Can cats eat cinnamon?
Quick answer: Not recommended — cinnamon is best avoided for cats.
Quick verdict
Caution
Key risk
The essential oils can cause mouth irritation and stomach upset; cats are sensitive to oils.
Why
Cinnamon can irritate cats and is best avoided.
Can cats eat cinnamon, and why?
Cinnamon can irritate cats and is best avoided. The essential oils can cause mouth irritation and stomach upset; cats are sensitive to oils.
Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get most of their nutrition from meat and need nutrients such as taurine that only animal products provide. They lack some enzymes for processing plants and carbohydrates, so fruit and veg offer little benefit and can upset their stomach; many cats are also lactose intolerant.
Warning — what to watch for
The essential oils can cause mouth irritation and stomach upset; cats are sensitive to oils.
If your cat has eaten cinnamon, don’t wait for symptoms — contact your vet immediately, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, UK). Signs of a problem can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, tremors or loss of appetite.
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Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat cinnamon?
Caution. Cinnamon can irritate cats and is best avoided.
What happens if my cat eats cinnamon?
The essential oils can cause mouth irritation and stomach upset; cats are sensitive to oils. If your cat has eaten cinnamon, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is cinnamon poisonous to cats?
Caution. Cinnamon can irritate cats and is best avoided.
Free printable: safe & toxic foods for cats
cinnamon is just one food — get the full one-page checklist of what’s safe, fine in moderation, or dangerous for cats. Vet-sourced, yours to print and keep.
Check cinnamon for another pet
Sources
Our verdict on whether cats can eat cinnamon draws on established UK and US veterinary and welfare organisations. Individual pets, quantities and preparation vary — always confirm with your own vet.