Ever wondered if cat urine could make you feel high? It’s a weird thought, right? I saw someone asking about it on Facebook, and it got me thinking.
As I scrolled through my feed, a pet owner was like, “Can you get high from cat urine?” My first reaction was, “Why would anyone want that?” But then I thought about how much my cats love me. They go all out to keep me happy, even braving cold nights to warm up next to me. That’s real love! Now, the big question is, are they peeing to get their lives back on track, or do they actually get a high from it?
When we talk about getting high, we usually think of stuff like weed or coke.
Some folks claim cat pee can give you a high, while others think it’s as precious as gold. But here’s the thing – did you know there’s a history, going way back to ancient Egypt and China, where people tried to get a buzz from cat urine? It’s not as crazy as it sounds.
So, if you’re here because “cat urine” and “high” made you think it’s a joke, surprise! It’s a bit odd but has some science behind it. Can cat pee really make you high? Let’s dig into it!
Understanding Cat Pee: What is it?
Cat pee is the liquid you find in your cat’s litter box a few times a day. Scientifically, cat urine is quite special.
When your cat is healthy and has no urinary or bladder issues, they make about 50 to 100 ml of urine per day.
Unlike other pets, cat urine is mostly water (95%) and has a bit of urea (2%). The first part of their pee is mostly water, and the second part has waste products dissolved in it. That’s why it looks yellow or amber.
The urea in cat pee is a waste product from their body breaking down proteins.
Cat pee also has a unique smell because cats release a lot of proteins through it.
What is in Cat Urine?
Cat urine is a concentrated mix of waste products from metabolism. It includes urea, creatine, uric acid, detoxified substances, sodium chloride (salt), and other electrolytes.
The yellow color comes from urobilinogen.
In a cat’s pee, you’ll find felinine amino acids, which are special to felines.
Mature male cats have about three times more felinine in their urine compared to females and neutered males. This extra felinine acts as a marker for their territory.
Can the Smell of Cat Pee Be Harmful?
Inhaling the scent of cat urine can be harmful to your health. It’s not just unpleasant; it could pose risks.
Cat urine has various substances, and the biggest part is urea, which produces the irritating smell.
Breathing in cat urine can be especially risky if you already have a respiratory condition, such as asthma. It might make the condition worse.
The high levels of ammonia in cat urine can be a significant trigger for respiratory problems, especially if you have asthma or bronchitis.
The smell of cat urine might also cause allergic reactions. Inhaling it could lead to symptoms similar to cat dander allergies, including watery eyes, sinus issues, rashes, coughing, and wheezing.
Can Humans Get Sick from Cat Urine?
Yes, humans can get sick from cat urine.
Cat urine has high levels of ammonia. While ammonia is used in cleaning products, the amounts are closely monitored.
If a litter box with cat urine is left unattended for several days, it could lead to mild health problems.
It’s not recommended to keep the litter box in your bedroom, especially inhaling the air mixed with ammonia at night. This could make you sick.
Side Effects of Inhaling Cat Urine Ammonia:
Breathing in concentrated cat urine ammonia in large amounts can lead to:
- Eye inflammation
- Skin inflammation
- Respiratory ailments
Effects of Inhaling Cat Urine:
Breathing in cat urine can be harmful, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Inhaling cat urine has been linked to triggering asthma attacks, so those with asthma should be cautious.
Ammonia, found in cat urine, is toxic to humans, causing irritation to the eyes and skin even at low concentrations, and can be more severe at higher concentrations. It’s essential to take precautions, especially if you have asthma or respiratory sensitivities.
Inhaling Cat Urine: Why It’s Bad
Inhaling cat urine is not advisable and can lead to the following symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Sore or itchy nose
- Coughing
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation
If you notice these symptoms after exposure to cat urine, it’s important to take steps to minimize further inhalation and seek fresh air.
Getting High from Cat Pee: Risks and Effects
It is indeed possible to get high from cat urine due to the presence of psychoactive compounds. These substances can induce changes in perception, mood, and cognition, resulting in feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
Some individuals may intentionally consume cat urine to experience these effects. However, it’s crucial to recognize the dangers associated with this practice. Ingesting cat urine can lead to dehydration, nausea, and vomiting.
Moreover, cat urine may contain harmful bacteria, posing a risk of infections. Engaging in such behavior is not only unwise but also hazardous to your health.
Getting High from Cat Pee: Fact or Fiction?
Surprisingly, yes, cat pee can potentially get you high. While there isn’t concrete scientific evidence, some professionals suggest the presence of psychoactive elements in cat urine that could induce a high.
The idea is that certain by-products in cat urine might be similar to THC, the active compound in cannabis, influencing your state of mind. The effectiveness may vary depending on the amount involved.
Interestingly, historical records indicate that cat urine has been used in ancient times for healing purposes. However, it’s essential to approach this information with caution and consider potential health risks associated with such practices.
In Conclusion: The Curious Notion of Cat Urine and Getting High
When I first heard about the concept, it struck me as dubious. A friend mentioned that there’s a belief circulating that smoking cat urine can induce a state of euphoria. The idea sounded implausible and downright absurd; I couldn’t wrap my head around how such a thing could be true.
There are individuals who assert that catching a whiff of cat pee can bring about a sense of euphoria and stress relief. On the flip side, there are skeptics who dismiss this notion as nothing short of insanity—or at least, that’s the impression they’d like you to believe. The debate around the potential psychoactive effects of cat urine remains both curious and controversial.
