My cat has this habit of tasting each and everything out of curiosity but this combination of curiosity and innocence cost me her health so I prefer to thoroughly check her diet. I am sure I am not the only cat owner with this issue that’s why you readers are here!
Being an avid lover of corn I usually often bring corn home but one day my curious cat just jumped onto the table and started eating the husk part. I was terrified and that’s what brought me to the topic ‘can cat eat corn husk?’
No, cats cannot eat corn husk. Cornhusk is not dangerous or deadly for the cat but it can be harmful to the digestive system of your cat. it can lead to stomach issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. This can also lead to intestinal blockage. Such problems will automatically affect their other body function.
This answer hence leads us to more questions like if the corn husks are toxic for a cat or what should I do if my cat eats it. By the end of the article, you will be able to decide if you should feed your cat with corn husk.
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Why Do Cats Eat Corn Husk?
Cats might eat corn husk due to their curiosity but this doesn’t mean it is good for them. They can also confuse it with a toy which makes them take a bite from it!
Cornhusk is the green leaves of the corn plant which is basically discarded. It is non-edible for omnivorous creatures like humans.
Yes, even humans can’t consume it. Sometimes, corn husk is used as a wrapper for a dish tamal. Still, it is not edible.
The corn husk is a kind of grass but that doesn’t make it appropriate for cats. She doesn’t know if it is good for her or not. All she is wants is some taste!
They might throw up after eating it. Though most of the cats eat corn rather than corn husk and it is edible too.
Make sure they have not taken a big part!
Can Corn Husk Hurt Cat?
Yes, corn husk can hurt your, cat or say the roughage can hurt your cat. Being from the grass family the husk obviously contains a good amount of roughage and that thing makes it indigestible for them. It can cause ingestion, excessive drooling, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Now when you bring a corn home it’s obvious to share the same with your kitty. You can share your corn but not the corn husk it is edible neither for humans nor for cats. So, you should not feel bad if you are not serving it so.
Carnivorous creatures have a strict intestine hence; they need to have proper diet. This doesn’t mean they cannot have vegetables but it should be in limit. Corn husk is not the biological food of cat so it is not recommended.
Can Cats Eat Corn Silk?
No, cats cannot eat corn silk. Actually cats can only eat corn among all parts of corn plant. Corn silk is hair like structure present at the tip of the corn which is non-edible for carnivorous animals like cat.
These hairs like structure can act like a foreign object in the body which may also block their intestine hence inviting many other problems.
Apart from this it is not digestible and may sit in the stomach of the cat.
In such cases it is better to keep serving cat some food to soften the silk for ejection. If she is facing problems like stomach aches and vomiting then it is recommended to visit a vet.
Interestingly, little corn silk is used in medicines for cats with bladder problem.
Can Cats Eat Corn Stalk?
No, cats cannot eat cornstalk or the stem of corn plant. It is harmful to the cat and might cause health issues.
Cornstalk can cause the following problems in cats;
- Vomiting
- Excessive drooling
- Weakness
- Increased heart rate
- Abdominal pain
If after the incident you feel any such symptoms consider talking to the vet to avoid any severe problem.
Is Corn Husk Toxic To Cats?
No, corn husks are NOT toxic! No foods of the grass family are toxic or say no such cases have ever been registered. But it is still harmful to the digestive corner of your cat.
Now you must be feeling relaxed at least your cat has not consumed any toxic. But beware every body organ is connected which can make the matter serious.
Cornhusk might not be toxic but can definitely cause indigestion in your cat which can make your cat weak. The corn husk mainly leads to excessive drooling or vomiting. In rare cases, it can also lead to intestinal blockage. In such cases, it is best to visit a vet.
What Happens When A Cat Eats Corn Husk?
Cornhusk being grass has excessive roughage in it which can cause many digestive problems.
Following are some of the digestive issues that can be caused by corn husk in the cat:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach ache
Being a carnivorous animal the digestive system of your cat will say no to excessive roughage though they need some roughage for proper digestion they can get such an amount of roughage from their biological food flesh and meat.
Are Corn Leaves Poisonous To Cats?
No, corn leaves are not poisonous to cats. Corn leaves are none other than the corn husk so do not get confused between the vocabularies.
Now you must be thinking that the term ‘poisonous’ is already mentioned in the previous subheading as toxin then why I am repeating it?
Well, poisonous and toxic are not the same. A toxin is biological while poison is artificial.
Cornhusk are not poisonous to cats but the usage of fertilizers might become dangerous for them
Basically, grasses are neither toxic nor poisonous for cats.
What Should I Do If My Cat Eats Corn Husk?
Ingestion of Cornhusk should not be worrisome but it is better to consult a vet if your cat eats corn husk. It will not harm your cat in the worst way but precautions are necessary.
Cornhusk being roughage will make your cat’s digestion bad. It may cause diarrhea, loss of appetite, excessive drooling, and vomiting. In the worst case, it can cause intestinal blockage. Common symptoms of intestinal blockage can be; vomiting and stomach discomfort. Keep observing your cat.
In such a case it is better to run to the vet rather than experimenting with self-medication as it can make the case worst.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats taste corn husk?
No. cats cannot even taste the corn husk. Why would you give a carnivorous animal taste of grass! What if your cat ingests a large bite. In any case, the corn husk will make your cat’s stomach ill.
Should I take my cat to the vet even if she is not having any symptoms of indigestion?
Yes, you should take your cat to the vet even if she is not showing any symptoms of indigestion. You don’t know what’s going on inside her body. Though if you have intentionally given her husk for a taste or she took a little bite in front of you then you can cool down.
Can cats eat tamales?
No, cats cannot eat a tamale. Tamale is still a corn husk. It is no better after steam.
Can my Kitten eat corn husk?
No, if the adult cat cannot eat the same then the little creature can’t digest the corn husk.
Conclusion
Your cat is innocent. So let’s make it clear that she cannot eat everything in fact even humans cannot eat everything.
Keep an eye on your cat and make sure she doesn’t eat everything lying in the house. For her, the thing or the corn husk will be a toy so she’ll not give a second thought before tasting it. thankfully, corn husk is not poisonous so it will not be deadly for the cat.
Don’t do self-medication, your little friend might need a vet.
Be quick with the responsibility.
