Can cats have cinnamon?

Updated 23/09/2024

Cats are sensitive souls with temperamental tiny tummies and working out what is or isn’t okay to feed a cat can be far from sugar and spice and all things nice. Cinnamon is one of the most common household spices found in kitchens around the globe. It’s used to season up all kinds of food, including dinner for our darling pets. But, can cats have cinnamon? Or, is cinnamon bad for cats?

Let’s spice things up with a tasty investigation and discover ​​if can cats eat cinnamon, if is cinnamon toxic to cats, or do cinnamon and cats go together like peas and carrots. Order up a cinnamon-spiced latte and settle in to hear more about cinnamon for cats.

Can cats have cinnamon?

According to the ASPCA, cinnamon is classified as non-toxic for cats and dogs (and horses, apparently). HOWEVER, while cinnamon is not known to cause allergic reactions in kitties, there is no amount of cinnamon considered to be good for cats. Why? Well, their little furry bodies cannot properly break down cinnamon compounds in order to exert their beneficial effects. This means it don’t do diddly squat for their health.

Is cinnamon bad for cats?

Despite the ASPCA, cinnamon toxicity is a thing. High concentrations of cinnamon can act as a blood thinner in cats which can cause abnormal bleeding. It can also cause their blood sugar to drop and lead to issues with their little heart and livers.

Powdered cinnamon could irritate the lips and mouth, and is also dangerous for cat lungs - it can clog their airways and cause breathing issues, as well as other serious illnesses like pneumonia. A tiny amount won’t cause them any major issues, but more than a dusting can be dangerous.

Do cats like cinnamon?

Luckily, kitties generally don’t like the smell or taste of cinnamon, so you won’t necessarily need to worry about them attempting to sneaky snack attack your herb cupboard. Cats have an amazing sense of smell and taste, so to them, a spice-like cinnamon would be like a human trying to drink a bottle of perfume. Yeah, horrible thought!

Other harmful herbs for felines

As we mentioned, cinnamon isn’t considered to be a toxic herb for cats, but it provides no health benefits for them and too much can be harmful. Saying it’s worth highlighting other herbs and spices that are also considered dangerous or poisonous to kitty cats:

• Oregano
• Marjoram
• Tarragon
• Garlic
• Onions
• Chives
• Lavender
• Chamomile
• Mint
• Lemongrass

If you think or have seen your cat eat one of these herbs or any amount of cinnamon, you must take them to their vet immediately. The quicker they’re taken, the faster the vet will be able to treat them.

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

If you’re one of our Standard or Premium members, you have free unlimited access to our 24/7 vet advice line if you’re ever worried about your cat's diet or health. If you’re not a member yet but you are a feline fanatic, you can head to our Community Forum if you know of any other harmful herbs for cats - spread the word and share the love with other pet people from around the globe!