Cat CBD Oil: Safe & Effective Relief for Your Feline Friend

Written by: Hunter Podell, Subject Matter Expert and Website Founder
Published: March 15, 2024; Last updated: April 6, 2024

Worried about how to safely use cat CBD oil for your pet? This article directly addresses the efficacy and safety of CBD oil for cats, provides insights into selecting quality products and proper dosing, and explores the potential health benefits for your cat.

Key Takeaways

• Hemp-derived CBD oil is safe for cats and interacts with their endocannabinoid system, potentially improving overall health and addressing conditions such as anxiety and joint pain.

• When choosing a CBD product for a cat, it is crucial to look for high-quality ingredients, third-party testing, and appropriate product types like full spectrum, broad-spectrum, or Isolate, depending on the cat’s needs.

• CBD dosage for cats typically ranges from 1-5 mg CBD per 10 pounds of body weight, but it should start small and be adjusted as needed while monitoring for any side effects or allergic reactions.

Understanding Cat CBD Oil: The Basics

CBD oil, derived from hemp, is a non-toxic extract that’s CBD oil safe for cats. Many cat owners have turned to CBD oils as a natural supplement to improve their cat’s overall health and wellbeing. With CBD oil legal in most US states, provided it’s made from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC, CBD oil for cats is a popular choice.

Getting the basics right is essential while purchasing CBD oil for your cat. You want to ensure that you’re investing in a product that is not only safe but also provides the health benefits it promises. Let’s further explore the role of the endocannabinoid system in cats and why it’s important to choose hemp-derived CBD.

The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Felines

The endocannabinoid system ¹ (ECS) is vital to a cat’s health and well-being. This complex network of receptors regulates several physiological processes, including:

• the nervous system

• the immune system

• the gastrointestinal system

• the serotonergic system (mood & sleep)

CBD oil from industrial hemp interacts with the ECS, providing various health benefits. It’s this interaction that makes CBD hemp oil a sought-after supplement for enhancing the overall health of our feline friends, and hemp oil is no exception.

Hemp vs. Marijuana: Ensuring a Safe CBD Product

Distinguishing between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived CBD is key to securing a safe CBD product for your cat. Hemp-derived CBD is THC-free, meaning it doesn’t have the psychoactive compound found in marijuana-derived CBD that can be harmful to cats. Therefore, for the safety of our feline friends, it’s best to opt for products that contain 0.3% or less THC, like Chill Paws’ Full Spectrum CBD oil.

The Best CBD Oils for Cats: Finding the Right Fit

Selecting the perfect CBD oil for your cat requires meticulously assessing various elements. The quality of ingredients is paramount, ensuring the CBD oil and other components are high quality and free from harmful chemicals. Products like Chill Paws and Soul Pet CBD Drops are popular among cat owners, particularly those with picky eaters. These products were selected based on positive reviews from pet parents, who observed benefits such as improved mobility, fewer anxiety behaviors, and an increased appetite in their feline companions.

However, before finalizing your purchase, you must differentiate between CBD oils and discern their quality and purity.

Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum vs. Isolate

The three types of CBD oil available for cats are full spectrum, broad spectrum CBD oil, and isolate. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids from hemp, including traces of THC. This concoction creates a potent blend that can effectively relieve pain, anxiety, and other symptoms, thanks to the ‘entourage effect.’

On the other hand, CBD isolate, a concentrated form of CBD, is free of terpenes, flavonoids, or other cannabinoids, making it a favorable option for picky cats due to its nearly flavorless nature.

Assessing Quality and Purity

For cat CBD oils, maintaining quality and purity is paramount. Prioritize products that are sourced from organic hemp and undergo third-party testing for purity and potency. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a reputable lab provides a comprehensive chemical analysis, verifying the specific amounts of cannabinoids present in the product.

Be wary of poor quality or contaminated CBD oil. Here are some tips to help you identify high-quality CBD oil:

• Prefer full-spectrum or whole-plant products

• Verify lot numbers

• Avoid artificial ingredients

• Seek transparency in the brand and the CBD’s source

By following these tips, you can ensure that you are buying CBD oil of high quality.

How Much CBD Oil Should You Give Your Cat?

Determining the correct CBD oil dosage for your cat is vital to maximize its benefits while avoiding any side effects. The general recommendation is 1 to 5 mg CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. However, every cat is unique, and the dosage may vary based on their health condition and individual response to CBD.

To make this process easier for you, we’ll discuss some tips for beginners on dosage and how to adjust the dosage for specific conditions.

Starting Small: Dosage Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to CBD for cats, starting with a small dose is a good idea. The initial CBD oil dosage for cats is typically 1–5 mg CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight. If your cat doesn’t respond to the recommended dosage, you can gradually increase the amount by 50% of the initial dosage until the desired effects are observed. ²

This slow and controlled adjustment is key to finding the optimal dosage for your cat.

Adjusting Dosage for Specific Conditions

If your cat suffers from specific conditions like anxiety or arthritis, adjusting the CBD oil dosage may be necessary. The recommended dosage for cats with anxiety is typically 1–5 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight, with a starting recommendation of 3mg of CBD per 10 lbs of body weight per day. Cats experiencing serious, chronic pain or obsessive anxiety behaviors may find relief from a stronger CBD oil dosage.

Administering CBD Oil to Your Cat: Techniques for Fussy Felines

Giving CBD oil to picky cats can pose a slight challenge. The two main approaches are blending it into their food or administering it to them directly from the dropper. If your cat is a picky eater, you might consider mixing CBD oil into a strong-smelling food like tuna or salmon to mask the hemp flavor.

If your cat resists consuming CBD oil with their food, don’t worry! Alternative methods are available for you to try.

Mixing with Wet Food: A Common Method

Mixing CBD oil with wet food is a common method many pet owners use to ensure their cats get their daily dose of CBD. It’s generally undetectable by most cats due to its taste, and they will usually consume it without issue. Thoroughly mixing it into wet cat food can also ensure proper absorption.

Nevertheless, closely observing your cat’s reaction is necessary as some might encounter digestive issues as a possible side effect.

Direct Dosing: When Mixing Isn’t an Option

If your cat doesn’t take well to having CBD oil mixed into their food, don’t worry. Direct dosing is another viable option. You can administer CBD oil directly to your cat using a dropper, either directly into their mouth or by allowing them to lick the oil if they are curious.

It’s also important to clean the dropper after administering CBD oil to ensure it remains hygienic for future use.

The Health Benefits of CBD Oil for Cats

Our feline friends can reap a multitude of health benefits from CBD oil. Some potential benefits of CBD oil for cats include:

• Alleviating anxiety

• Supporting joint health

• Reducing pain and discomfort

• Improving mobility and activity levels

Many pet owners have reported positive outcomes when using cats CBD oil for their feline companions.

Let’s explore in detail two major areas where CBD oil can bring about significant changes: reducing anxiety and bolstering joint health.

Alleviating Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety and stress can manifest in various ways in cats, from changes in appetite to excessive grooming or vocalization. CBD oil has been reported to have calming effects on cats, potentially alleviating anxiety and promoting relaxation. ¹

CBD oil, such as Medterra Pet CBD Drops, has the potential to help manage anxiety-related behaviors in cats, including:

• Excessive licking

• Vocalization

• Stress associated with car rides

• Stress associated with vet examinations

CBD oil can create a more calm experience for cats in these situations.

Supporting Joint Health and Mobility

As cats age, they may experience joint pain or arthritis, affecting their mobility and overall quality of life. CBD oil can alleviate joint pain in cats by exhibiting an analgesic effect, reducing inflammation, and stopping inflammatory responses. Scientific studies, including one that demonstrated the analgesic effect of full-spectrum Cannabis sativa oil containing CBD and THC in a cat with chronic pain, offer evidence supporting the use of CBD oil for joint health in cats.

Therefore, the appropriate dosage of CBD oil for cats with joint problems is 1–5 mg CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight.

Safety and Side Effects: What Cat Owners Need to Know

Despite the myriad benefits of CBD oil for cats, it’s equally essential to be aware of its potential side effects and safety measures. Generally, CBD oil is safe for cats, but mild side effects such as nausea, dry mouth, or drowsiness can occur if administered in higher doses than recommended. More severe symptoms such as disorientation or trouble walking can occur in cases of cannabis-induced toxicosis, a condition that can occur if a cat consumes more THC than their body can tolerate.

You must consult your veterinarian before giving CBD oil to your cat, especially if they are on other medications.

Recognizing Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities

Although rare, some cats may experience allergic reactions or sensitivities to CBD oil or its ingredients. Typical indicators of allergic reactions to CBD oil in cats include:

• Sleepiness

• Upset tummies

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Changes in behavior

It’s important to note that THC, found in some CBD products, is known to cause toxicity in cats and should be avoided.

If you notice any unusual symptoms in your cat after administering CBD oil, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Overdose Concerns: Can You Give Your Cat Too Much CBD?

Although the chances of a CBD overdose are fairly low, pet owners should exercise caution when giving CBD oil to their cats. Cats can potentially experience adverse effects if given excessive amounts of CBD, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Pet owners need to be aware of this possibility to prevent accidental overdosing.

At all times, it’s advisable to stick to the recommended dosage of 1–5 mg CBD per 10 pounds of body weight.

Additional CBD Products for Feline Wellness

Besides CBD oil, other CBD products that cater to feline wellness are also available. These include CBD-infused treats and topical balms, which can complement CBD oil and provide additional ways to incorporate CBD into your cat’s routine.

The treats are convenient and often tailored to feline preferences and dietary requirements, providing a fun and tasty alternative to regular CBD oil.

CBD-Infused Treats for Cats

CBD-infused treats are a popular choice for many cat owners. These treats contain a pre-measured dose of CBD, offering a convenient alternative to CBD oil. They typically contain about 0.4mg of CBD per piece and come in feline-friendly flavors such as salmon, chicken, or a combination of pork and salmon known as surf ‘n’ turf.

However, it’s important to note that CBD-infused treats are absorbed more slowly through the digestive system compared to CBD oil, which can affect the onset and duration of relief.

Topical Solutions: CBD Balms for Cats

Topical CBD balms can provide targeted relief for cats experiencing itchy skin or arthritis pain. Applying the balm directly to the affected area can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the underlying tissues.

To apply, simply clean the area where you want to apply the balm, such as paws, noses, elbows, or hot spots, then massage the balm until it’s fully absorbed.

Choosing the Best Life for Your Pet: Why CBD Might Be the Answer

Incorporating CBD oil into your cat’s routine can remarkably enhance their quality of life, particularly for those battling chronic conditions like anxiety or arthritis. CBD oil can complement a healthy lifestyle for your cat by providing therapeutic benefits, helping with pain and anxiety, promoting calmness, and addressing daily stressors.

As pet parents, we all want to give our cats the best life possible. And for many, CBD oil has been the answer.

Summary

CBD oil presents a natural and effective solution to support our feline friends’ overall health and well-being. From understanding the basics of CBD oil to choosing the right product, administering the correct dosage, and recognizing potential side effects, we’ve covered all you need to know about using CBD oil for your cat. As pet parents, our ultimate goal is to ensure our cats live their best lives, and CBD oil might just be the key to achieving that.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best CBD oil for calming cats?

The best CBD oil for calming cats is from HempMy Pet or HolistaPet. Both brands offer high-quality, organic CBD oil specifically formulated for cats.

Can you get CBD at PetSmart?

No, it’s not recommended that you get CBD from PetSmart for your pet. It’s crucial to thoroughly research before purchasing any CBD oil for your pet.

Can cats take CBD oil for sleep?

Yes, cats can take CBD oil to help promote healthy sleep cycles, and it is safe for their consumption.

Can you put CBD oil in cats’ water?

It’s best to mix CBD oil into your cat’s food rather than add it to their water, as the oil will float on top of it.

Does CBD do anything to cats?

Yes, CBD can be used for cats, but it’s important to use it responsibly to avoid potential side effects like drowsiness or upset stomach. Using too much can lead to these mild side effects.

References

Corsato Alvarenga, I., Panickar, K. S., Hess, H., & McGrath, S. (2023). Scientific Validation of Cannabidiol for Management of Dog and Cat Diseases. Annual review of animal biosciences, 11, 227–246. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-animal-081122-070236

Coelho, J. C., Duarte, N., Bento da Silva, A., Bronze, M. D. R., & Mestrinho, L. A. (2023). Placebo-Controlled Trial of Daily Oral Cannabidiol as Adjunctive Treatment for Cats with Chronic Gingivostomatitis. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 13(17), 2716. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172716

Written by Hunter Podell - Subject Matter Expert and Website Founder

Hunter has 8+ years of experience as a content writer and digital marketer. Earning his chops marketing in the healthcare space for over 5 years, Hunter is extremely familiar with the rules and regulations required to deliver high quality content that answers the user's needs while adhering to strict guidelines.