Can Cats Eat Cinnamon? Beware These Potential Risks
It’s a question that has puzzled cat owners for years – can cats eat cinnamon? The answer is yes, but there are some potential risks to be aware of. Cinnamon is a spice that is often used in cooking, and it is also found in many popular holiday treats.
While it is safe for cats to eat small amounts of cinnamon, it can be dangerous if they consume too much. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of cinnamon for cats and provide some tips on how to safely include this spice in their diet.
What is Cinnamon and Where Does It Come From?
Cinnamon is a spice that is derived from the inner bark of certain tree species in the genus Cinnamomum. It is used in both sweet and savory dishes, and has a characteristic warm, sweet, and somewhat woody flavor.
Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The two most common types of cinnamon are Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) and cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia).
Ceylon cinnamon is typically more expensive, and has a sweeter, lighter flavor than cassia cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon is the type of cinnamon most commonly found in supermarkets. In addition to being used as a spice, cinnamon is also used in cosmetics and perfumes.
Can Cats Eat Cinnamon?
As any cat owner knows, cats are curious creatures that like to explore everything in their environment. This can sometimes lead them to eat things that they shouldn’t, including common household spices like cinnamon.
While a small amount of cinnamon is unlikely to harm your cat, it is best to err on the side of caution and keep this spice out of reach.
Cinnamon can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats, including vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, the potent aroma of cinnamon can be overwhelming for cats and may cause them to avoid their food. If you think your cat has eaten cinnamon, contact your veterinarian immediately. With prompt treatment, most cats will make a full recovery.
Here’s a video about cinnamon and can cats eat it:
Can Cinnamon Kill Cats?
There is a lot of misinformation circulating on the internet about whether or not cinnamon can kill cats. The truth is that cinnamon is not toxic to cats and will not kill them if they ingest it.
However, some cats may be sensitive to the spice and could experience gastrointestinal upset if they eat too much of it. For this reason, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep cinnamon out of reach of your feline friend.
How Much Cinnamon Can Cats Safely Eat?
As we mentioned earlier, it is best to keep cinnamon out of reach of cats to avoid any potential health risks. However, if you do choose to give your cat a small amount of cinnamon, it is important to be aware of the safe dosage.
The recommended dosage of cinnamon for cats is 0.25 to 0.50 grams per kilogram of body weight. This means that a cat weighing five pounds should only consume up to one and a half grams of cinnamon, while a cat weighing ten pounds can safely eat up to three grams.
It is important to note that these dosages are for Ceylon cinnamon only. Cassia cinnamon contains a compound called coumarin which can be toxic to cats in high doses.
What are the Health Benefits of Cinnamon for Cats?
While there are some potential risks associated with giving cats cinnamon, there are also some potential health benefits.
Cinnamon contains natural antimicrobial properties that can help to keep your cat healthy and free from infection. It can also be used to help treat gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea.
In addition, cinnamon is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your cat’s cells from damage. When used in moderation, cinnamon can be a safe and effective way to improve your cat’s health.
Just be sure to check with your veterinarian before adding anything new to your feline friend’s diet.
What are the Risks of Giving Cats too Much Cinnamon?
While a sprinkle of cinnamon might be the perfect way to add a little extra flavor to your cat’s food, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with giving them too much of this spice.
Cinnamon is safe for cats in small amounts, but consuming large quantities can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and liver damage. In severe cases, it can even be fatal.
Symptoms of cinnamon toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. If your cat has ingested a large amount of cinnamon, it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately. With prompt treatment, most cats make a full recovery.
However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving your feline friend any more cinnamon than they can handle.
How to Safely Include Cinnamon in Your Cat’s Diet?
Although cats are obligate carnivores, that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the occasional treat. In fact, many owners like to share their love of spice by adding a little cinnamon to their cat’s diet.
However, it’s important to be aware of the risks before proceeding. Cinnamon can be toxic to cats in large quantities, so it’s important to start with just a sprinkle.
You should also make sure to use Ceylon cinnamon, as cassia cinnamon contains higher levels of coumarin, which can be damaging to the liver. If you’re not sure which type of cinnamon you have, err on the side of caution and avoid using it altogether.
Besides, make sure you purchase ground cinnamon, as the essential oils in whole cinnamon sticks can be toxic to cats.
Finally, don’t give your cat cinnamon if they have any preexisting medical conditions, such as diabetes or liver disease. If you follow these guidelines, then you and your feline friend can enjoy the taste of cinnamon without any worries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while cinnamon is not toxic to cats, it is not advisable to give them large quantities of the spice. Cats have a very different digestive system from humans, and they are unable to process cinnamon in the same way.
While a small sprinkle of cinnamon on their food is unlikely to cause any harm, feeding them large amounts of the spice could lead to stomach upset and other health problems.
If you do want to give your cat a treat that includes cinnamon, it is best to speak to your vet first and get their advice on how much is safe for your cat to eat.
