Why Do Cats Love Eating Cannabis Leaves?
Did you know that cats (and, to a lesser extent, dogs) love to eat cannabis leaves? From my own experience, none of my cats have ever missed an opportunity to chew on cannabis leaves. This phenomenon is confirmed by other growers who have pets. Cats enjoy both fresh leaves straight from the plant and leaves collected along with the buds.
I first encountered this curious behavior many years ago, when I had just started growing cannabis. My cat snuck into the grow room and chewed up the leaves on some young plants. Of course, I was annoyed at the time, but now I find it rather cute and funny, considering how strong cats’ attraction to cannabis leaves can be. Since then, similar incidents have happened with different pets, but eventually, my furry friends learned to control their urge to chew and now patiently sit next to me while I tend to the plants, waiting for a small treat in the form of a few lower leaves. In fact, when my cats see cannabis leaves in my hands, they literally jump for joy, as if I’m about to give them catnip instead of cannabis leaves! Judging by their reaction, the leaves seem to be a kind of catnip equivalent for them.
Sometimes I wondered: is there anything dangerous for cats in eating the leaves of a psychoactive plant? However, considering that I’ve been feeding my oldest cat cannabis leaves for 13 years, I realize there’s nothing even potentially harmful about it. Over all these years, my cats have never shown any signs of illness after eating cannabis leaves. On the contrary, the leaves always seemed to energize them, and even improved the well-being and appetite of my older pets.
What Attracts Cats to Cannabis Leaves?
Despite the advances in our understanding of cannabinoids and their use in veterinary medicine, I still can’t say for sure what exactly attracts cats to cannabis leaves. Maybe it’s the smell, or perhaps the texture (which makes sense, since they love to chew on them). It’s worth noting that, just like with catnip, not all cats are interested in cannabis leaves: most, in my experience and according to other growers, are delighted by them, but there’s always one cat who completely ignores what others love. Why these differences exist, I can’t say.
Are Cannabis Leaves Dangerous for Cats?
Honestly, I’ve never noticed any negative health or behavioral effects in my cats after they’ve eaten cannabis leaves, whether fresh or dried. According to other growers, cats can have a very bad reaction to THC if they accidentally eat the buds. My pets have never shown any interest in the buds—only the leaves. Even when they get to the plants, they always chew on the leaves and ignore the flowers.
Many growers I’ve spoken to confirm that their cats (and dogs) don’t experience any issues even after eating large amounts of leaves. However, this is anecdotal evidence, not confirmed veterinary fact.
CBD and Veterinary Medicine
Recent research into the use of cannabis in veterinary medicine confirms that CBD has therapeutic effects for cats and dogs, similar to its effects on humans. CBD modulates the endocannabinoid system in animals, providing noticeable pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects, which can help treat various ailments, especially chronic conditions. However, both research and practical use focus on plant extracts, particularly formulas with pure, isolated CBD, not on simply feeding pets raw leaves. Again, most of the evidence for the effectiveness of cannabinoids in animals comes from private experiences and the practices of individual veterinarians, not from large-scale clinical studies. Even in countries and regions where cannabis is legal, not every vet will agree to use CBD extracts for cats or dogs, citing possible negative effects from an unproven medicine.
Personally, I believe in the benefits of using CBD to treat various illnesses and injuries in pets. In my experience, both cannabis leaves and different forms of CBD extracts noticeably improve the well-being of my older pets, making them more relaxed and energetic. Both leaves and extracts have similar effects, with the only difference being that extracts tend to last a bit longer. There are some negative reviews online about CBD oils, but these usually involve very high doses or high concentrations, which caused lethargy and nausea in pets. As I understand it, these issues can be avoided by using small doses. In other words, it’s better to split the product into smaller portions throughout the day rather than giving a large dose at once. Ideally, you should also consult a veterinarian experienced in cannabis medicine to get professional advice on using a specific extract for your pet, after a full health check.
Growing Cannabis Around Cats
Botanists believe that the production of cannabinoids in cannabis plants is, at least in part, a defense mechanism against potential pests and herbivores that might eat the leaves, which are vital for the plant’s energy. However, judging by the interest cats (and dogs) show in cannabis, it seems nature didn’t account for all possible threats—what’s meant as a defense can actually attract trouble in a household setting.
From my experience growing cannabis in a home with cats, I can say that many cats prefer to chew on leaves that haven’t developed a layer of trichomes. Maybe trichomes give off a scent that repels cats, or maybe the cannabinoids on their surface make the texture less appealing. Either way, cats are less interested in trichome-covered leaves. So, once the plants start flowering, they may become less attractive to curious pets—though, as some growers report, there are exceptions. For this reason, it’s best not to let cats or dogs into the grow room, or at least not leave them unsupervised if they do get in.
One of my cats, who has already learned to be patient, now waits for me to harvest leaves and buds from a particular plant. By the way, I’m growing this plant specifically for my pets. Judging by their initial taste tests, they approve of the gift.
Pink Kush CBD, as the name suggests, is a CBD-dominant strain that I grow especially for my cats. They love these leaves, and the minimal THC content eliminates the risk of poisoning or intoxication. So, if you want to treat your pets to cannabis leaves, it’s best to use leaves from CBD plants or from the lower branches, where there are no trichomes with psychoactive substances.
Other Animals That Love Cannabis Leaves
Rabbits, being herbivores, also love cannabis leaves. Some growers report that a pair of rabbits can quickly strip several cannabis plants bare, so never let your bunnies near your grow if you have them at home!
There are also stories of puppies and larger dogs sneaking into grow rooms and munching on young plants, sometimes leaving clear evidence of their visit. And, of course, there are plenty of happy, relaxed dogs who have enjoyed a cannabis leaf snack.
Original author: Nebula Haze