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Can Cats Get High? Avoid a Vet Trip With This Guide!

Can cats get high? Find out now!

 

You're hanging out with friends, passing around a joint, and when the smoke clears, you suddenly see your cat sitting nearby, which might make you wonder about vet-approved CBD oil for cats. This might lead to panic. Is your feline okay? Or maybe a sense of curiosity. Can cats get high? Do they like it? Should we include them in our smoking session?


In short, cats can indeed experience the effects of marijuana, but they don’t find it pleasurable. You should never include your pet in your smoking sessions; while felines can get "high," their experience is vastly different—and much more distressing—than a human's. To keep them safe, ensure they avoid second-hand smoke and marijuana edibles. However, it is worth noting that hemp and CBD are entirely different stories—these can offer a variety of health benefits for your cat.

 

 

Can cats get high?

marijuana close up

Do cats get high? The short answer is yes. Just like dogs and humans, felines can get high from marijuana and experience adverse side effects from being high. Marijuana products and other cannabis products are toxic to cats, and cannabis intoxication can result from accidental exposure, ingestion, or inhalation. We should examine the high cat in this PubMed: Pharmacokinetics and Safety of CBD in Cats. A six-year-old Persian was brought to the vet after becoming aggressive.


There hasn’t been a lot of research done on cats and marijuana, but the toxic side effects don’t seem to be welcomed by most felines. If you realize that your cat has consumed or ingested marijuana, or breathed in the smoke, contact a vet immediately or consult trusted resources like the Cornell Feline Health Center.


Can a Cat Get High? But What Happens When a Cat Gets High?

Just like humans, felines have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) full of cannabinoid receptors. THC interacts with these receptors in the cat's body and nervous system, including those in the brain that affect mood, causing our pets to be “high.” If you aren’t sure if your cat is high or not, look for some signs and symptoms:

  • Lethargic mood and sedation

  • Swaying and appearing unbalanced

  • Bobbing their head

  • Dilated pupils

  • Fear, hiding, confusion



Does CBD Get Cats High?

cat with CBD tincture

Unlike marijuana, CBD won’t get your dog or cats high, but do cats stay high forever? CBD is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid, meaning it doesn’t have the high-inducing properties that a phytocannabinoid like THC has. While CBD won’t get a cat high, it still interacts with the receptors in their ECS. The ECS provides our bodies and minds with balance and a sense of well-being.


How to get a cat high? When CBD interacts with the receptors, it will provide animals with a lot of the benefits of marijuana without the side effects of the animal being high. However, some cats may experience a mild decrease in body temperature as a low-level side effect of CBD, so veterinary guidance is recommended to ensure your pet's safety. Cat owners give their felines CBD oil or all-natural CBD treats for cats for a variety of reasons.



Does Hemp Get Cats High?

Hemp will not get a cat high. Hemp is a strain of cannabis that legally contains no more than 0.3% THC. This tiny amount of THC will not get your cat high. It still shouldn't be ingested on a whim by your feline, however. Make sure to keep hemp out of reach so you, the owner, can always control the amount of cannabis your cat receives.



  

Does Marijuana Get Cats High?

Unlike hemp, marijuana will get you high. That’s dangerous because marijuana contains large amounts of THC. It will alter your cat's feelings, leaving them disoriented and anxious. You might think that a few puffs are fine. It doesn’t affect you, right? But felines are much smaller than we are. It takes much less THC to start hurting them.


Avoid smoking in enclosed spaces when your feline is present, including closed-off rooms or the car. Don’t ever “hotbox” a cat. Marijuana smoke and secondhand marijuana smoke can lead to THC exposure and respiratory irritation in cats, due to their sensitive respiratory systems.



Is CBD, Hemp, or Marijuana Good for Cats?

So, is it okay to smoke around your cat? Here’s the short answer:

  • Is CBD good for cats? Yes.

  • Is hemp good for cats? Yes, in proper amounts.

  • Is marijuana good for cats? No.


CBD and hemp have a lot of benefits for felines. By interacting with your cat’s ECS, CBD and hemp will help your feline feel more balanced and healthy. It will mellow out their mood and soothe any discomfort they might have. Check out our dosing chart to see how much CBD is right for your cat. However, always seek veterinary advice before giving your cat any new supplement or remedy to ensure it is safe for your cat's health.



Which CBD Products Are Best for My Cat?

CBD Cat bundle

Pet owners rejoice! If you're looking for high-quality CBD products to keep your cat's health and wellness in mind, then you've found them here at HolistaPet! The best part? You won't have to worry about any ingested medical marijuana intoxication when giving your cat our products. 

Rest assured, our safe CBD products should not get your cat high. Improve your cat's life today by giving your feline friend one of our many CBD products. Here are some highlights! 


CBD Cat Treats

Take the pain and guesswork out of drug dosing and give your cat some delicious CBD-infused treats! Each treat contains 2 mg of CBD, is made with all-natural ingredients, and is grain-free. These tasty treats have a delicious salmon flavor that will satisfy your furry friend's appetite and provide the nourishment and soundness they deserve.


CBD Calming Chews

Need some calming relief for your cat's anxious behaviors? Then our CBD calming chews are the perfect remedy! If you notice your cat is restless, jittery, or hyper, then it might be time to give them a chew. Your cat will love the savory salmon flavor and munch these soft treats up before you notice.


CBD Oil

CBD oil for cats is highly regarded for its versatility and ease of dosing, especially when using a high-quality natural oil supplement for cats. You can give CBD oil to your cat directly by squirting some into their mouth, or, if you're brave enough, place it under their tongue for quicker uptake. This oil's mild, earthy taste will not ruin your cat's palate. But if you want to make CBD oil more flavorful, you can mix some into your cat's food or drink. However you decide to do it, your cat will love you for it!


CBD Capsules

Like CBD oil, you can give or use these CBD capsules to your cat in more ways than one could name. You can give them to your cat directly, insert them into a small treat, or crack them open and sprinkle the CBD isolate onto their food or drink.


These capsules are available in several strengths:

  • 5 mg per capsule

  • 10 mg per capsule

  • 20 mg per capsule

  • 40 mg per capsule

  • 100 mg per capsule


CBD Catnip Spray

Eating edibles might not be for every cat. If your cat is a picky eater, then try giving them some of our CBD catnip spray! Our highly concentrated catnip spray contains three essential ingredients:

  • Nano-enhanced CBD

  • Nepetalactone Essential Oil (Catnip Oil)

  • Nano-enhanced Water

  


Final Thoughts 

Felines have an endocannabinoid system just like us. That means they have endocannabinoid receptors that TCH can interact with when medical marijuana is ingested or inhaled. And just like us, cats will experience many of the same side effects of being high, like dizziness and altered thinking.


Behavioral changes, such as aggression or fear, can sometimes resemble feline growling and may indicate stress or discomfort. If your pet is recovering from a veterinary procedure, learn when to remove cone after surgery to ensure proper healing. For more helpful tips on feline wellness and behavior, explore our library of expert cat health articles.



FAQs About Cats and Cannabis Exposure

1. Can cats get high from cannabis?

Yes, cats can get high from cannabis, but it is not safe or enjoyable for them. Unlike humans, cats process THC differently, and THC exposure can affect the cat's body and nervous system, leading to confusion, fear, poor coordination, and other toxic effects.


2. Is marijuana toxic to cats?

Yes, marijuana's toxic effects are a real concern for cats. Marijuana toxicity, cannabis toxicity, and THC toxicity can happen from inhaling marijuana smoke, secondhand marijuana smoke, or ingesting marijuana products.


3. Can secondhand smoke affect my cat?

Yes. Secondhand smoke, second hand smoke, secondhand cannabis smoke, and secondhand marijuana smoke can expose cats to smoke particles and THC. This may cause respiratory irritation, behavioral changes, and other health problems, especially if the cat is in the same room or in a poorly ventilated one.


4. What happens if cats inhale weed smoke?

When cats inhale weed smoke or marijuana smoke, they may show signs of marijuana intoxication or cannabis intoxication. Common clinical signs include dilated pupils, low body temperature, urinary incontinence, poor balance, sleepiness, anxiety, or unusual behavior.


5. Can marijuana affect cats even in small amounts?

Yes. Marijuana affects cats even in small amounts because they are much smaller than people. Most cats are sensitive to THC, and accidental exposure can quickly lead to harmful effects.


6. What should cat owners do if their cat consumes marijuana?

If your cat consumes cannabis products, marijuana plants, cannabis plants, or marijuana products, contact a vet or pet poison helpline right away. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. In severe cases, your cat may need veterinary care, IV fluids, blood pressure monitoring, and supportive care.

1 comment

cindy

cindy

I think my cat might have gotten into my stash. I’m not for sure for sure but she’s laying around. I’m giving her ice cold water. I don’t know what else to do. I don’t want a vet bill, but I’m she’s not doing anything bad but my stash looks OK. I’m just not for sure. What else should I look for?

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