, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- WK Kellogg Co SmartLabel. Kellogg's Corn Pops Cereal.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. Do cats have special nutritional requirements?.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Obesity.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feline Diabetes.
- Li X, et al. PLoS Genet. 2005;1(1):e3. Pseudogenization of a Sweet-Receptor Gene Accounts for Cats' Indifference toward Sugar.
- Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia, 1300 869 738). Animal Poisons Helpline | 24/7 Pet Poisoning Advice.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.