My first cat (Tawny - RIP) LOVED popcorn! As a single working person, there were many a night I would eat popcorn while watching TV, sometimes for my dinner - LOL. And, guess who showed up every time?!?! He jumped right up on the couch and 'watched' TV with me, and would eat more than just a popped kernel or two! He passed away from FIP at 15 yo, so I don't think the popcorn hurt him one bit!
I guess it it was popped at home (stove top or air popper with kernels) without any oils or flavorings / additions, a single piece or two would be ok. There are stove top recipes to pop kernels without oil.
I was thinking of popcorn popped dry in a paper bag in the microwave.
Never thought of popcorn for cats, but I went to visit some friends a few hours' drive away. They gave me some air-popped popcorn to eat on the way back which didn't get eaten. I tried some on the cats when I got home and they really liked it. Don't usually eat popcorn much, but I might save a little bit for a treat if the cats like it and it's not especially bad for them. Everything in moderation!
I’ve tried giving my cats popcorn but I make sure the pieces I give them don’t have big pieces of the un popped kernel. Lol. I wouldn’t want them to choke…guess I’m a “what if” person and don’t like to take chances….try to treat my kitties like my little children
There are popcorns with a smaller hull which means when it's popped the hull breaks up into smaller pieces. You may want to look into something like this if your cat enjoys popcorn as a special snack.