What are the symptoms if a cat eats Cinnamon?

Liver failure, Soreness, redness, or chemical burns, Tremors, shaking, ataxia (walking as if drunk), and seizures, Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea) or breathing with the mouth open, Vomiting and excessive dribbling (hypersalivation)

Toxin guide · Plants

Caution Is Cinnamon toxic to cats?

Cinnamon

Q: Is Cinnamon toxic to cats?

Caution: potentially harmful. Cinnamon, derived from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees, is classified as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA as a plant or culinary spice. Cinnamon powder and sticks pose only mild risk: a large amount may cause stomach upset, and inhaling the powder can irritate a cat's airways and trigger coughing, choking, or breathing trouble. The genuine hazard is concentrated cinnamon essential oil or extract, which veterinary authorities list as toxic and potentially hepatotoxic to cats. Cats are especially sensitive to the phenolic compounds in essential oils because they lack glucuronyl transferase, the liver enzyme needed to safely metabolise them. A few drops of oil can do far more harm than a much larger quantity of ground spice, and exposure can occur by ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation from diffusers.

Cinnamomum verum

Mostly fine, with one catch.

Cinnamon, derived from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees, is classified as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA as a plant or culinary spice.

Bark

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1
Liver failure Essential oils can cause serious organ damage in cats, which in extreme cases leads to liver failure.
2
Soreness, redness, or chemical burns Rapid (upon contact). · This occurs if the cat has direct skin contact with the oil. Even if there is no visible damage to the skin, systemic toxicity may still occur from absorption.
3
Tremors, shaking, ataxia (walking as if drunk), and seizures Cats may also exhibit lethargy, depression, or dullness. In severe cases, this can progress to collapse.
4
Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea) or breathing with the mouth open Toxic effects from inhalation are generally rare with diluted diffusers but are a significant risk with nebulizers, ultrasonic diffusers using neat oils, or cats with conditions like asthma.
5
Vomiting and excessive dribbling (hypersalivation) Cats may lick the oil off their fur, leading to ingestion. High fat levels in carrier oils can also contribute to tummy upsets.

Important notes

Cinnamon, derived from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees, is classified as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA as a plant or culinary spice. Cinnamon powder and sticks pose only mild risk: a large amount may cause stomach upset, and inhaling the powder can irritate a cat's airways and trigger coughing, choking, or breathing trouble. The genuine hazard is concentrated cinnamon essential oil or extract, which veterinary authorities list as toxic and potentially hepatotoxic to cats. Cats are especially sensitive to the phenolic compounds in essential oils because they lack glucuronyl transferase, the liver enzyme needed to safely metabolise them. A few drops of oil can do far more harm than a much larger quantity of ground spice, and exposure can occur by ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation from diffusers.

Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth irritation from ingestion; coughing and airway irritation from inhaling the powder; liver damage signs (lethargy, jaundice) with large or repeated exposures.
Essential oils are the highest risk: A few drops of cinnamon essential oil can cause the same harm as ingesting a much larger quantity of ground spice.
Action: Keep cinnamon sticks, powder, and especially essential oils away from cats. Contact a vet if a cat has ingested oil or a significant quantity of spice.

Sources Reviewed · Entry ID cinnamomum_verum

This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity varies with the substance, amount, plant part and the individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.