Many people like to spice up their food with cinnamon, but is it safe for cats? In this article, we’ll explore whether or not cinnamon is terrible for cats and if there are any potential risks. Please consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s health.
Cinnamon comes from the bark of several trees indigenous to Sri Lanka, India, Mexico, and China and has been used as a food additive in many parts of the world since ancient times. The spice can be enjoyed in the form of powdered sauce or sticks by humans, but it’s also suitable for our furry friends—or is it? It seems that some pet owners avoid feeding their cats cinnamon, so we’re going to dive into the research to see whether this widely available spice is safe for cats or not. Cinnamon toxicity is not worth risking, so let’s consider what happens when cats eat cinnamon.
Cinnamon has been used in cooking and medicine since ancient times, and its popularity continues to this day—but it’s not safe for everyone, as many cat owners have found out the hard way. Cinnamon toxicity in cats can cause severe liver damage and even death, so it’s essential to know precisely how cinnamon affects our feline friends and to keep them away from it at all costs. You need to know whether cinnamon is terrible for cats or if any amount of cinnamon consumption might be toxic to your cat.
What is Cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a spice made from the inner bark of cinnamon trees. It’s used in cooking and baking and has been used medicinally for centuries. Cinnamon compounds are called cinnamaldehyde, which is thought to be responsible for its health benefits.
Cinnamon is one of the most popular and versatile spices on the planet. It can be added to everything from oatmeal to applesauce to ice cream, and its unique taste makes it an appealing choice in baking recipes. Cinnamon has also been used in traditional remedies since ancient times, so it’s no surprise that there’s lots of misinformation about this sweet treat. Cinnamon toxicity is natural for many animals, which is why it should mostly remain in human food rather than what a cat eats.
How much cinnamon causes problems in cats
The jury is still out on how much cinnamon is terrible for cats. A small amount of cinnamon bark or a bite from savory dishes may not be harmful, but ingesting large amounts could lead to problems. Cinnamon sticks left out can be prime for a cat to want to nibble on, so keep Ceylon cinnamon, your cinnamon stick collection, and powdered cinnamon out of reach.
Potential problems include elevated liver enzymes, which can lead to liver damage, low blood sugar, and gastrointestinal issues. So, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving your cat any cinnamon. In addition, your cat might have a cinnamon allergy, which can affect a cat’s skin negatively. The result could be an allergic or toxic reaction. As cat parents, we don’t want to give our precious pets something known to be harmful to cats, right?
Signs of toxicity or allergic reactions to cinnamon
If your cat ingests excessive amounts of cinnamon, it may show toxicity or an allergic reaction. These signs can include the following symptoms: they can experience difficulty breathing, drooling, vomiting, bloody nose, and diarrhea. You must immediately take your cat for veterinary advice if you notice these signs. Some sources say your cat should be fine if no symptoms are seen in 12 hours after their exposure to cinnamon.
However, this is not always true, as some cats may have delayed reactions to cinnamon ingestion or external contact with cinnamon. Signs of delayed reactions can include lethargy, weakness, and a low body temperature (or hypothermia). Unfortunately, long-term effects can include organ failure, heart diseases, insulin resistance, blocked nasal passage, feline diabetes, and more.
What to do if your cat is exposed to high levels of cinnamon
When cats are exposed to high concentrations of coumarin, a chemical frequently found in cinnamon, vitamin K is administered as an antidote to prevent coumarin toxicity. Vitamin K therapy is beneficial when a cat is already bleeding from the weakening of his blood by a Coumadin overdose. While cinnamon is nontoxic to other animals, you can see how cats react pretty differently to exposure to cinnamon.
If your cat has consumed or inhaled cinnamon and is experiencing respiratory distress, airway care and oxygen therapy will be applied as necessary. The veterinarian will administer any treatments possible to restore damaged organs and aid your cat’s full recovery.
Your cat may or may not exhibit poisoning symptoms, depending on the exposure and his body’s reaction. To avoid another exposure, you should oversee him and remove any cinnamon traces from your surroundings. Depending on your cat’s symptoms, you could take some urgent action before seeing your neighborhood vet.
Wash the afflicted area with mild detergent and water to treat allergic reactions. If your cat has irritated eyes, you must flush the eyes with running water to remove the irritating substance. Giving your cat steroids while he is allergic to cinnamon is also not a good idea because it will only worsen his rashes.
Your veterinarian may carefully flush the area in cases of topical exposure to get rid of all cinnamon residue. Your veterinarian will assess the toxicity and potential harm to your cat’s internal organs before recommending anything for ingestion or absorption. For treatment, they’ll probably want to keep your cat there.
Safe ways to use cinnamon around your cat
You should keep a few things in mind to ensure your cat stays safe. Certain types of cinnamon can be toxic to your cat. These types of cinnamon include cassia, Ceylon, and Vietnamese or Saigon variety. You’ll want to avoid these varieties of cinnamon if you have a pet at home that might accidentally ingest some of it or eat an entire piece of bark with the spice still on it. There’s also evidence that some forms of cassia and Ceylon contain coumarin, which has been shown to cause liver damage in rats over time.
Another thing to avoid is fragrances in your home, such as cinnamon essential oil or candles. While cinnamon oil in and of itself will probably not bother your cat’s system too much, be aware that their curiosity might lead them to the strong smell coming from your diffuser. Ingesting essential oils from an air freshener can be equivalent to rat poison; you want to avoid this at all costs.
Side Effects of Too Much Cinnamon
While a small amount of cinnamon is unlikely to cause any harm to your cat, consuming too much of the spice can lead to some side effects. These include stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, cinnamon can cause liver damage. If you think your cat has consumed too much cinnamon, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately.
There are three main methods for cats to contact this spice: ingestion, topical application, and rubbing it on their skin and fur. Cats have sensitive skin that can tolerate only a small amount of contact with the compound called coumarin found in cinnamon. Prolonged skin exposure to this or additional contact with cinnamon has been known to result in organ failure and the end, be toxic to cats. Any product labeled cinnamon scented or flavored should be kept far away from your feline friend.
Absorbed cinnamon is just as bad as consumed cinnamon, so just something for you to make sure you are aware of your cat’s surroundings. Essential oils that might make your apartment smell great can be a big no-no for your furry family member.
May Cause Breathing Problems
While cinnamon is safe for most cats, it can cause breathing problems. This is because the oils in cinnamon can irritate a cat’s lungs. If your cat has asthma or another respiratory condition, it’s best to avoid giving them cinnamon. Also, never use ground cinnamon near your cat as it can become lodged in their nose and mouth. Instead, opt for non-ground varieties of cinnamon, such as cinnamon sticks or powdered versions. You should also be careful with large amounts of spices like nutmeg and ginger, which may not be suitable for cats.
May Cause Liver Damage
According to a 2012 study, cinnamon can cause liver damage in cats. The study found that two out of three cats who ate cinnamon developed liver disease. While the study was small, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks of feeding your cat cinnamon. Cinnamaldehyde can cause difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and even death in high enough doses.
Final Thoughts: IS CINNAMON BAD FOR CATS?
Though cinnamon is safe for most cats in small doses, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving it to your feline friend. If you must provide your cat with cinnamon, make sure to do so under the supervision of a veterinarian. Make sure to limit the amount given because too much can be dangerous. In addition, please keep your pet away from high spice concentrations by storing it out of reach and using ground or grated versions instead.
FAQS (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
Q: How much cinnamon is toxic to cats?
A: It takes a more ingested cinnamon powder to cause problems in our pets (greater than one teaspoon of powder for most pets) but only a tiny amount of the essential oil.
Q: What happens if a cat has cinnamon?
A: If your cat has overeaten cinnamon, it might show signs like throwing up or having diarrhea. They can also experience heart problems such as slowed heartbeat and liver failure.
Q: Does the smell of cinnamon essential oils hurt cats?
A: You should keep your cat from spicy aromas like pepper, curry, and cinnamon. However, it is essential not to harm them, so avoid using cayenne or other hot sauces for this purpose as they could burn their tongue on accident.
Q: Can cats have powdered cinnamon?
A: Cats are specifically sensitive to coumarin, which is found in high concentrations of cinnamon powder. They can’t break it down within their livers, and exposure leads cats to toxicity or even liver failure if not treated quickly enough with vet care.
