Can cats eat cinnamon? Maybe you’ve been spending some extra time in the kitchen during the colder months of the year and been baking some tasty treats that feature this spice and wondered if your cat could have a bite. If humans can eat cinnamon, can cats safely eat it too?
There is no short yes or no answer as to whether cats can eat cinnamon safely. Technically, the ASPCA doesn’t consider the spice to be toxic to cats, but in some cases, it can aggravate cats who are sensitive to it. Additionally, cinnamon is often a key flavoring in foods that contain other ingredients that can prove harmful to cats.
As always, you must ask your regular vet before sharing any human food with your beloved kitty, including cinnamon. Here’s what you need to know about cinnamon and cats.
When Is Cinnamon Bad For Cats?
The ASPCA does not consider cinnamon to be toxic to cats. This means that if your cat sneaks in a tiny taste, they should usually be okay.
But the spice is often used in baked goods alongside with other ingredients that are harmful to cats, including chocolate and nutmeg. So it’s a smart rule to avoid letting your cat sneak in a taste of any foods that contain cinnamon as an ingredient.
Additionally, some cats can be super sensitive to cinnamon. This is especially so with the oils that cinnamon contains. Cinnamon toxicity can occur when cinnamon oils are absorbed through a cat’s skin, and in some cases, an allergic reaction can occur.
What Should I Do If My Cat Eats Cinnamon?
If you notice that your cat consumes a small taste of cinnamon, they should mostly be okay. Just try and work out how much they managed to consume, and figure out if they also ingested any other ingredients that might be harmful.
If your cat eats a larger amount of cinnamon and starts to show symptoms, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian straight away. Some of the symptoms that cinnamon might cause in cats include:
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Coughing
Generally, it’s safe practice to make sure that your cat stays away from cinnamon, and always avoid letting your kitty snack on foods that contain cinnamon alongside other ingredients like chocolate and nutmeg.
Has your cat ever had a taste of cinnamon? How did they feel afterwards? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
