- Edibles are worst (THC + chocolate/xylitol)
- 30–90 min
- Affects: Nervous system
Why this verdict for cats
Cats are very sensitive to THC. Keep all cannabis, edibles and smoke well away, and call your vet if your cat is exposed.
Warning signs to watch for
- Wobbliness
- Dilated pupils
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
⚠ If your cat ate marijuana (cannabis)
Act immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline right away.
- Note how much was eaten and when.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
Cannabis poisoning in pets has climbed sharply wherever the law has relaxed, and most cases arrive at the clinic with an embarrassed owner. It is worth saying plainly: your vet is there to treat your animal, not to report you, and being straight about what was eaten genuinely changes the speed and accuracy of care.
How much is safe?
Pets are more sensitive than people and have far more cannabinoid receptors in the brainstem, so the effect is not simply a scaled-down version of a human high. Dried flower is a problem; concentrates, oils and infused butter are much worse because the dose per bite is enormous. Edibles are the worst case of all, since a single brownie can combine THC with chocolate — and occasionally with xylitol — turning one exposure into two or three simultaneous poisonings.
What happens if a cat eats too much?
The classic picture is a wobbly, glassy-eyed pet that startles at sound, has wide pupils, a slow heart rate, a low body temperature, and dribbles urine while standing — that last sign is so characteristic that vets recognise it on sight. Some animals go the other way and become agitated or tremble. Signs usually start within one to three hours and can last a day or more. Death from THC alone is very rare, but severe cases can suppress breathing, and the risk climbs sharply with concentrates.
⚠ What to do if your cat ate marijuana (cannabis)
Call your vet or a poison line (ASPCA 888-426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661) and tell them exactly what the product was: flower, edible, oil, or tincture, and roughly how much. If it was an edible, say what else was in it — that detail may matter more than the THC. Most pets recover fully with monitoring, warmth and fluids, but a pet that cannot stand, is barely responsive, or has eaten chocolate alongside it needs to be seen now.
⚠️ Worried your pet got into this?
Frequently asked questions
Will my vet report me if I tell them?
Veterinarians are focused on treatment, not enforcement, and poison-control lines are confidential. Withholding the information mostly leads to unnecessary tests and slower care.
Is CBD without THC dangerous?
Pure CBD is far less risky and some veterinary products exist, but human products can contain more THC than the label suggests, plus flavourings or xylitol. Only use pet-formulated products under vet guidance.
How long does it take to wear off?
Typically 12 to 24 hours, sometimes longer, because cannabinoids are stored in fat and released slowly. Concentrates can extend that considerably.
More household items for cats
By the CanMyPet Editorial Team · Reviewed against ASPCA Animal Poison Control, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Pet Poison Helpline · Last updated July 31, 2026.
Sources
- ASPCA — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- American Kennel Club — Dog Nutrition
- Pet Poison Helpline — Poison List