You might be a cannabis enthusiast growing your plant in your home together with your furry friend, but what happens if your cat eats pot plant? Should you be worry? Do you know what to do?
This is a common issue for pet owners who are also growing weed indoors or outdoors. Of course, you cannot guard your plants all the time and keep your pets away from your plants. What could happen is that they may cause some damage to the plants or they become very curious and ingest it.
If you are a cat owner and also a cannabis grower, you would want to know the effects if your cat eats pot plants. It is very important to be mindful if your pet is exposed to marijuana or has ingested it.
What are the effects when a cat eats a pot plant?
If in any way your pet cat has ingested pot plant, it will manifest several symptoms that may need a doctor’s attention. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or (ASPCA), when your cat ingested weed, they will show the following symptoms:
- Dilated pupils
- Hypersalivation
- Hyper activeness
- Extreme sleepiness
- Low blood pressure
- Uncoordinated movements like falling over
- Seizures, if untreated may lead to coma
- Slow heart rate
- Signs of agitation and anxiety
Weed ingestion to cats can be lethal. A small amount of cannabis or marijuana can be very toxic to your cat. Some exposures can be accidental but still, they have the same effect on your cat so it is best to keep your pet away from your garden or the area where you are growing your pots to be able to avoid such circumstances.
If you suspect that your pet may have ingested weed, observe the following signs and symptoms, a trip to your local veterinarian can be very helpful. Keep an eye on their behavior. Again the exposure can be lethal for your pet.
How is cannabis intoxication diagnosed in your pet?
The diagnosis is based on clinical signs and accurate history. Your doctor may conduct tests to determine the level of THC in your pet’s urine but that would take time. The best way to deal with this is to provide your doctor with accurate information on this matter, regarding the possible time of ingestion, the type of pot plant, and the initial observation that you have noticed with your cat’s behavior after ingesting weed.
Giving this vital information will give your doctor an idea of how to deal with your pet’s condition. One vital information that they should know is the type of plant that your cat was able to ingest thus they can provide your cat with the treatment it needs.
How is cannabis intoxication treated on cats?
One of the fastest ways for weed to take effect in the body is through ingestion and if your pet has ingested it, it will take effect very quickly. So, what to do? Bring your cat to the local veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Normally, when intoxicated or when toxins enter a body, the best way to deal with it is to get it out. In your cat’s case, if the toxicity was discovered very quickly right after ingestion, the doctor may induce vomiting to prevent the toxins from spreading or from being absorbed by the body. Note that the signs of toxicity can only be observed after the pot has been ingested and it is already being absorbed by your cat’s bodily system.
- In some cases, the stomach may be pumped. This is what they call gastric lavage. This is a gastrointestinal decontamination technique in emptying the stomach from any toxins.
- Administration of activated charcoal. Activated charcoal can neutralize the toxins and they are usually administered every 6-8 hours.
- Providing supportive care and medication. Providing medication until the drug wears off is very important especially if it has taken effect on your cat’s body system. For example, if your cat has shown signs of agitation, medication for anti-anxiety can be administered by your doctor. Also, IV fluids will help prevent dehydration while your cat is recovering. Confining your cat in a safe environment can prevent trauma as your pet is experiencing disorientation and uncoordinated movements. They can be very in a very sensitive state so it is best to keep them in a quiet and comfortable environment.
- The doctor can monitor the progress of your pet and as soon as they are clear of the toxins, they can be discharged and you can bring your pet home.
How can this matter be prevented?
As a responsible cannabis enthusiast and a pet owner, it is best to keep your pet away from your pot. If you are growing a garden, indoors or outdoors, secure the area by building a fence or anything that would keep your pets away from your pot plants.
Keep your pot plants and your cat both secured. The pot is not good for the cat and the cat destroys the plant. So that is a very logical reason why both of them should not be in the same room. If you are growing your weed indoors, keep them in a room and do not give your cat any access or keep them away as much as possible.
Also, you can store your weed securely on a high cabinet or on locked drawers that your cat cannot open. Cannabis intoxication in cats is not just limited to ingestion but also inhalation. So if you are smoking, you can keep your cat in a separate, well-ventilated room, just away from second-hand smoke.
If you are growing them outdoors, make sure to secure your plants not just to cats but from other animals and humans too. Build a fence that will secure your garden.
In conclusion, it can be lethal if your cat eats a pot plant. It is important that you have to be a responsible pet owner and cannabis user to avoid such a situation. Take care of your furry friend and keep them away from your pot plant.