Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Cinnamon
Cinnamomum verum
Cinnamon is a popular aromatic spice derived from the bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus. While generally considered safe for pets, large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Ceylon CinnamonCinnamomum verumCinnamomum zeylanicumTrue Cinnamon
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Tree
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, large ingestions of fibrous bark may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a large amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, large ingestions of fibrous bark may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a large amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Cinnamonis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Cinnamon is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Provides the accepted botanical nomenclature for Cinnamomum verum.
Questions about Cinnamon
Is cinnamon toxic to cats?
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is classified as non-toxic to cats. It is generally considered safe, though that does not mean it is beneficial for them to eat.
What happens if my cat eats cinnamon bark?
No symptoms are expected from small amounts. Large ingestions of the fibrous bark may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the bulk of plant material, not a toxic compound.
How much cinnamon is dangerous for a cat?
There is no established toxic dose for cats — the concern with large amounts is GI upset from the fibrous material, not poisoning. Small incidental exposures are not a cause for alarm.
What should I do if my cat ate a large amount of cinnamon?
Monitor your cat for vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress. If symptoms appear or your cat consumed a very large quantity, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Is cinnamon toxic to dogs?
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is generally considered non-toxic to dogs. Large ingestions of the fibrous bark may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea, but serious toxicity is not expected.
What happens if my dog eats a lot of cinnamon?
If your dog consumes a large amount of cinnamon, the main concern is GI upset from the fibrous plant material — mild vomiting or diarrhea are possible. Serious symptoms are not expected, but contact your veterinarian if your dog shows signs of distress.
What should I do if my dog ate cinnamon?
For small amounts, no action is needed beyond monitoring. If your dog ate a large quantity and is vomiting, has diarrhea, or seems uncomfortable, call your veterinarian. Non-toxic does not mean unlimited amounts are harmless.
Is cinnamon bark more dangerous for dogs than ground cinnamon?
The primary concern with either form is the fibrous plant material in large quantities, which can irritate the digestive tract and cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Neither form is considered toxic to dogs, but large ingestions of the whole bark pose a greater mechanical irritation risk than small culinary amounts of ground spice.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Caroba
Jacaranda procera
Caroba is a tropical flowering tree known for its fern-like foliage and clusters of trumpet-shaped purple flowers. It is considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
American Chestnut
Castanea dentata
The American Chestnut is a deciduous tree known for its historical significance and edible nuts. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Carob
Ceratonia siliqua
Carob is a Mediterranean evergreen tree known for its edible pods, which are commonly used as a chocolate substitute. It is considered safe for pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Mulberry Tree
Morus sp.
The Mulberry tree is a deciduous plant widely recognized for its edible fruit and rapid growth. While generally considered safe for pets, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Schefflera
Schefflera arboricola
Schefflera is a popular tropical houseplant known for its glossy, palm-like leaflets arranged in a circular pattern. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon ingestion.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Aechmea magdalenae
Aechmea magdalenae
Aechmea magdalenae is a species of bromeliad known for its large, spiny leaves and striking inflorescence. While many bromeliads are considered non-toxic, the physical structure of this plant poses mechanical injury risks to pets.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Autograph Tree
Clusia major
Clusia major is a tropical evergreen shrub known for its thick, leathery leaves and unique ability to grow as an epiphyte. It is commonly kept as a houseplant for its architectural foliage, but it contains compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.