Is weed bad for cats?

Can cats eat weed leaves?

Fresh marijuana leaves likely haven’t developed THC yet and are relatively safe for your cat to eat. Unlike dogs, cats usually aren’t very interested in gobbling down weed caramels, cookies, and brownies, but you’ll have to watch out for them around your cannabutter and marijuana-infused coconut oil.

Can you smoke weed around your cat?

Whether you are smoking or vaping marijuana in the presence of your cat, or it’s simply sitting around the house, you have to be mindful because any ingestion, marijuana or not, can potentially cause unpleasant effects on your pet. To understand how weed affects cats, let’s dig deeper into the topic.

What happens if a cat eats THC?

THC is readily stored in the body’s fat tissue, which includes the liver, brain, and kidneys. The liver metabolizes this THC, and much of it is excreted in feces and urine. The good news is that marijuana exposure and ingestion are rarely deadly in cats and long-term complications are uncommon.

Is marijuana toxic to cats?

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa), commonly known as pot or weed, is toxic to cats. The toxic compound found in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC.

Do cats have THC receptors?

Not only do cats have cannabinoid receptors, but they have a larger amount of them than humans do – making them more sensitive to cannabinoids like THC. Can cats get high on marijuana?

What is medical cannabis for cats?

Medical cannabis for cats can help relieve conditions such as pain, low appetite, anxiety, and seizures. When discussing cannabis and cats, there’s plenty of room for misunderstanding. This is because “cannabis” can refer to marijuana with THC, as well as hemp products (which don’t contain significant amounts of THC).

How much marijuana is toxic to cats?

Toxicity of marijuana is low for cats, requiring roughly 1.5 grams of marijuana per pound of body weight to be fatal. The most severe problems relating to marijuana exposure or ingestion in cats have been from high concentrations of medical-grade THC.

What happens if a cat eats weed?

Surprisingly, cats have an endocannabinoid system, too. This means that when cats ingest or inhale marijuana, they also process THC and CBD in the same way humans do. The effects of weed on cats can also bring about: low blood pressure.

How does THC affect your pet’s brain?

The drug enters the body via inhalation or ingestion and binds with specific neuroreceptors in the brain, altering normal neurotransmitter function. THC interacts with neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. Humans and pets have two types of receptors in their bodies.

Is medical marijuana safe for cats?

How medical marijuana may improve your kitty’s health. Cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, remains a controversial topic. But more people are realizing how effective it is at treating the symptoms of many human conditions, from cancer and AIDS to multiple sclerosis, pain disorders, glaucoma, epilepsy and more.

What are the side effects of cannabis on cats?

The most common side effect is mild lethargy, which usually subsides in 3-4 days. A less common side effect is softer stools and an increased bowel movement frequency. Cannabis products that use the whole plant will have a high fiber content, this may cause problems in sensitive cats. A lower dose usually resolves the fiber sensitivity issue.

Why do cats like marijuana so much?

It has a pervasive smell which is what attracts the cats to it. When they smell the catnip, cats can become hyperactive. When consumed, it can make them feel sleepy. Marijuana comes from the Cannabis Sativa plant. The Cannabis plant, of course, does create an altered state of mind known as euphoria or “the high.”

Is marijuana good for cats?

However, it’s still questionable whether there is anything beneficial in the plant for feline friends. In fact, it is strongly suggested that cats do not come close to any smoke from marijuana use, or any other smoke from cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.

What happens when a cat is intoxicated with marijuana?

Marijuana intoxication in a cat is a different story, however. It’s incredibly dangerous due to the risk of THC toxicity. While marijuana intoxication most frequently affects dogs (one study found that only 3 percent of marijuana toxicity cases were cats, while 96 percent were dogs), cats can also suffer ill effects from ingestion of THC.

What are the effects of THC on dogs?

Dogs in particular have more cannabinoid receptors in their brain than people do, so THC can affect them significantly. Most symptoms appear neurological, such as wobbly, uncoordinated movements, dilated pupils, disorientation and vocalization. They may drool excessively or vomit as well as dribble urine.

Are high-THC cannabis strains safe for cats?

The popularity of marijuana as a recreational drug has given THC the spotlight and fueled the cultivation of high-THC cannabis, but strains rich in CBD also exist and have great medicinal properties. Plus they’re completely safe for cats.

Can a cat get marijuana poisoning from a dog?

Marijuana Intoxication in Cats While marijuana intoxication most frequently affects dogs (one study found that only 3 percent of marijuana toxicity cases were cats, while 96 percent were dogs), cats can also suffer ill effects from ingestion of THC.

How do cats and dogs get intoxicated?

How do cats and dogs become intoxicated? Cats and dogs can become intoxicated by cannabis in various ways; by inhaling second-hand smoke, eating edibles (baked goods, candies, chocolate bars, and chips containing cannabis), or ingesting cannabis directly (in any form).

What are the effects of THC intoxication in pets?

Other symptoms of THC intoxication in pets include: In extreme cases, THC can also cause seizures/tremors or induce a coma. There isn’t a lot of information available about why dogs are so sensitive to THC, but we know that their size and weight play a big part. What About Products That Contain Both THC and CBD? Are These Products Safe for Pets?

Is THC safe for dogs?

THC can produce very harsh side effects in pets. But, there is a way to use cannabis safely with your furry friend. Read on for more information about THC, how it impacts dogs, and why it’s always better to opt for non-psychoactive CBD products instead. Free Bonus: I always recommend CBD with zero THC.

Can cats and dogs get high from cannabis?

When we consume cannabis, the THC from the plant activates our body’s Endocannabinoid System by fitting into cannabinoid receptors spread throughout the brain and body. When it does this, THC produces a strong, psychedelic euphoria that we colloquially call a “high” or “stone.” Cats and dogs, like humans, can experience this, too.