Can Cats Eat Cornstarch? [Risks & Benefits]

Cornstarch is a widely used ingredient in many dishes we love. It is used for desserts, thickening sauces, soups, etc. If you have a cat at home, you’re probably wondering whether you can share cornstarch-containing dishes with it. Not to worry, we are here to put you at ease!

Can cats eat cornstarch?

Yes, cats can eat cornstarch. While it is not ideally what pet parents feed their cats, it is not harmful to them either. Cornstarch contains high levels of carbs and calories. It is not as nutritious as you’d wish for your cat. Nevertheless, cornstarch is safe for feline consumption as long as it is served in moderation.

Cornstarch is one of those ingredients that isn’t required in large quantities while preparing a dish. It is also not toxic for cats. So, it is okay occasionally if you want to serve your cornstarch-containing food. There are still more aspects you’d want to understand before feeding your cat cornstarch. Continue reading to learn more!

Cornstarch for Cats

Cornstarch isn’t the first food option that comes to mind while feeding cats. But having a household cat means knowing whether you can share human food with it. As we mentioned above, cornstarch is a popular ingredient in many dishes. It is not toxic to cats but doesn’t offer a lot of nutrients either.

Nevertheless, cornstarch is rich in carbs and calories. Carbs have their share of benefits to offer cats. If you know cats, you know their obligate carnivores. They love their protein. But the carbohydrates present in cornstarch can help fuel your cat and keep it energetic throughout the day. Carbohydrates also spare proteins to produce energy, allowing them to upkeep the body tissues.

Additionally, cornstarch also has specific levels of iron, magnesium, and selenium, which are highly beneficial minerals for felines. Iron is required for red blood cells, magnesium regulates blood sugar levels, and selenium offers antioxidant properties.

Cornstarch is also very easily digestible by cats. Due to the starch, it is simple for both felines and canines to digest.

Can kittens eat cornstarch?

Yes, kittens can eat cornstarch. Kittens are younger animals but still have the ability to absorb starch. Being more active, kittens could use carbohydrates to fuel them during playtime! But monitoring their intake is essential to prevent your cat from overeating it. Occasionally adding it to their diet is a great way to boost your kitten’s energy.

Risks of Feeding Cornstarch to Cats

While cornstarch is not toxic for cats, it is still essential to serve it to them in moderation. There are various health risks associated with cats overeating cornstarch. The chances of your cat suffering from these health issues are relatively low, but as a cat parent, you’d want to avoid it all. Let’s take a look at some symptoms of cats overeating cornstarch:

If your cat has been overeating cornstarch more regularly, it may result in more issues such as:

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal discomfort
• Constipation 
• Loss of appetite
• Increased drooling 

There are also a few things that could happen if your cat regularly overeats cornstarch. These are serious:

• Increased blood sugar 
• Cardiac problems
• Food-borne diseases
• Increased gas and abdominal issues

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it is best to consult your vet immediately. It is wise to consult the vet before feeding cornstarch to your cat if it’s suffering from pre-existing health conditions.

Benefits of Cornstarch for Cats?

Interestingly, cornstarch has more uses than simply being an ingredient in various foods. Cornstarch can also be used on your cat’s fur. If you’re surprised by its different uses, we get it! Here are ways cornstarch can be a successful home remedy for cats:

Detangling: If you have a cat whose hair is prone to get tangled, cornstarch might just save the day! Applying cornstarch to the tangled part of your cat’s fur will help run the brush through it smoothly, detangling its hair.

Cat fleas: Cornstarch is helpful to keep fleas away from your cat. Cornstarch is a saver if your cat is at a high risk of catching fleas because of your surroundings. Cornstarch repels cat fleas. Moreover, it is not allergenic to felines and canines, so your cat will not have any adverse effects.

So, if you want to use cornstarch to help your cat resist fleas, just sprinkle some cornstarch!

Skin issues: Cornstarch is also helpful for cats by soothing irritated skin. If you notice your cat having skin issues like itching, cornstarch is a great way to relieve your cat from this. Simply mix cornstarch and rub it all over your cat’s body. Please wait till the mixture dries out and sticks to the body.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can my cat eat corn flour?

Yes, cats can eat corn flour. It is not a toxic ingredient for cats but doesn’t offer many health advantages either. Corn flour is prepared from corn, which is not known to be allergic to cats. Corn also contains significant amounts of fiber, protein, and vitamins. 

Please remember not to prioritize including corn flour in your cat’s diet. But if your cat ingests a little corn flour here and there, you’ve got nothing to worry about! It is best to immediately contact your vet if your cat has eaten a large amount of corn flour and exhibits symptoms.

Can my cat eat starch?

Yes, cats can eat starch. Cats are capable of digesting and absorbing carbohydrates rather well. Other mammals may require a certain amount of processing and cooking of the starch to consume, but cats can. However, this doesn’t mean they can eat as much starch as they want. It is vital to monitor your cat’s starch intake and only allow them to eat it occasionally. 

Can I let my cat eat flour?

Cats can eat flour, but it is not advised. While flour is not toxic to cats, it is essential to ensure that your cat doesn’t overeat it. Cats can digest and absorb carbohydrates. This also mainly depends on the type of flour-based food you’re serving your cat.

Can my cat eat modified corn starch?

Cats can eat whole grains such as oats, rice, millet, etc. Grain by-products like wheat gluten and modified cornstarch aren’t the best or most nutritional options for cats.

Conclusion

Cats can be picky eaters. So, if they like themselves some cornstarch-based food, it is tough to say no. As we said, cornstarch is not the ideal food to feed cats. It doesn’t hold that much nutritional value and mainly just contains carbohydrates. 

Carbohydrates are suitable for cats if they eat them in moderation. Carbs can help fuel your cat’s daily activities and give them more energy to play around. However, limiting your cat’s carbohydrate consumption is essential too. If your cat overeats carbohydrates, it could result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc.

So, keep these cornstarch-based foods as an occasional treat or snack idea. If your cat is suffering from previous health conditions, it is best to consult your vet before feeding your cat cornstarch.

Thanks for reading!