Chewing on a cinnamon tree kept as an indoor plant
Chewing on cinnamon stick left in a cup
Eating human food spiced with cinnamon
Chewing or licking potpourri or household ornaments made with cinnamon
From use of cinnamon oil in a diffuser that your cat then inhales
From touching or petting your cat after putting cinnamon oil on your hands
Intentional exposure can occur because:
People sometimes use cinnamon to intentionally repel cats or pests from the garden and home and cats can be exposed to an excessive amount through their environment in this way.
Cinnamon is thought of by some as a natural remedy for diabetes (as it lowers blood sugar). As a result, well-meaning pet owners may intentionally dose their cat with harmful amounts of cinnamon in an effort to treat feline diabetes. It should never be given to cats intentionally.
It is important to understand that:
Cats do not have the same liver enzymes (glucuronyl transferase) as humans that break down cinnamon compounds, therefore they are prone to toxic build up of cinnamon compounds in their system.
Because cinnamon contains a carbolic acid known as phenol, burning of the skin and respiratory system can occur. Cats are particularly sensitive to this type of reaction.
Diagnosis of Cinnamon Allergy or Toxicity in Cats
Diagnosis of cinnamon toxicity or allergic reaction will depend heavily on the pet owner’s ability to describe any exposure to cinnamon their pet may have experienced. Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination and ask about your cat’s medical history to rule out any other causes for your pet’s symptoms. If symptoms of organ failure are occurring, your veterinarian may perform tests including blood and urinalysis tests to assess organ functioning.
Treatment of Cinnamon Allergy or Toxicity in Cats
Treatment will depend on the extent of illness and symptoms resulting from your pet’s reaction to cinnamon.
For allergic reactions, the affected area should be washed with water and mild detergent. If irritation of the eyes occurred, the eyes should be well irrigated to remove the irritating substance. Steroids have been found to worsen rash from cinnamon exposure in other animals and will probably be avoided in your pet.
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