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We all love corn. And why not? Corn on the cob is soft, sweet, and buttery. Just the sight of it can make our mouths water. However, did you know that even cats like corn. This might make you wonder whether corn is good for your feline friend. The answer is yes. In fact, corn is present in many cat foods. It is packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Continue reading to know the importance of corn for cats.
Since cats are omnivores, they need a high amount of protein to support their bodily functions. Hence, corn alone is not enough. One medium ear of corn contains 3.5 grams of protein. And cats need at least 2 grams of protein per pound of body weight.
If your cat is around 8 pounds, they require 16-gram protein at the least. Basically, your cat might have to eat at least 4 or 5 medium ears of corn. And doing that would increase their calorie intake. Hence, corn can only be a part of your cat’s day-to-day diet, not the whole meal. That being said, here are a few benefits of including corn in your cat’s diet:
Carbohydrates might not be the most vital nutrient for cats; however, it is highly digestible. This ensures that your fur baby feel energetic throughout the day. When your cat gets enough carbs, they do not have to use protein to produce energy. Proteins available in their body can focus on their primary role--muscle and tissue growth.
Corn is packed with fatty acids which maintain skin health and prevent inflammation. These fatty acids must be supplied through a balanced diet because your cat cannot produce them in their body.
Antioxidants are essential for cat health since they minimise damage to cells. Vitamin E optimises a cat’s T-cell activation, whereas beta-carotene increases antibody levels and improves vaccine recognition. Here's good news for you: corn is rich in both!
Corn is included in cat food formulas in various forms, such as ground corn, corn meal, corn grits, corn gluten meal, and corn bran. When reviewing the ingredients list on cat food packaging, you may see one or more of the following corn ingredients:
Corn ingredient | What it is |
Ground corn or corn meal | Finely ground and chopped whole corn |
Corn grits | The portion of ground corn containing little or none of the bran (fiber) or germ (the small protein portion at the end of the kernel) |
Corn bran | The outer coating of the corn kernel; largely fiber |
Corn gluten meal | A dried protein source that remains after the corn’s bran, a large portion of carbohydrates, and germs have been removed |
As a cat owner, you might want to serve your feline friend the best corn cat food. However, not all types of corn snacks are suitable for your pet. As a cat parent, you want to avoid feeding your fur baby with corn chips, popcorn, fried kernels, and corn husks. Stick to grilled or boiled sweet corn without any seasoning.
Corn is included in the formulas for all IAMS cat foods, including IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Healthy Adult and ProActive Health™ Healthy Kitten. It is more appropriate to associate the corn used in our products with “cornbread” rather than “corn on the cob.” The difference is similar to cooked corn versus raw corn. We use only the highest-quality corn in our products. The corn is finely ground, which breaks up the outside covering of each kernel, and then it is cooked for better digestibility.
Corn grits and cornmeal are used in our foods as high-quality sources of carbohydrates, which are an important source of energy. Corn generally also results in lower glycemic and insulin responses than rice. This can be especially beneficial for senior and overweight cats.
As a kitten parent, you want the best for your feline friend. One of the most important aspects of pet care is providing your kitty with a healthy environment that supports overall development. In fact, kitten enriched environment stimulates a happy and healthy life. It refers to providing cats with activities, toys, and other items that stimulate them mentally and physically. Enrichment can also help prevent behavioral problems such as scratching, biting, and destructive habits.
Environmental enrichment: Providing different environments for cats to explore and interact with can also be enriching. For example, you can create a cosy space for your kitten to relax or provide them with a scratching post and other items that they can use to mark their territory. You can also provide hiding spots like a box or a tunnel for your kitten to explore. This not only provides them with a sense of security but also gives them something new to explore.
Sensory enrichment: Cats have a keen sense of smell, sight, and touch. Provide your kitten with toys and items they can smell, see, or touch. For example, you can use toys with different textures or provide your kitten with a catnip plant to interact with. You can also offer different types of food for your kitten, so it can explore different flavours and textures.
Social enrichment: Cats are social animals and thrive when they have companionship. If you only have one kitten, you can ensure companionship using a stuffed animal or a mirror. This will provide your kitty with the social stimulation it needs. If you have more than one cat, you can provide them with a kitten-friendly environment where they can interact with each other. This can include providing them with a shared space and interactive toys.
In addition to the above types of enrichment, you can also provide your kitten with various kitten enrichment activities to keep them engaged and stimulated. Some examples include:
Puzzle feeders: These interactive feeders require your kitten to figure out how to get the food out. They provide mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
Window seats: Cats love to watch the world go by because it helps them explore something new and stay entertained every day.
Providing your cats with a kitten enriched environment is essential. It not only keeps them healthy and happy, but it also prevents behavioural problems. With your kitten training environment and other feline enrichment ideas, you can ensure that your cat is always engaged and happy. As a cat parent, it is important to take the necessary time to understand your kitten's needs and provide them with an environment that will help them thrive.
