You would be amazed by how many times this is likely searched on Google. Cats can become “high” from eating, sniffing, and licking catnip… But what about cannabis? For everyone thinking it is a good idea or funny to get a cat “high”, I hope you reconsider after reading this.

When a cat is on a “catnip high” it is not like a cannabis high for humans. It’s more like a mild hallucinogenic that heightens the senses. As for the comparison of the two, catnip does not contain THC. In case you were wondering… No, you cannot get high catnip; if you try, you can become pretty sick. Just leave the catnip to the cats.

Can Cats Get High from Cannabis?

If we humans can’t get high on catnip, is it safe to assume cats can’t get high on cannabis? Well, no they can’t get “high” on it, not exactly. Cats are finicky and likely will not ingest cannabis. In the off-chance that they do, they are likely to vomit it back up or suffer from a bad case of diarrhea. What they may experience from said indigestion would be in the form of a “bad trip”. Your cat can actually convulse and have seizures from digesting THC which can lead to biting down on its tongue, brain damage, accidents, or even death. Still think it’s a good idea?

Marijuana Intoxication Cats may be prone to develop marijuana intoxication or cancers of the mouth and lymph nodes because of second-hand exposure. More can be read on the NCBI study

What About Blowing It into the Cat’s Face/Ears?

Cats hate smoke. They hate how it feels near their face because like us, it burns their eyes. It can lead to eye problems and infections that can result in blindness. Smoke dries out the retinas which is not only uncomfortable but painful for cats. Would you force someone to drink knowing they hate alcohol? This is no different. When you do this, you are committing animal abuse. No, it is not cute or funny. If you know someone who does this to their cat, encourage them to stop because it’s not right to force drugs on to an animal especially not knowing what may happen.

Can Medical Cannabis Be Used for Pain Relief in Cats?

This can be something you will see in the future at your vet’s office, but again, it will not be to get them “high” or “tripping”. They wouldn’t feel any of those effects. Likely, they will experience pain relief and mild drowsiness. That is it. It would not be the same as them eating your stash or you blowing smoke into their face. Patches are being tested on cats, dogs, and horses that contain cannabis which will be used for animals who suffer from pain. It is time-released and in a stable form that won’t cause any ill-effects or “highs” of any kind.

CBD oil is gaining popularity with pets! If you would like to learn more about CBD use for cats, check out CBD For Cats?.

I am not opposed to it being used medically in the future for pets but this is one thing you must leave to the vets. Administering your own cannabis to a hurting cat can lead to complications, including death. Just as cats can’t take certain medications we humans can, cats cannot handle smoke or indigestion of cannabis safely. Don’t assume because it happened once and your cat was fine, they are okay to eat it or inhale it again. You would be playing Russian roulette with your cat’s life and that ain’t cool, man.