Recreational drug poisoning in cats
Causes
Symptoms
Risk
Diagnosis
Vet treatment
Home treatment
Prevention
What to expect
When to worry
Recreational drug poisoning in cats
Cat poisonings with illegal or recreational drugs are rare but can be severe. Immediate emergency treatment may be necessary. Vets will treat these cases in confidentiality. Don’t hesitate to speak to a vet if you think your cat has come into contact with an illegal drug or unknown substance.
Cats are usually very careful with what they eat, but they love to explore and can get things on their fur. These may be ingested when grooming themselves. Some illegal drugs can also be absorbed from contact with the nose or mouth, so poisoning can happen without ingestion. Some substances are very potent, and small amounts can quickly cause severe illness. In recent years, illegal and recreational drugs have become the 10th most common reason for the American Pet Poison Information Service to be contacted.
If you think your pet has come into contact with an unknown or illegal substance, or if your cat suddenly starts behaving oddly, contact a vet straight away.
What causes recreational drug poisoning in cats?
There are many dangerous illegal drugs, but the most relevant are:
Marijuana
Marijuana is produced from the Cannabis sativa plant. Investigations into the medical uses for this plant are underway, and it has become more common. We discuss the intoxication risks here.
Amphetamines, Methamphetamine and Ecstasy
Common street names include “meth”, “speed”, “crystal”, “ice”,”X”, “molly”, and “e”
These drugs are strong stimulants, and some are highly addictive
They have become more common, with methamphetamine currently the second most commonly abused drug in the world
Intoxication may happen if cats eat portions of discarded tablets mixed in with rubbish, or crushed tablets stick to their fur
Symptoms develop in 5-20 minutes for amphetamines, 30 minutes to two hours for ecstasy
These drugs cause intense stimulation of the brain and nerves, and high doses directly damage the heart, potentially causing heat stroke
They are often contaminated with other toxic substances, such as cocaine, caffeine, ketamine or bath salts, which add to the toxicity
Cocaine
Common street names include “coke”, “snow”, “star dust”, “crack”, “ice” and “flake”
Extracted from the leaves of the coca plant
Historically had medical uses as a local anaesthetic, but it’s also a potent stimulant
Easily absorbed through the nose and gums, and intoxication develops within minutes
Causes severe hyperactivity of the nerve cells in the brain and heart
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Commonly referred to as “angel dust”, “sawgrass” or “zoom”
Can be absorbed into the body in many ways, including from smoke, breathing in the dust, or ingestion
It’s a dissociative anaesthetic related to ketamine, but much more potent
Symptoms start 5-60 minutes after being exposed
At low doses causes hallucinations and sedation. At high doses causes overstimulation, including abnormal behaviour, rigid muscles and facial expression, high blood pressure and fast heart rate
Often mixed in with other drugs
Heroin, fentanyl and other opioids
Common street names include “smack”, “horse”, “brown sugar”
Opioids are used medically as painkillers, but some are very potent and commonly abused
Some cause significant withdrawal symptoms
Heroin and fentanyl are easily absorbed through the nose and gums, and fentanyl is also absorbed through the skin
These drugs slow down the nervous system, causing sedation, slower breathing and slower heart rate
At high doses, they cause breathing to stop completely
Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol)
GHB is also known as “liquid ecstasy” or “liquid X”, flunitrazepam is commonly known as “roofies”
Both were initially studied as potential medications, but GHB was never used medically, and Flunitrazepam has been banned in most countries
Sometimes used recreationally as sedatives, but also maliciously to facilitate sexual abuse (“date rape drug”)
Symptoms start within 20-30 minutes of ingestion and include sleepiness, muscle weakness and memory loss
LSD
LSD is a semi-synthetic substance, meaning it’s derived from a mould but changed to make it more potent
Its effects are not well studied in animals
It’s known to cause hallucinations and abnormal behaviour
Very high doses also cause faster breathing, faster heart rate, high blood sugar and high temperature
Based on current knowledge, serious intoxications in cats seem unlikely
Symptoms of recreational drug poisoning in cats
Symptoms will vary depending on the specific drug ingested, but there are usually three different types of intoxication.
Drugs that cause overstimulation
These include amphetamines, ecstasy and cocaine. Symptoms include:
Abnormal behaviour, such as restlessness, abnormal meowing, excitability or aggression
Dilated pupils
Abnormal head movements (head bobbing)
Shaking and trembling
Fast breathing and heart rate
Hyperthermia (overheating)
In severe cases, sudden death is possible due to heart problems
Drugs that suppress the brain and cause sedation
These include marijuana, heroin, fentanyl, GHB and PCP. In cats, we may see nervous or excited behaviour initially or at low doses, but high doses will eventually cause:
Constricted (very small) pupils
Slow breathing
Pale gums
Coma
In severe cases, death may occur due to breathing being suppressed
Drugs that cause hallucinations and confusion
These include LSD and other substances with similar properties. These substances mostly affect the brain and behaviour, and life-threatening intoxications are very rare. The main risk is that an affected cat may cause damage to themselves or others around them. Common symptoms include:
Abnormal behaviour that can range from overly excitable to very sleepy
Disorientation and confusion
Meowing
Dilated pupils or abnormal eye movements
Standing or lying in abnormal positions
Pawing or licking at invisible objects
Cats at higher risk for recreational drug poisoning
Intoxications can affect cats of any age, but kittens are more likely to eat inappropriate things
Outdoor roaming increases the risk of exposure
How does the vet diagnose recreational drug poisoning in cats?
In some cases, the ingestion of a dangerous substance may be seen or suspected by the owner.
Intoxication may be suspected from the symptoms, although other common toxins can cause similar symptoms (insecticides, herbicides, chocolate, caffeine, strychnine).
Blood and urine tests are available to detect most common substances of abuse, but they may take too long to be useful in guiding treatment.
General blood tests can help rule out other causes and detect possible complications.
Veterinary treatment of recreational drug poisoning in cats
The first and most important step in treating intoxication is stopping the poison from entering the blood and organs. However, given how quickly most recreational drugs are absorbed, inducing vomiting is usually not recommended after more than 10-15 minutes. Emptying the stomach under anaesthesia may still be recommended in some cases.
Administering activated charcoal is less useful than with other toxins. Because of the effects many of these toxins have on the ability to swallow safely, charcoal may need to be administered via a stomach tube.
Intensive supportive care is often needed until the body eliminates the toxin. This may take up to 24 hours in some cases.
If seizures develop, cats will need medications to control them, such as diazepam, phenobarbital or midazolam.
Body temperature will need to be monitored closely, and body cooling treatments may be needed if it gets dangerously high.
An antidote is available against opioid/fentanyl intoxication, but cats will still need to be closely monitored after this is administered.
Cyproheptadine may be administered in amphetamine, opioids and LSD intoxications, as it counteracts some of the brain disruption caused by these drugs.
Mild sedation may be beneficial for cats that are overexcited or hallucinating.
Intravenous fluids support circulation and help the body eliminate toxins.
Other intensive care treatments may be needed, depending on the severity of the intoxication and complications that may develop.
Home treatment of recreational drug poisoning in cats
Always contact a vet for advice immediately if you think your pet has ingested a dangerous or unknown substance. Immediate decontamination treatment is the safest option.
Prevention of recreational drug poisoning in cats
If you are concerned your cat may be exposed to dangerous substances when roaming, you may want to prevent them from going out. An enclosed garden or indoor space with plenty of activities, climbing areas and hiding spots will help prevent boredom.
Remember to keep yourself safe as well! Do NOT handle any powders or unknown substances directly. Wear gloves and a mask while you’re helping your pet. Call for help immediately if you feel unwell.
Please make sure to give your vet as much information as possible about any possible intoxication. Your vet will keep what you tell them confidential, and their only focus is to help your cat. The more they know from the beginning, the better they can focus on this.
Living with recreational drug poisoning in cats
Most cats recover fully from minor intoxications within 24-48 hours, especially if treated promptly.
Severe intoxications, especially those causing seizures or hyperthermia, may be fatal or leave long-term damage. Fortunately, this is rare.
When to worry about recreational drug poisoning in cats
Always speak to a vet immediately if you suspect your cat has been in contact with a dangerous substance. If your cat develops any of the following symptoms, see a vet as soon as possible:
Abnormal or erratic behaviour
Unusual sleepiness or trouble staying awake
Severe shaking or trembling
Severe vomiting or drooling
Wobbliness or seizures
Excessive panting or trouble breathing
The Joii vets on our app are available for a chat or video call if you have any questions or need help.
