Grandma Made One Big Bowl of Popcorn for Movie Night. Sterling Had a Request.
Movie night has officially been interrupted. Grandma Dottie is curled up on the sofa under a cream blanket, glasses perched on her nose and a big bowl of popcorn in her lap, laughing so hard her eyes have nearly closed. The reason sits on the cushion beside her: Sterling has raised one gray paw toward the bowl, green eyes wide and hopeful, making his request as clearly as a cat possibly can. A denim jacket is tossed over the arm of the couch, and a few stray kernels have already landed on the tray below.
It is tempting to share, but popcorn is not an ideal snack for cats. Buttered, salted or flavored popcorn contains fat and sodium that pets don't need, and seasonings such as garlic or onion powder can be harmful. Unpopped kernels and the hard hulls can also be a choking hazard or get stuck in teeth. A plain, fully popped piece now and then is unlikely to cause trouble for most cats, but it offers no real nutrition. A better plan for movie night is to keep a few of your cat's own treats within reach, so you can reward that adorable paw without worrying about what's in the bowl. If your cat eats something questionable, talk to your vet.
Sterling may not get the popcorn, but he certainly got the laugh. And honestly, a front-row seat next to the person who adores you is the best part of movie night anyway.






