What Happens if Your Cat Eats Marjiuana? Stoned Cat FAQs

Posted by Lianne McLeod D.V.M. on September 13, 2024

A guide on what to do if your cat eats weed.

CBD oil for cats is formulated to be safe and effective for our feline friends, and it does not get cats stoned because it has almost no THC.

On the other hand, marijuana is not safe for cats and it can even be toxic. If you're concerned that your cat has ingested marijuana in some form, this guide will help you out.

If your cat has ingested a significant amount of marijuana, rush to a veterinarian. In most cases, cats aren't permanently harmed from ingesting cannabis, but concentrated products like gummies, brownies, and medical grade cannabis could cause serious harm to your pet.

THC can be very dangerous for cats, call a vet if your cat has eaten any.

Is Marijuana toxic to cats?" href="#span-data-color-transparent-is-marijuana-toxic-to-cats-span">Is Marijuana toxic to cats?
Signs of Cannabis Exposure in Cats
Treatment of Marijuana Intoxication" href="#span-data-color-transparent-treatment-of-marijuana-intoxication-span">Treatment of Marijuana Intoxication
Conclusion" href="#span-data-color-transparent-conclusion-span">Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions" href="#span-data-color-transparent-frequently-asked-questions-span">Frequently Asked Questions

<a title="This page lists high quality CBD oil formulated for cats." href="https://lolahemp.com/products/cbd-oil-for-cats">CBD oil for cats</a> is formulated to be safe and effective for our feline friends, and it does not get cats stoned because it has almost no THC.
On the other hand, marijuana is not safe for cats and it can even be toxic. If you're concerned that your cat has ingested marijuana in some form, this guide will help you out. 
If your cat has ingested a significant amount of marijuana, rush to a veterinarian. In most cases, cats aren't permanently harmed from ingesting cannabis, but concentrated products like gummies, brownies, and medical grade cannabis could cause serious harm to your pet.
 
<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" width="480" loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0030/7435/9366/files/Call_your_veterinarian_if_your_cat_has_ingested_THC_480x480.jpg?v=1726260634" title="Cats Should Not Eat Marijuana" alt="THC can be very dangerous for cats, call a vet if your cat has eaten any." style="float: none;"></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"> </div>
<h2>Is Marijuana toxic to cats?</h2>
<blockquote>
<meta charset="utf-8"> If your cat has taken THC, go to the vet and be very detailed with the information you provide.
- Lianne McLeod, D.V.M.
</blockquote>
Yes, <a title="This page lists concise and useful information about cat marijuana toxicity." href="https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/marijuana">marijuana may be toxic to cats, dogs, and horses</a>. The high affinity of CB1 receptors in cats for THC may increase their sensitivity to its effects. 
Cats can ingest marijuana products or inhale secondhand marijuana smoke. Edibles are infused with the oil that was used to extract THC from the cannabis plant and will therefore have a higher concentration of THC. 
Edibles may also contain toxic substances like chocolate which are not safe for cats. Products that are safe for humans may not always be suitable for cats. All animals have different reactions to medicine, supplements, treats, or snacks like chocolate that are safe for humans. 
<h2>Signs of Cannabis Exposure in Cats</h2>
If your cat has inhaled or ingested marijuana, the signs always point to neurological interference. Here are the signs of marijuana ingestion to look out for;
<ul>
<li>
Prolonged depression
</li>
<li>
Vomiting
</li>
<li>
Excitation
</li>
<li>
Hypersalivation
</li>
<li>
Incoordination
</li>
<li>
Sleepiness
</li>
<li>
Dilated pupils
</li>
<li>
Low blood pressure
</li>
<li>
Hypersensitivity to sound & touch
</li>
<li>
Restlessness
</li>
<li>
Aggression
</li>
<li>
Seizure
</li>
<li>
Comma
</li>
</ul>
Signs of marijuana exposure can appear within minutes or a few hours and last for half an hour to several days. Do not just assume your cat needs to “sleep it off”. If you notice any of these symptoms, rush to the Vet. They will inform make a proper diagnosis and offer suitable treatment. 
 
<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" width="480" loading="lazy" style="float: none;" alt="Keep marijuana away from your curious cat." title="Marijuana should be kept away from cats." src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0030/7435/9366/files/THC_is_dangerous_to_cats_480x480.jpg?v=1726260634"></div>
<h2>Treatment of Marijuana Intoxication</h2>
Treatment options are mostly supportive care practices. If your pet takes cannabis within 30 minutes of going to the hospital, your Vet will induce vomiting to remove the toxic substance. 
Vets can also activate charcoal which absorbs the ingested toxin. Activated charcoal powder is mixed with water and it will absorb toxins from the intestinal tract to prevent the spread of toxins.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
Cats get high when they take marijuana. If you notice your cat appearing dizzy, disoriented, sleepy, hyperactive, depressed, drooling excessively, having dilated pupils, restlessness, and aggressive, they have probably taken marijuana. 
Marijuana is toxic to cats and has serious health consequences so seek emergency care if you suspect your feline friend has ingested it. If you're curious about the potential feline health benefits of hemp products, consider a <a href="https://lolahemp.com/products/cbd-oil-for-cats" title="This page lists a CBD oil made specifically for cats.">CBD oil for cats</a> made to be healthy and effective specifically for them.
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h3>
Can Cats Get High from Vape Smoke?
</h3>
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/pdfs/ecigarette-or-vaping-products-visual-dictionary-508.pdf" title="This discusses vapes with THC that can get your cat high.">A vape that contains THC can make your cat high</a>. THC is psychoactive and cats are sensitive to it even when inhaled in small amounts. 
<h3>How Long Does a Cat Stay High on Weed?</h3>
Intoxication can start in as little as five minutes or less, and symptoms can last for over a day in severe cases. The length of time your cat stays high depends on their size and the THC concentration of the marijuana they ingested.
<h3>How do Cats Process THC?</h3>
Cats process THC much more slowly than humans, and even small amounts can be toxic to them. Unlike humans, cats have fewer cannabinoid receptors in their brains, making them more sensitive to THC. Ingesting THC can lead to symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or coma. If a cat is suspected of consuming THC, it’s important to seek immediate veterinary care.
References
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R44742.pdf" title="This page discusses everything to know about hemp.">Learn everything about hemp</a>.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana" title="This page discusses more information about marijuana in general.">Study all about marijuana</a>.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5800546/" title="This article discusses more information about the endocannabinoid system.">Learn about the endocannabinoid system</a>.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1476-4431.2011.00657.x" title="This article discusses the endocannabinoid systems of animals.">Understand the endocannabinoid system in cats and dogs</a>.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/marijuana" title="This article discusses marijuana toxicity.">Study all about the toxicity of marijuana</a>.
</li>
</ol>

Is Marijuana toxic to cats?

If your cat has taken THC, go to the vet and be very detailed with the information you provide.

- Lianne McLeod, D.V.M.

Yes, marijuana may be toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The high affinity of CB1 receptors in cats for THC may increase their sensitivity to its effects.

Cats can ingest marijuana products or inhale secondhand marijuana smoke. Edibles are infused with the oil that was used to extract THC from the cannabis plant and will therefore have a higher concentration of THC.

Edibles may also contain toxic substances like chocolate which are not safe for cats. Products that are safe for humans may not always be suitable for cats. All animals have different reactions to medicine, supplements, treats, or snacks like chocolate that are safe for humans.

Signs of Cannabis Exposure in Cats

If your cat has inhaled or ingested marijuana, the signs always point to neurological interference. Here are the signs of marijuana ingestion to look out for;

Prolonged depression
Vomiting
Excitation
Hypersalivation
Incoordination
Sleepiness
Dilated pupils
Low blood pressure
Hypersensitivity to sound & touch
Restlessness
Aggression
Seizure
Comma

Signs of marijuana exposure can appear within minutes or a few hours and last for half an hour to several days. Do not just assume your cat needs to “sleep it off”. If you notice any of these symptoms, rush to the Vet. They will inform make a proper diagnosis and offer suitable treatment.

Keep marijuana away from your curious cat.

Treatment of Marijuana Intoxication

Treatment options are mostly supportive care practices. If your pet takes cannabis within 30 minutes of going to the hospital, your Vet will induce vomiting to remove the toxic substance.

Vets can also activate charcoal which absorbs the ingested toxin. Activated charcoal powder is mixed with water and it will absorb toxins from the intestinal tract to prevent the spread of toxins.

Conclusion

Cats get high when they take marijuana. If you notice your cat appearing dizzy, disoriented, sleepy, hyperactive, depressed, drooling excessively, having dilated pupils, restlessness, and aggressive, they have probably taken marijuana.

Marijuana is toxic to cats and has serious health consequences so seek emergency care if you suspect your feline friend has ingested it. If you're curious about the potential feline health benefits of hemp products, consider a CBD oil for cats made to be healthy and effective specifically for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cats Get High from Vape Smoke?

A vape that contains THC can make your cat high. THC is psychoactive and cats are sensitive to it even when inhaled in small amounts.

How Long Does a Cat Stay High on Weed?

Intoxication can start in as little as five minutes or less, and symptoms can last for over a day in severe cases. The length of time your cat stays high depends on their size and the THC concentration of the marijuana they ingested.

How do Cats Process THC?

Cats process THC much more slowly than humans, and even small amounts can be toxic to them. Unlike humans, cats have fewer cannabinoid receptors in their brains, making them more sensitive to THC. Ingesting THC can lead to symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or coma. If a cat is suspected of consuming THC, it’s important to seek immediate veterinary care.

References

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