Cornstarch is a common food additive because of its versatility. Soups, sauces, and desserts all benefit from its ability to thicken. Most people will already have it on hand in their pantries. Most people will already have it on hand in their pantries.
But it’s loaded with sugar and other refined carbohydrates.,and has no redeeming health benefits, though you won’t need too much cornstarch anyway.
Have you, as a cat owner, ever wondered if cornstarch is safe to give to your pet? In a nutshell: yes, but don’t go overboard.
Because it lacks essential nutrients, cornstarch is not something you should feed your cat on a regular basis.
In this piece, we’ll delve deeper into the safe and appropriate dosing of cornstarch for feline companions.
Can Cats Eat Cornstarch?
There are a few reasons why cornstarch isn’t a good choice for a cat’s diet. The main cause of this is that cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they can’t survive without eating meat proteins and can get by with very little (if any) plant matter.
Cats do not need to consume cornstarch because it is a byproduct of processing grain.
Carbohydrates, such as cornstarch, when consumed in excess can cause gastrointestinal distress and diarrhea, as well as weight gain and the development of diseases related to obesity, such as diabetes. In general, however, feeding your cat cornstarch will not harm them.
Processed and cooked food starches, such as cornstarch, are highly digestible by all animals, including obligate carnivores like cats.
Since cornstarch is easily digested and rarely causes gastrointestinal distress, it is a viable ingredient in cat food.
Because of its lack of essential nutrients, cornstarch should not be consumed alone as a replacement for food.
Is there starch in cat food?
Most dogs and cats aren’t allergic to corn, and cats can digest starch at 40% to 100% of the human rate.
Most people think of corn as a nutritionally worthless filler when they hear that cat food contains it.
Since cats can digest cornstarch, it’s fine to feed it to them in moderation (since corn does have some nutritional value).
It can be difficult to know what to feed your cat due to the conflicting information available on the use of cornstarch in cat food.
Since cats must eat meat in order to survive, some experts say it’s not safe to feed them any kind of grain, while others disagree and say it’s fine.
In the end, it’s best to feed your cat a complete and balanced food that caters to its natural carnivorous diet.
Is Cornstarch Healthy for Cats?
In and of itself, cornstarch isn’t something a cat should eat. However, one study suggested that compared to other sources of carbohydrates, cornstarch may be less allergenic to canines and felines alike.
The allergenic potential of cornstarch was found to be significantly lower than that of corn flour.
Hydrolyzed protein foods, which are fed to pets with severe food allergies and sensitivities, frequently include cornstarch as an ingredient.
Foods with hydrolyzed proteins have undergone extensive processing to the point where the immune system no longer recognizes the proteins contained within them.
By doing so, you prevent your immune system from reacting negatively to the food, which is the root cause of allergy symptoms like a rash or loss of hair.
Cornstarch, which shows a lower risk of being allergic to pets, can be a healthy addition to cat food as it is an effective thickener and binder. Large amounts of cornstarch, however, are not good for your cat’s health.
Does Cornstarch Have Other Benefits for Cats?
Cornstarch and cornstarch-based products have other uses for your cat.
Baby powder made from cornstarch or even just plain cornstarch is used by some people. Cornstarch can help absorb oils and minimize greasiness in your cat’s fur if you brush it through his or her coat.
This is helpful for cats whose skin is naturally oily due to poor grooming habits or medical issues, but it’s unnecessary for most cats because it can cause their skin to dry out too much.
If you’ve fallen behind on your cat’s grooming, you can also use it to help detangle their hair and remove mats.
Cat litter boxes can be deodorized with cornstarch or products made from cornstarch. Cornstarch can be added to the litter by simply sprinkling it in and stirring it in.
It can help absorb excess moisture and trap odors, making your litter box cleaner and smelling better. While carbon and baking soda are more effective, commercial litter deodorizers aren’t always necessary.
Can cats eat corn flour?
While corn flour won’t harm your cat, it won’t do much for its health either. Corn flour, naturally, originates from corn, and as we’ve established, cats do not experience an allergic reaction to corn.
Corn flour contains protein, fiber, and vitamins because it is made from finely ground whole kernel corn. Corn flour is not a necessary part of a cat’s diet.
No harm will come from your cat licking corn flour off the counter, but it’s best to keep it out of reach so it doesn’t eat too much of it.
Can you use cornstarch on a cat’s fur?
If you have a longhaired cat like a Ragdoll or Persian, its hair may become tangled.
Cornstarch, unexpectedly, can be used to detangle and remove mats. The mattified region needs only a light dusting (not too much) and a slicker brush to be restored to its smooth state. You wouldn’t believe how well it functions.
Coconut oil can also be used for this purpose, but it will leave a greasy residue that will necessitate a bath for your cat. Bathing a cat can be a hassle unless your feline friend enjoys getting wet. It’s best to keep things easy on you and your cat.
Final Thoughts
It’s safe to experiment with small amounts of cornstarch if you’re curious about whether or not your finicky cat will eat it. Since cornstarch has no nutritional value, there’s really no point in giving it to your cat.
We’ve established that these additives aren’t necessary for a cat’s diet. In the end, it’s best to feed your carnivorous cat only high-quality food made especially for it.
Some experts say it’s fine for cats to eat cornstarch, while others say a cat’s digestive system isn’t designed to handle it. This is because cornstarch is made from corn.
In addition, we feel it’s important to mention that your veterinarian is a good place to go if you have questions about what foods to avoid giving your cat. If you’re unsure about giving your cat a new food, it’s best to check with your vet first.