My Cat Ate an Edible What Should I Do?

Cats are notorious for eating just about anything. If it’s something that smells appealing to your cat, they may try to eat it. It’s especially bad if they see you enjoying something. They would like a part of it, too! So, it can sometimes happen that cats eat snacks that were not meant for them. This can even include edibles.

So, what happens if a cat eats an edible?

Edibles & Catnip Share Some Commonalities

Did you know that catnip and weed share some similarities? The fact is that catnip has a similar effect on cats as marijuana does for humans. Catnip contains a substance called nepetalactone, which is a stimulant that makes a cat high. It has a similar reaction on the cat’s brain as marijuana does on humans.

THC, CBD and nepetalactone react on certain receptors in parts of the brain that effect behavior and emotion. Cats, like us, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates physiological systems in the body. These include the immune response, sleep, coordination, mood, appetite, and more.

When a cat has cannabis, you may notice these symptoms:

• Lack of coordination
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Aggressive behavior
• Acting withdrawn
• Swaying, wobbly on legs, awkward gait
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shivering

If you notice these symptoms in your cat, call the vet immediately. This could be a life-threatening medical emergency. And don’t worry about the vet turning you in if the cannabis is illegal where you live. Veterinarians are not required to call the police. The life of your cat could be in danger, and she needs to receive treatment as soon as possible.

Treatment of Marijuana Intoxication in Cats

After you get to the vet, they will perform a physical exam of your cat. They will also run lab work and may induce vomiting if the cat has recently ingested in the cannabis. This will prevent more of the substance from being absorbed into the cat’s digestive system.

In some cases, the vet may also choose to pump your kitty’s stomach out and give her activated charcoal every 6-8 hours to neutralize the cannabis. In addition, your cat may require supportive care such as IV fluids, monitoring and regulating of her heart, breathing and body temperature. She may also need to be confined in a comfortable space where she can’t hurt herself if she’s having trouble with coordination, etc.

In most cases, the prognosis is very good for cats who have eaten cannabis and received prompt medical care.