Puff, Puff, Purr: Can Cats Get High?

You’ve heard the phrase “curiosity killed the cat,” right? Well, we have a tale (tail?) to tell.

 

Meet Whiskers. Whiskers found herself intrigued by a peculiar green plant her human friend had left out. The plant had a strange aroma that tickled Whiskers’ whiskers and had her purring with intrigue.

 

In her classic feline fashion, she dove headfirst into the investigation, snuffling, pawing, and even taking a brave little nibble. After a few minutes, Whiskers seemed to set off on a solo expedition to la-la land, batting at invisible butterflies and gazing intently at the wall.

 

So, it begs the question: can cats get high? As absurd as it sounds, it’s a question worth scratching at. The answer might just surprise you. So, stick around as we dive into the curious chronicles of cats and cannabis plants.

 

Cats and Cannabis

Cats showcase an innate curiosity that often leads them into whirlwinds of the weirdest adventures. They’re like tiny, four-legged Indiana Joneses, but instead of hunting for lost arks, they’re on a quest for… well, anything.

 

That plastic bottle cap? Precious treasure. Your new houseplants? Exotic jungles to explore. And that’s where our favorite herb, cannabis, enters the stage.

 

In the human world, marijuana is known for its psychoactive properties, giving its adult users a ticket to a thrilling joyride in the clouds. But how does this plant interact with our curious kitties?

 

Hold onto your catnip because this is where it gets interesting. Let’s scratch beneath the surface to reveal the truth about how Whiskers’ newfound plant friend might affect her.

 

 

The Science Behind Feline Highs

Now, onto the science of it all! You see, both cats and humans have something called an “endocannabinoid system.” Think of it as a series of internet routers spread throughout the body, transmitting messages back and forth.

 

In humans, when THC, the main psychoactive component in cannabis, logs onto these routers, it’s like upgrading to super-speed fiber optic broadband. Suddenly, you’re laughing at the lamest dad jokes, everything is hilariously profound, and Doritos taste like food of the gods.

 

But in cats, it’s a bit different. Picture their endocannabinoid system like a vintage CB radio set. When THC tries to log on, it’s like trying to stream Netflix on dial-up. It’s a jumbled, discombobulated mess that can leave our furry friends feeling dazed and confused.

 

So, while Whiskers might seem like she’s on the feline version of The Magic School Bus ride, in reality, she’s more like Alice tumbling down a terrifyingly trippy rabbit hole.

 

Signs Your Cat Has Raided Your Stash

Let’s set the stage… You’ve come home to find your precious stash of Mary Jane slightly lighter and your cat, Whiskers, acting a bit… strange. Well, there’s a chance your “purr-fect” little detective might have gotten her paws into your greens.

 

Here’s how to tell if your cat ate weed.

 

First off, if Whiskers is prancing around as if she’s auditioning for ‘Cats the Musical’, then you might have a stoned kitty on your hands.

 

Another sign is the good old ‘couch-lion syndrome’ where your usual huntress exchanges her mouse chase for an intense staring contest with the wall. Oh, and those cat naps? They might turn into full-on slumber parties with her favorite squeaky toy.

 

The munchies aren’t just a human phenomenon either. If Whiskers starts chowing down her kibbles like they’re the last meal on earth, you might want to start securing your stash better.

 

Remember, while these signs are admittedly funny, cats and cannabis don’t mix well. Keep your stash secure, and let’s keep Whiskers’ highs natural – chasing laser pointers and climbing curtains, for example.

 

Dangers of Marijuana Intoxication in Cats

Now, here’s where we need to stop for a serious chat. While we may put a lighthearted spin on today’s topic of discussion, the reality of marijuana intoxication in cats is far less amusing.

 

Cannabis, while perfectly fine for humans, can be dangerous for our feline friends. THC toxicity can cause a range of health issues in cats defined by clinical signs from lethargy, low blood pressure, and loss of balance to severe anxiety, vomiting, and even seizures. In worst-case scenarios, it could lead to a coma or prove fatal.

 

So, it’s critical to ensure that your cannabis stays as far from your cats and as securely stored as possible to avoid marijuana toxicity. Remember, your furball’s highs should only come from harmless fun – laser lights, empty boxes, and maybe even a bit of catnip every so often.

 

 

What To Do If Your Cat Gets High

If it seems like Whiskers has gotten into your secret stash and ingested marijuana, don’t worry. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Stay Calm: Firstly, don’t panic – remember, your furry friend is probably as spooked as you. Your calmness will reassure him or her that the world isn’t ending.
2. Keep Your Cat Safe: Make sure they’re in a secure space where they can’t hurt themselves. That means no catwalks on high ledges or daring jumps from the fridge.
3. Hydrate: Ensure your cat has plenty of fresh water to sip on. He or she might have a serious case of dry mouth, just like humans do after a toke.
4. Veterinary Intervention: If symptoms escalate, whisk your cat off to the vet immediately and/or call the pet poison hotline. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

 

Preventive Measures: Keeping Kitty Safe

Alright, it’s time to swap our detective caps for hard hats as we dive deep into the world of feline-proofing our herbal hideaways.

 

We know, we know, your cat has the agility of a gymnast and the cunning of a master heist planner, but trust us, it’s totally possible to keep your stash safe.

1. Let’s start with the basics. If you’re storing your greens in a plastic bag tossed haphazardly in the sock drawer, well, that’s just not good enough. Think about it — your stash smells intriguing and it’s in a crinkly bag! So, the first line of action? Upgrade your storage. Opt for airtight, odor-proof containers that are difficult for your cat to open.
2. Next, stash your stash! And by that, we mean find a secure, out-of-reach spot to store your cannabis. Top shelves, locked drawers, or cabinets are all purr-fect places. Remember, cats are curious and climbers so think high and inaccessible.
3. Finally, be mindful when you’re smoking weed. Ensure your cat is out of the room when you’re rolling or lighting up and always clear away your leftovers.

 

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! Can marijuana affect cats? Yes, cats can get high, but it’s definitely not safe for your pets or their health.

 

Remember, a cat who’s high is no party at all; it’s more like a psychedelic mouse chase with no winners. So, let’s keep our whiskered weed warriors away from the greens, and more into the scene of laser pointers and empty boxes.

 

After all, the only type of ‘pot’ your cat should be involved with is the one they knock off your shelf when you’re not looking!

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if a cat is high?

When a cat is high, it’s like being stuck in a feline version of a trippy dream sequence — but not in a fun way.

 

Symptoms of marijuana ingestion can vary, but they might act strange, such as having an unusual prance or staring at walls like it’s the most thrilling thing ever. They may sleep a lot, eat like a starved lion, and experience a range of discomforts.

 

On a more serious note, medical marijuana toxicity in cats could lead to issues like lethargy, low blood pressure, urinary incontinence, loss of balance, severe anxiety, vomiting, and even seizures. Bottom line, it’s not a laugh-in-the-living-room moment, but a rush-to-the-vet scenario.

 

2. Can I smoke around my cat?

Well, in the interest of keeping our feline friends safe and sound, puffing on your favorite strain with your cat in the room is a no-go. Remember, cats have a super sniffer and can inhale secondhand marijuana smoke, potentially leading to health issues. So, as responsible pet owners, specifically cat owners, it’s best to keep our smoke sesh and cuddle sesh separate to prevent your cat from inhaling smoke.

 

3. Do dogs have cannabinoid receptors?

Yes! Dogs, just like us humans and our feline friends, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS).

 

But before you start sharing your stash with your four-legged sidekick, think twice! Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than us, meaning marijuana’s effects can be more intense and potentially dangerous for them.