Is Hashish Toxic to Cats?

Cannabis is becoming increasingly popular for both recreational and medicinal purposes in humans, but what about its effects on pets? Specifically, many pet owners wonder whether hashish (a preparation of the cannabis plant) is toxic to cats. In this article, we'll explore what the scientific evidence says about this topic.

What is Hashish?

Hashish is a type of cannabis concentrate made from the trichomes (the resin glands) of the cannabis plant. It typically has a higher concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive substance in cannabis, than the plant itself.

People use hashish by smoking it or by including it in food (edibles), while some may also use it in vaporizers or in tinctures. In the context of pet exposure, the most common route of administration is unintentional ingestion.

The Endocannabinoid System in Cats

Before we delve into the effects of hashish on cats, let's first review a bit about their anatomy and physiology. All animals, including cats, have a system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in various physiological functions such as pain sensation, appetite, and mood regulation.

The ECS is composed of endocannabinoids (cannabinoids made by the body, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol) and enzymes involved in their synthesis and degradation, as well as cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). The former is mainly present in the central and peripheral nervous systems, while the latter is primarily found in immune cells.

Cats, like humans and most other mammals, have an ECS as well. Studies have shown that cats also have CB1 and CB2 receptors in multiple tissues, including the central and peripheral nervous systems, immune system, and digestive tract. This means that they may be susceptible to the effects of cannabinoids like THC.

The Effects of Hashish on Cats

When cats ingest hashish (or any form of cannabis), the THC contained in it can bind to CB1 receptors in their brains, leading to various effects depending on the dose and individual sensitivity. Unlike dogs, however, cats are much less likely to vomit after ingesting cannabis, which means that the effects may last longer because the drug stays in their system for a longer period of time.

The most common signs of cannabis toxicity in cats include:

• Ataxia (loss of coordination)
• Dilated pupils
• Depression
• Hyperesthesia (heightened sensitivity to touch)
• Hypersalivation (excessive drooling)
• Low heart rate
• Urinary incontinence
• Vocalization (meowing more than usual)

Seizures and coma can also occur in severe cases.

The Toxic Dose of Cannabis in Cats

The toxic dose of cannabis (including hashish) in cats is not well-established, and can vary depending on factors such as the cat's weight, age, gender, and health status. In addition, the concentration of THC in different samples of hashish can also vary widely, so it's difficult to determine a precise dose.

Generally speaking, however, it's believed that a dose of 0.5-1 mg/kg of THC can cause mild to moderate signs of toxicity in cats, while doses higher than 3 mg/kg can result in severe effects. This is lower than the toxic dose in dogs, which is estimated to be around 2-3 mg/kg.

Treatment for Cannabis Toxicity in Cats

If your cat has ingested hashish or any form of cannabis and is showing signs of toxicity, it's important to seek veterinary care immediately. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the vet may recommend supportive care such as IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, or sedation.

In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to monitor the cat's vital signs and provide additional interventions as needed. The good news is that most cats recover fully from cannabis toxicity with appropriate treatment, although some may take longer to recover than others.

Conclusion

Although hashish and other forms of cannabis can have therapeutic benefits in humans, they can be toxic to cats if ingested in sufficient amounts. Therefore, it's important for pet owners to keep their cannabis products out of reach of their feline companions and seek veterinary care if an ingestion is suspected. Further research is needed to better understand the toxic effects and mechanisms of cannabinoids in cats, as well as develop effective treatments for cannabis toxicity in this species.