Is Cats Safe?
Is Cinnamon Oil Safe for Cats?
No — Cinnamon Oil is toxic to cats.
Cinnamon oil contains cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, compounds that cats cannot properly metabolize because they lack the necessary glucuronidation pathway. Exposure can cause oral or skin irritation or burns, drooling, vomiting, low blood sugar, and liver injury. Respiratory irritation is also a risk, so cinnamon oil should never be applied to cats or diffused around them.
| Scientific name | Cinnamomum |
|---|---|
| Category | Essential Oils |
| Toxic principle | Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol (phenolic); cats cannot glucuronidate them. Cassia oil also contains coumarin. |
| Also known as | cinnamon, cassia oil, cinnamon bark oil, cinnamon essential oil |
Signs to watch for in cats
- Oral/skin irritation or burns
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Low blood sugar
- Liver injury
- Respiratory irritation. Keep away
- Do not diffuse or apply
If your cat may have been exposed to Cinnamon Oil:
- Don't wait for symptoms; don't induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
- Note what and how much, and take any packaging with you.
- Call your vet or a 24/7 line now — Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 · ASPCA 888-426-4435.
Browse all Essential Oils for cats · or check another item.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cinnamon Oil toxic to cats?
Yes. Cinnamon Oil is reported toxic to cats by Pet Poison Helpline; VCA Hospitals; Merck Vet Manual. Keep it away from your cat.
What are the symptoms if a cat is exposed to Cinnamon Oil?
Reported signs include: Oral/skin irritation or burns, Drooling, Vomiting, Low blood sugar, Liver injury, Respiratory irritation. Keep away, Do not diffuse or apply.
What makes Cinnamon Oil toxic to cats?
The harmful component reported for Cinnamon Oil is Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol (phenolic); cats cannot glucuronidate them. Cassia oil also contains coumarin.. Cats metabolise many such compounds poorly, so even small exposures can cause problems.
How much Cinnamon Oil is dangerous to cats?
There is no established "safe" amount — sensitivity varies by cat, and small exposures can still cause signs. Treat any exposure as potentially serious rather than waiting to see how much was involved.
What should I do if my cat ate Cinnamon Oil?
Contact your vet or a 24/7 animal poison line right away: Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435).