Cinnamon — Wikimedia Commons, no known copyright restrictions (public domain)
Photo by Wikimedia Commons, no known copyright restrictions (public domain)iNaturalistPublic domain
cat safety reference

Is Cinnamon safe for cats?

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

Cats

Generally safe

Consulted 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.

What this means for your cat

Cats are safe around the cinnamon plant itself — the ASPCA lists Cinnamomum verum as non-toxic to cats with no toxic principle on file. The caveat: this rating covers the tree and its bark, not concentrated cinnamon essential oil, which is a separate hazard for cats; if a cat licks pure essential oil rather than chewing a leaf, treat that as a separate concern and call your vet.

Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).

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.

Catsconcern 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.

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

Open source

Cinnamon is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.

Kew Plants of the World Online

botanical · 95% reliability

Open source

Provides the accepted botanical nomenclature for Cinnamomum verum.

Cats & dogs pagedogs page

Same cat verdict

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