Cinnamon is a common spice that we use in food, beverages, or even for decoration. But what happens with cats? Can cats eat cinnamon? Is it safe for them?
According to ASPCA, cinnamon is not toxic to cats, dogs, or horses. However, only in small amounts. Excessive use of this spice may cause health problems. Most cats dislike cinammon, which is why it is commonly used as a repellent. And, since their sense of smell is so delicate, most of them despise the fragrance of cinnamon. However, you’ll find some cats being attracted to it out of curiosity.
Is Cinnamon Good For Cats?
In moderation, cinnamon won’t harm your feline. However, it can be toxic to cats when fed in excess or when they’re exposed to it for a long time. This is because, unlike humans, cats lack the enzymes responsible for breaking down a cinnamon compound known as coumarin, causing it to build up in the cat’s system. In a worst-case scenario, it can cause a toxic reaction.
Reasons Why Cats Shouldn’t Eat Cinnamon
In addition to its several medicinal applications, coumarin acts as a rat poison, killing rats by inducing liver failure and hemorrhaging. Even if the cinnamon we use in our cuisine has less coumarin, it is still unsafe to allow it to accumulate in their system.
How Cats Get Exposed to Cinnamon
Cats might come into touch with cinnamon in a number of ways. These are the most typical:
1. Ingesting
This is the most common way. Cinnamon reduces blood pressure, which aids in the treatment of heart disease and diabetes. It also improves heart health. There have been cases where cat parents purposely give their cats cinnamon powder, believing it will enhance their health.
It is possible for cats to inadvertently swallow the spice.
- Perhaps you’re using a cinnamon stick in a mug of hot cider or in your pumpkin pie recipe and your cat decides to give it a lick.
- You’re using a cinnamon tree to repel other critters from your garden.
- Maybe your cat even licks ornaments that you made that contain cinnamon.
2. Inhaling
Your cats may inhale anything from an air freshener or diffuser that contains cinnamon essential oil or additives. In contrast to powdered cinnamon and cinnamon plants, cats are unable to handle cinnamon essential oils. So don’t use it in your diffusers. Furthermore, cats may mistakenly inhale trace amounts of cinnamon powder, especially when baking with it.
What To Do If Your Cat Eats Cinnamon
Nothing bad could happen if your cat consumes a modest amount of cinnamon. But if you notice any of the effects mentioned above, call your vet as soon as possible. The biggest mistake you can make is to try and treat the cat yourself. The mode of exposure and the symptoms your cat is exhibiting will determine how to treat cinnamon toxicity.
It takes a qualified vet to rule out any other issues your cat could be suffering from. For example, ingesting cream may trigger symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. After verifying the toxicity of cinnamon, they can start therapy based on the cat’s reaction. Treatment for allergic reactions will differ from those for respiratory problems.
Since it’s usually only an allergic reaction, most cats who are exposed to cinnamon will recover quickly. Just make sure you seek veterinary care as soon as you note any signs of toxicity or allergic reactions, so that it won’t cause any organ failure.
Conclusion
Cats shouldn’t eat cinnamon. There are many healthy foods you can feed your cat or repellants for your garden, but cinnamon is among foods that are bad for cats. Cinnamon in excess is hazardous, and the effects worsen if the person inhales it or gets it on their skin. You have to be careful when handling cinnamon around your cats, and opt for alternative methods to deter cats.
Source: dailypaws
