Cinnamon is a popular spice used in various recipes all around the world. It is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its polyphenol content. Humans can benefit from cinnamon, as it is touted to have anti-diabetic and weight-loss properties.
But what about cats? Can cats eat cinnamon, or is cinnamon bad for cats? It is natural for pet parents to wonder about these questions. After all, many human foods are toxic to our feline pals.
The quick answer to the question āCan cats have cinnamon?ā is that, generally, this spice is not toxic to cats, especially in small quantities. For example, if your cat happens to lick a bit of your cinnamon roll, you need not worry. However, cinnamon is known to be harmful in certain forms and in large amounts. Therefore, it may be best to err on the side of caution and not feed it to your pet.
Let us explore this in detail.
Is Cinnamon Toxic To Cats?
Can Cats Safely Consume Small Amounts of Cinnamon?
According to veterinary experts, cinnamon is generally nontoxic to cats in small quantities. It is a great antioxidant and can help their bodies fight off bacteria. However, in large quantities, cinnamon can be harmful to cats. Cats lack the enzymes needed to digest certain compounds found in cinnamon. So, it is best to avoid feeding cinnamon to them.
Not many people know this, but some cinnamon varieties also contain coumarin ā a rodenticide used for killing rats and rodents. Cassia cinnamon is one such variety that contains plenty of coumarin. Coumarin is what imparts cassia cinnamon with its well-known sweet fragrance and flavor. Check out these case studies showing how some cats became anemic and others developed hemorrhages after ingesting coumarin rodenticide.
Why Cinnamon Can Be Harmful to Cats
Cinnamon isn't safe for cats because it can upset their stomach and impact their breathing. Cats also don't have the right enzymes to break down cinnamon.
If a cat breathes in too much cinnamon oil or powder, it can cause various problems. The spiceās strong scent can irritate their nose and make them sneeze, wheeze, or have a hard time breathing. Therefore, it is best to keep cinnamon away from your furry friends.
Symptoms of Cinnamon Toxicity in Cats
Mild Reactions
In small doses, cinnamon could lead to irritation and itching around your petās nose and mouth. This could result in drooling. Your cat might paw at their face or mouth and may even rub themselves against your body or furniture.
If your cat eats a small quantity of cinnamon-based food, they could develop a mild stomach upset. Some cats may show behavioral changes such as an unsteady walking gait, lethargy, frequent collapsing, muscle weakness, etc.
Moderate to Severe Symptoms
Sensitive cats are known to experience digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea after eating cinnamon. Some cats may experience a sudden drop in blood sugar levels, resulting in hypoglycemia. In large doses, cats could also develop issues of the central nervous system. These include neurological symptoms like tremors, disorientation, or seizures.
Inhaling large quantities of cinnamon could result in coughing, wheezing, or breathing issues. If your cat is in visible distress, please take them to the emergency vet.
Never allow your cat to touch cinnamon oil. Cinnamon essential oil is usually highly concentrated and contains a lot of cinnamaldehyde. This is known to irritate skin tissues and cause symptoms like itching, redness, burning, and blistering.Ā
Prolonged exposure to coumarin, found in cinnamon, can also cause liver issues in certain cats. The compounds present in cinnamon can cause stress on the liver, resulting in liver failure.
In general, cats with diabetes, respiratory issues, allergies, and young and elderly cats should not eat cinnamon.
What to Do If Your Cat Is Exposed to Cinnamon
Here are the immediate steps to take based on your catās exposure to cinnamon:
Ingestion: First of all, remove the cinnamon and keep it out of your petās reach. If you suspect that your cat has eaten a lot of cinnamon-containing food, offer them some water. Avoid inducing vomiting, as that could result in other issues. Monitor your cat for symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. If these symptoms arise, take them to the vet.
Inhalation: Avoid diffusing cinnamon oil in your home, especially near your cats. If your cat has inhaled cinnamon vapors, take them to an open, well-ventilated area. Watch out for breathing issues. If your cat is wheezing or unable to breathe, take them to the vet.
Skin irritation or burns: Wash your petās skin if they have been exposed to cinnamon oil. Observe your pet, and if there are signs of irritation, pain, burning, or blistering, see the vet.
Here are some scenarios when you must see a vet:
If your cat has eaten a large amount of food containing cinnamon
If they show signs of discomfort or pain
If you suspect they are having an allergic reaction
If your cat has licked or inhaled cinnamon oil
Call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 with information about your catās age, weight, and how much cinnamon they ingested/inhaled.
The Dangers of Cinnamon-Containing Products
Cinnamon Essential Oil and Potpourri
According to the experts at VCA, pet owners must avoid keeping essential oils and potpourri at home. These substances are highly concentrated and volatile. They can cause burns on the petās skin. Curious cats and naughty kittens may be drawn to sweet-smelling cinnamon oil. They may be tempted to lick the oil and even touch or play with the potpourri.
Unfortunately, these oils get rapidly absorbed through the skin. Cats do not have the enzymes needed for digesting these substances. Elderly and vulnerable cats with underlying health issues could be even more sensitive to the liver-damaging effects of these oils.Ā
Liquid cinnamon oil can cause severe burns and irritation to a catās mouth and skin. Inhaling the concentrated cinnamon oil or fragrance can result in sneezing, breathing issues, and wheezing in cats.
Baked Goods and Cinnamon-Spiced Foods
In baking, cinnamon is used to flavor sweet buns, cakes, cookies, and rolls. We can't resist these foods due to their appealing smell. Many pet parents are tempted to share a piece or two of these goodies with their cats, but it is best not to do so.
Cinnamon and nutmeg are known to be toxic to cats. These spices can cause liver damage or hypoglycemia. In addition, cats do not get any nourishment from eating sweet and buttery foods like these.
Cats also do not need sugar. They are obligate carnivores and lack sugar receptors. They do not need carbohydrates and should be fed protein-rich diets only. Similarly, your cat does not need to eat butter, and excess intake of buttery foods like cinnamon rolls and snickerdoodles can cause obesity in cats. Certain commercially available cinnamon-flavored confections or treats also contain artificial ingredients that may induce allergies or intolerance in cats.
Safe Alternatives and Preventative Measures
As can be seen, the answer to the question āIs cinnamon toxic to cats?ā is yes. Cinnamon can harm your cat, especially in large doses. Therefore, it is best to have a cinnamon-free home if you are a cat parent. If you must, please lock away your cinnamon-containing foods and spices in child-proof drawers or locked cabinets.Ā
Since cats and cinnamon donāt go hand in hand, you can provide them with some alternatives, such as catnip, licorice, thyme, parsley, rosemary, mint, basil, dill, or silvervine. These herbs are generally safe for cats and wonāt cause any harm.
Here are some more tips to create a cinnamon-free home:
Use safe storage solutions.
Read food labels and avoid buying and keeping cinnamon-based items within your cat's or kittenās reach.
Instruct children and guests about dangerous cinnamon cat toxicity so they wonāt accidentally feed it to your pet.
Conclusion
The answer to the question, āIs cinnamon bad for cats?ā is yes. This spice is known to be dangerous or toxic to cats, especially in large quantities.Ā
Cats cannot break down the elements found in cinnamon because they don't have the right enzymes. The oil from cinnamon is highly concentrated and may cause skin irritation. Breathing in this oil can mess up their lungs, too.
So, it's a good idea to keep cinnamon and foods with cinnamon away from your furry friend. If you think your cat ate a lot of cinnamon or breathed in too much, you should take them to see the vet right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What spices are dangerous for cats?
Never feed any members of the allium family, such as garlic, onions, chives, and shallots, to cats. Similarly, keep your cats away from foxglove, chamomile, marijuana, and lavender, as well.Ā
Are there any spices that are safe for cats?
You can give Valerian, Catnip, Dandelion, Goldenseal, and Echinacea to your kitten or cat, provided your vet approves first.
Can cats have cinnamon sugar?
No. Please do not feed cinnamon sugar to your pet, as its harsh essential oils could irritate your catās sensitive digestive system. In large quantities, this could result in vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
