Can Cats Eat Weed? Vet-Approved Facts & Safety Guide
If you have your medical license, you may have wondered if you can share your marijuana with your kitty. Marijuana, also known as weed, pot, Mary Jane, buds, or grass, is dried greenish flowers that come from the plant Cannabis sativa. Nowadays, marijuana is a common household name with state-by-state legalization. You can purchase many different forms of marijuana in flowers, tinctures, oils, and food, known as “edibles.”
It’s proven that marijuana holds medicinal purposes for those who suffer chronic pain, but what about our cats? Can cats eat weed? Is it healthy for them? The answer to this question is a resounding no, cats should not eat weed. We’ll explore why your cat cannot eat weed so you can avoid a potentially harmful situation for your pet.
Is Marijuana Toxic to Cats?
It may seem like your kitty could benefit from weed, but the truth is that you should avoid giving your cat marijuana at all costs. Weed contains Delta-9-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is toxic to cats and dogs. If you suspect your cat has ingested or inhaled weed, look for these signs:
- Vomiting
- Incoordination
- Dilated pupils
- Drooling
- Urinary incontinence
- Lethargy
- Increased vocalization
Death is rare but not impossible. In extreme cases, weed can cause seizures, tremors, or a coma. If your cat ingested or inhaled weed, you can call the pet poison helpline for help 24/7.
Is Smoking Weed Around Cats Bad?
Secondhand tobacco smoke can be harmful not only to humans but to our pets, too. The same thing goes for weed. If you smoke around your cat, your cat could get some of the effects weed produces. Not only that but if your cat is exposed to secondhand weed smoke regularly, it could lead to respiratory problems and even cancer. Your best bet is to avoid smoking around your cat and never intentionally blow smoke into your cat’s face.
Are Cats Attracted to Weed?
Some cats may be drawn to the smell of weed, and some may hate it. If your cat is attracted to the smell, it’s vital you keep the weed out of sight and reach of your cat. If your cat is attracted to the smell, it may be curious and want to eat it. If that happens, your cat will be exposed to the toxicity of the weed itself.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Cats?
We’ve established that weed is bad for cats, but what about CBD oil? CBD (cannabidiol) and hemp oils are predicted to provide benefits for cats, although this has not been scientifically proven. CBD oil has become quite popular over the last few years, and you can even purchase it online.
If you choose to purchase CBD oil for your cat, ensure that the product adheres to the industry standards—it should say so on the label. This means the product contains only CBD oil and possibly other gentle ingredients, such as hemp oil, coconut oil, or MCT oil. CBD prepared specifically for pets should not contain THC, which is what produces the psychoactive effect or the “high.” CBD prepared for human consumption may contain some amounts of THC and therefore shouldn’t be offered to your cat. It may also be at a concentration that is not appropriate for a cat (or even a dog).
What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil for Cats?
According to the ASPCA, CBD oil may offer many benefits to your cat. It can help with anxiety, joint pain, aggression, seizures, and even the unpleasant effects of cancer. When giving CBD oil to your cat, make sure you give them the correct dose. If you give them too much, it can cause an upset tummy. While veterinarians cannot legally prescribe CBD oil, you can still discuss this topic with your vet to ensure your cat’s safety.
What Is the Healthiest Diet for My Cat?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need protein in their diets to be healthy. Specifically, it should be of an animal source. The easiest way to keep your cat healthy is to ensure they get the appropriate nutrients, such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. You can do this by providing them with high-quality commercial cat food.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to weed, it’s best to use common sense. The THC in weed is toxic to cats and dogs, and the side effects will depend on the amount ingested. If a small amount was ingested, you might be only dealing with a sleepy kitty, but if the amount is substantial, it can cause health issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or worse yet, convulsions and a coma.
If you keep weed in your house, the safe and logical way to keep your cat safe is to keep the weed in a place your cat cannot access. If you smoke, it’s best to smoke it away from your cat so that your cat doesn’t inhale any secondhand smoke.
See also: Medical Cannabis for Cats: Usage, Safety & FAQ
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
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Rachel Giordano is a Pensacola, Florida-based musician and writer. She lives with her partner and their two dogs, Sophie, a Boston Terrier, and Aero, a Border Collie/Sheltie mix. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and loves writing about all types of cat breeds. When she’s not writing about cats, she loves to write suspense/thriller novels. A musician by night and writer by day, she enjoys sharing her knowledge of the needs and requirements of our furry friends.
