Cats and Cannabis

Couple of months back I took in Otep, a 'girl' kitten of an unkown age (I'd say between 9 - 15 months old). She had a rough life living next to a highway and got ran over by a big old GMC truck. Her pior owner (my friend) was in a bad situation at the time because he had 6 cats, no money, and a girlfriend to attached to the cats to give them away for their own good. Not one of these cats have ever been to a vet (common around here), they all seem in good health to me but then again I'm no cat expert.

Anyway Otep ended up healing the hard way, as a result one of her bones in her leg is not set correctly. She manages fine (you can't tell unless you look) and doesn't seem to be in any pain now. I took her to the vet and had all the normal things done, everything checked out fine except for one thing.

Otep is a boy! So I know have a boy cat named after a girl

Anyway on to the point of my post....

I smoke cannabis (marijuana) for medical purposes (which I will not get into at this time). Otep has always hated tobacco smoke, and will not sit close to a lit cancer stick or cigar.

I figured he was just avoiding smoke all togther, until one night I loaded up my before bed bowl and he came over and sat in my lap. The whole time I was smoking (around 30 minutes) he sat there and watched the smoke, at one point he got a good nose full (I sat my pipe down to do something and he basicly put his nose right over a still smoking bowl).

After he did that he passed out in my lap, snoozed until I got up to go to bed, he joined me in sleep and as far as I know slept the entire night.

I figured he was just begin curious the first time, and diden't think to much about it. But now everynight when I sit down to have my before bed smoke he comes running! When I'm smoking he sticks his nose right into second hand smoke, although it seems once he gets a good wiff of it he doesn't care for anymore, he just goes to sleep most of the time. Once I left a bud on the table to get a drink only to find it half eaten when I got back..

Does anyone think this is bad for a cat?

I really don't know and can't seem to get a good answer one way or anthor. And please guys, don't give me the 'thats animal abuse' line, I'm not forcing this cat to do any of this, it's doing this of its own free will. Every other place that I've asked at got me a load of these replies and no answer .

I had a friend years ago that would smoke with his cat, and occasionally the cat wold get hold of some and eat it. He never seemed to suffer any ill effects. He was a big, lazy cat to begin with, and it just seemed to make him lazier. Of course I don't know for sure, but it never seemed to hurt him. He lived to be over 20 years old.

Heh I guess I know where all these missing roaches are getting to. I'll just have to be more careful around the cat I guess, hopfully he will not find his way into the grow room (I grow my own, it cost to much if you buy it ) .

Your post makes me feel much better, I have heard a myth that cats store thc in their bodies and that to much of it will kill them or shorten their lifespan. I'm guessing thats bull**** right?

Hey there.
Thanks for giving this cat a home...
I don't smoke marijuana anymore (it was never really for me)
But I do know a thing or two about drug processes on the body.
I am sure you know that THC is fat soluble. This means it is stored in the fat cells of the body.
I don't know about cats but in humans it takes about a month to leave the body.
With continued smoking, it doesn't obviously.
The only ways to really cut down on the amount of THC stored is to have a lower fat to muscle ratio on the body (ie, good exercise) and to flush out the system with water.

I would ask your vet about this..I know that it may be somewhat of an uncomfortable question, but seeing as its medicinal, they may be more willing to answer your questions..

I would also ask the vet about the effects of the second-hand smoke and what it could do to Otep's lungs.

Hey Brad.

I have no idea if weed is bad for a cat or not, but I had to say that I thought one of my cats was a girl too....I have two, brothers, that I got when they were three weeks old. I had to bottlefeed them, wipe their little behinds, all that stuff.

Bugs I knew was a boy, but when kittens are that young it can sometimes be hard to tell. For the longest time, I thought Daffy was a girl...until I really started looking one day, when he was about five or six weeks old, and discovered that no, he was indeed a boy...

He's quite the neurotic cat. Maybe I should have named him Skeeter.

Many years ago during my university days I had a girlfriend and she used to smoke marijuana around her cat. Now in my amateur opinion, I don't think cats really care about the marijuana or are really feeling any different -- it is just that their owners are more relaxed and mellow. And when it comes to seeking affection, cats tend to approach people who are calm and slow more than someone who is active and intense.

So...just look at it as the cat is taking an opportunity to approach you when you will be receptive and affectionate. Don't kid yourself into thinking that the cat is enjoying the marijuana or whatever. As for harm, it won't really hurt the cat. But you should cat-proof your home and always use good judgment to not let a cat eat random things -- be it a dead insect or a honey roasted peanut or anything of the sort laying around on the floor.

i've known cats that liked it and cats that hated it (personal preference, just like people) i had a roommate once that was sitting on the couch with a bag of weed in his pocket and our cat came up sniffed his pocket, pawed it open pulled the bag out and started eating it! she loved the stuff

Originally Posted by Nano

Many years ago during my university days I had a girlfriend and she used to smoke marijuana around her cat. Now in my amateur opinion, I don't think cats really care about the marijuana or are really feeling any different -- it is just that their owners are more relaxed and mellow. And when it comes to seeking affection, cats tend to approach people who are calm and slow more than someone who is active and intense.

So...just look at it as the cat is taking an opportunity to approach you when you will be receptive and affectionate. Don't kid yourself into thinking that the cat is enjoying the marijuana or whatever. As for harm, it won't really hurt the cat. But you should cat-proof your home and always use good judgment to not let a cat eat random things -- be it a dead insect or a honey roasted peanut or anything of the sort laying around on the floor.

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I sincerely doubt it. Cats go crazy for catnip. So, I suspect something similar to catnip is going on, and cat is not approaching him because he is receptive or affectionate. As for being a danger to a cat, I found several websites where cannabis is listed among plans poisonous to cats, although not generally fatal, it can cause muscle weakness, drowziness, vomiting, etc. It's considered to be moderatly toxic to pets, so, no, it's not harmless. And if it was me, I would at the very least not let my cat eat it.
http://www.takingthelead.co.uk/2/Hea...isonplants.htm

Hi Brad,

Even without the information that Elizwithcat cited, I would say that the most important thing is not to let your cat eat any more joints. You never know what might make a cat sick, even if he's been fine in the past, and you obviously care and want him to be safe.

If you're worried about secondhand smoke, can you eat the cannabis instead? (I've never consumed it in any way, so I don't know what does what). An old friend used to make "pot butter" and use it on pasta and other stuff. Just a thought.

May I also say that I'm impressed by the calm reactions of other posters? I knew I liked these forums, but now I really think this is a good place.

ETA clarification: I'm impressed because this is a potentially controversial topic and yet the other posters replied without attitude or harsh judgment.

Very interesting topic! Perhaps you could smoke outside? or away from your kitty?

Originally Posted by elizwithcat

I sincerely doubt it. Cats go crazy for catnip. So, I suspect something similar to catnip is going on, and cat is not approaching him because he is receptive or affectionate. As for being a danger to a cat, I found several websites where cannabis is listed among plans poisonous to cats, although not generally fatal, it can cause muscle weakness, drowziness, vomiting, etc. It's considered to be moderatly toxic to pets, so, no, it's not harmless. And if it was me, I would at the very least not let my cat eat it.
http://www.takingthelead.co.uk/2/Hea...isonplants.htm

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And I gently but sincerely doubt your comments.

Here is the list of poisonous plants against which I cat-proofed my home when I rescued Nano:

http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?s...nts/M01947.htm

Since cannabis is used by a quarter of the households in the US, I'm sure they'd make a point of mentioning it if anything had been proven out about it being acutely toxic to cats. That doesn't mean it is safe -- just that it isn't a documented risk and you should have reasonable caution about a cat eating a bunch of anything that isn't cat food.

And if anyone wants to believe that cats enjoy marijuana smoke, and if the original poster wants to think it is therapy for the cat's injuried leg, I guess it isn't really hurting anything -- even if there is no logic behind it. I wouldn't blow smoke right in any living thing's face, but other than that...this is the internet. From what I see, with unwanted cats being kicked in anger and dumped out on the streets, a guy who smokes marijuana with his cat on the lap isn't hurting much of anything. I wish the original poster and his cat all the best!

Originally Posted by Nano

And I gently but sincerely doubt your comments.

Here is the list of poisonous plants against which I cat-proofed my home when I rescued Nano:

http://www.aspca.org/site/FrameSet?s...nts/M01947.htm

Since cannabis is used by a quarter of the households in the US, I'm sure they'd make a point of mentioning it if anything had been proven out about it being acutely toxic to cats. That doesn't mean it is safe -- just that it isn't a documented risk and you should have reasonable caution about a cat eating a bunch of anything that isn't cat food.

And if anyone wants to believe that cats enjoy marijuana smoke, and if the original poster wants to think it is therapy for the cat's injuried leg, I guess it isn't really hurting anything -- even if there is no logic behind it. I wouldn't blow smoke right in any living thing's face, but other than that...this is the internet. From what I see, with unwanted cats being kicked in anger and dumped out on the streets, a guy who smokes marijuana with his cat on the lap isn't hurting much of anything. I wish the original poster and his cat all the best!

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So you list doesn't have it- does it mean it's safe? I saw several other websites that list it as poisonous plant to pets-and feel it is important to relay this information to the original poster, as he is concerned about it's safety. I am not going to tell him it's all well and good when I saw cannabis listed as poisonous plant to cats on several websites. What he decides to do with the information it's up to him, but I feel it's important he has it. If cats enjoy catnip, it only stand to reason to believe they might have some of the same reaction to cannabis.
http://mainecoonrescue.com/poison.html

If you had posted you stick your cat in a paper bag, and blow smoke into the bag and let him out when he is good and stoned, you might have been stoned off this board. Some cats just like pot.If they eat the green plant while it is growing, it can be potentially harmful. But if the buds are dried and processed, most of the danger is passed. But, unless you are growing your own, I would sincerely question letting your cat eat something that you have no idea what is really inside of it? People who grow pot can get a bit crazy at times and lace the joint or the bag with something harmful.

While you are imbibing in your pleasure to take away your pain, give your cat his own pile of organic plant material called catnip. That way, you both can get high, and both can stay safe-

Originally Posted by hissy

If you had posted you stick your cat in a paper bag, and blow smoke into the bag and let him out when he is good and stoned, you might have been stoned off this board. Some cats just like pot.If they eat the green plant while it is growing, it can be potentially harmful. But if the buds are dried and processed, most of the danger is passed. But, unless you are growing your own, I would sincerely question letting your cat eat something that you have no idea what is really inside of it? People who grow pot can get a bit crazy at times and lace the joint or the bag with something harmful.

While you are imbibing in your pleasure to take away your pain, give your cat his own pile of organic plant material called catnip. That way, you both can get high, and both can stay safe-

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Amen to that

Originally Posted by hissy

If you had posted you stick your cat in a paper bag, and blow smoke into the bag and let him out when he is good and stoned, you might have been stoned off this board. Some cats just like pot.If they eat the green plant while it is growing, it can be potentially harmful. But if the buds are dried and processed, most of the danger is passed. But, unless you are growing your own, I would sincerely question letting your cat eat something that you have no idea what is really inside of it? People who grow pot can get a bit crazy at times and lace the joint or the bag with something harmful.

While you are imbibing in your pleasure to take away your pain, give your cat his own pile of organic plant material called catnip. That way, you both can get high, and both can stay safe-

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I agree 100% with that, in my time I've seen people force smoke on cats/dogs/birds etc. Terrible if you ask me, I woulden't want to be stuffed in a box filled with smoke.

You also hit the nail on the head about growing your own, that is exactly why I started doing it. Once got a bag sprayed with windex, seen then sprayed with raid. Most of the time the grower doesn't 'lace' in my experance, it's the people selling it on the street (by the time they get it it's old and been in many hands). I like knowing exactly where my stuff comes from, this is why I also grow my own furits and veggys and try to kill my own meat when I can.

I'm off to bed guys, thanks for all the advice and understanding. Great site, i'll be sticking around

1/4 of the households use cannabis? I would like to see where that number comes from...

But, without making this into an IMO thread...My main concern wouldn't be with the THC but with the smoke itself. Marijuana smoke does still contain tar and other nasties, and cats' lungs are much more sensitive than human lungs are. There are already scientific studies that show that second hand smoke (tobacco, as they can't even study marijuana because of the federal status of it) is harmful to cats.

My understanding is that marijuana is either related to or is similar to the mint family of plants, and catnip is a member of the mint family. So, yes, there is definite, at least anecdotal, evidence that cats are quite drawn to marijuana plants, smoke, buds, etc. I did a quick search and there are plenty of threads on the pot boards about their cats loving the stuff. That isn't just coincidence.

I only smoke cigarettes and try not to do that with Guinness in the room. He has in the past come into the room took one whiff of the air and walked out! He did the same thing this morning, but that was only after I had sprayed deo under my arms! I think some cats might be more sensitive to smells than others?

Originally Posted by valanhb

1/4 of the households use cannabis? I would like to see where that number comes from...

But, without making this into an IMO thread...My main concern wouldn't be with the THC but with the smoke itself. Marijuana smoke does still contain tar and other nasties, and cats' lungs are much more sensitive than human lungs are. There are already scientific studies that show that second hand smoke (tobacco, as they can't even study marijuana because of the federal status of it) is harmful to cats.

My understanding is that marijuana is either related to or is similar to the mint family of plants, and catnip is a member of the mint family. So, yes, there is definite, at least anecdotal, evidence that cats are quite drawn to marijuana plants, smoke, buds, etc. I did a quick search and there are plenty of threads on the pot boards about their cats loving the stuff. That isn't just coincidence.

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I have long wondered if it is part of the catnip family as even when I didn't believe people telling me stories of their cats jumping up to put their heads into the bag for a potential sniff or a munch, I have indeed seen it with my own eyes more than once.
I would concur with the notion that I would be worried about the nasties in the secondhand smoke moreso than the THC content..And I wouldn't let him eat it...And be careful he doesn't get into your grow room.
You may come home to a very stoned ill cat and I can't imagine the dangers involved in having all of your lights come down, chemicals overturned...etc..!

Cheers!

Brad, it looks like you've received a good number of answers!

Yes, catnip is in the same family as 'weed'. When catnip is smoked, it has a similar - but not quite as potent - affect as 'weed'!

But I agree that you could provide Otek (did I remember correclty??) with some catnip of his own!

I'm pleased you got a better answer than everywhere else you've tried!