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My cat inhaled cannabis smoke. What to monitor and is she okay?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Russian Blue | Female | spayed | 10 lbs

Accidentally blew cannabis in cats face. Just as I exhaled my cat jumped up to greet me & was met with smoke. I feel bad, was totally unintentional & confused after reading online the effects on cats with this stuff. Happened hour ago; since she has been very relaxed/calm, laying next to me, & not showing any negative effects as of now. What things should I monitor in coming hours/days, how long until it's out of her system, & will she be okay? Will make sure never to do this again.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 12th, 2023

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach.

Mild intoxication can occur from exposure to second-hand marijuana smoke.

Clinical signs of marijuana toxicosis in cats include drooling, increased locomotor activity (e.g. wandering aimlessly, spontaneous jumping behavior), sedation, depression, anxiety, head bobbing/weaving, swaying from side to side, disorientation, vocalization, agitation, aggression, drinking excessively, difficulty swallowing, sneezing, not eating, seizures, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Please monitor her carefully for the next 12-24 hours. If you notice any severe symptoms you will need to take her to your veterinarian. I cannot say how long it will be in her system as I do not know how much she inhaled. My guess would be less than 12 hours for one episode of direct inhalation but each individual animal is different in how they react (just like humans).

Please note that we are not an emergency service and cannot guarantee a prompt reply. In the future, if you think your pet have some type of toxicity it is best to call Animal Poison Control or your local emergency veterinarian for assistance/guidance.

( https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control )

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Vote Icon8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 8th, 2020

    There is little danger of your cats being endangered by the smoke unless it is concentrated and they are forced to breathe it. However, symptoms of marijuana intoxication in cats include extreme sleepiness or excitation, hypersalivation, dilated pupils, or low blood pressure. Additional symptoms most commonly observed include:
    Uncoordination, falling over
    Depression, sometimes alternating with agitation or anxiety
    Vomiting
    Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
    Seizures, sometimes coma
    If your cat demonstrates any of the symptoms above, you should take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

    Consider having a civil conversation with your downstairs neighbor about the smoke. If he's smoking so much that the smell is filling your apartment you might want to discuss maybe restricting his smoking to certain times or taking it outside sometimes so that you and your cats aren't having to smell it all the time.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Anna M., DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 21st, 2017

    I'm assuming you're referring to marijuana exposure - and it's great that you're being conscientious about how it might affect Baby! Cats can be affected by secondhand smoke, so it's possible she may be feeling the effects. Fortunately, exposures through brief secondhand smoke are rarely fatal, but Baby may need to go to the vet for supportive care if she's acting disoriented, wobbly, or doesn't want to eat/drink. There is no specific treatment to reverse the effects, but the vet will provide supportive care and be able to watch her heart and respiratory rates and respond if needed, and provide IV fluids to keep her hydrated if she doesn't want to eat/drink, as well as to help flush the drug from her system.

    Here's some helpful information on marijuana in pets:
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/marijuana-intoxication-in-dogs-and-cats

    Hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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