Best CBD Oil For Cats: Benefits, Dosage & More

Cannabidiol is a growing market in the wellness industry. There are many products for humans and an increasing number of products for pets. Cats can also benefit from CBD, but it can be challenging. Because things are changing fast, and this is a growing industry, it is essential to stay current on guidelines and safety issues.

CBD can help manage symptoms and improve a cat’s quality of life. Owners must be careful not to give them too much. Cannabidiol takes some time to work out the best dosage and feel the effects. Owners should be patient and try it out for a few days before passing judgment.

We looked at some of our favorite choices for feline CBD. We looked at products specially developed for cats, not those that simply say pet. While those products are likely very good, we wanted to be very clear on looking for products explicitly formulated for felines.

At a Glance: Our Favorite CBD For Cats

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Reminders

• Owners must remember that every feline is different. Each will have unique needs when it comes to CBD.
• The information we present here is not a substitute for advice from a licensed medical professional or veterinarian.
• What we present is for research and informational purposes only as a guide to help owners learn a little more about cannabis and cats.
• We present some of the assorted options available for felines.
• Always reach out to a veterinarian for specific answers about cannabis or guidance on adding it to your cat’s life.
• Follow the dosing instructions on a product, and keep in mind that products do not all have the same potency.

What Is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid and naturally occurring compound in the Cannabis Sativa plant. CBD does not have euphoric or psychoactive effects on the brain and body. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the cannabinoid responsible for the high feeling people experience.

THC is not safe for cats, but CBD is a different story. This compound is used in various applications to treat and manage symptoms of several medical conditions. Cannabidiol works with the body’s endocannabinoid system causing health benefits and boosting overall well-being. It has been used for conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, arthritis, diabetes, MS, Crohn’s disease, and more. Currently, one cannabidiol-based drug at prescription strength, Epidiolex, has been approved by the FDA to treat a very rare form of childhood epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS).

CBD comes in many different forms, and the options are only growing. The oil is made by extracting cannabidiol from cannabis plants and then mixing it in carrier oil, like hemp seed or coconut oil. For humans, it comes in a wide array of other offerings, including drinks, food, dietary supplements, topical formulas, and more.

Cannabidiol is not just for humans. It has started to make a splash in the pet wellness industry. It can be used to support specific health conditions or boost a pet’s overall health. As the market grows, owners have increased options to choose from. Always discuss with your veterinarian before adding any supplements, oils, or other products to your kitty’s health regimen.

Is CBD Safe For Cats?

Cannabidiol, as long as it has been derived from hemp, is safe for cats. Owners must be careful ensure to administer an appropriate dose. Too little, and a cat may not experience any benefits. Too much, and they may feel unwell or have adverse side effects. Always use high-quality products and those intended for felines. Do not share human cannabis products with your cats. Avoid options with many additives and ingredients that may be harmful to your kitty. Look for labels that carry the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal or the US Hemp Authority certified seal. Always discuss options with your veterinarian before introducing any cannabis compounds to your kitty.

Never introduce cannabidiol to your cat if they are already on another medication. Make sure to discuss with your veterinarian first if there will be a safe interaction between the two. While this may not have an adverse interaction, sometimes some of the carrier ingredients cannot. Always remember to check with a veterinarian first.

Look for a COA or a Certificate of Analysis on products. This is a detailed report that shares details about product testing, lab, and potency of ingredients. Always read product labels to ensure there are no added chemicals and that the product contains hemp-derived cannabidiol. Owners should remember that the supplement industry is not highly regulated, so it is imperative to read all labels. Never introduce a cannabis product to your cat’s life without reading all the labels. Additionally, it is advisable to speak with your veterinarian or another CBD-friendly veterinarian before adding this to your pet’s diet or medication list.

CBD Benefits For Cats

Cannabis has an extensive list of potential benefits for felines. It has been shown to help reduce stress, ease anxiety, manage seizures, and help with pain management and mood, among other things. Just some of the health benefits include:

1. Though there has not been specific research on cannabidiol and seizure management in cats, research on rodents shows a positive impact and reduction in epileptic seizures. It has also been shown to be an effective anticonvulsant.
2. Reduces inflammation and can be helpful for cats who have arthritis, joint concerns, inflammatory bowel disease, and other painful conditions.
3. Urinary tract health.
4. Cancer and pain management.
5. An overall sense of well-being.

How Much CBD Oil Can I Give My Cat?

CBD can have beneficial effects on humans, canines, and felines. All three are different species, and therefore dosing recommendations are different. Cats need more than dogs to feel the effects because they do not have as many cannabinoid receptors.

Because extensive research and documentation have not been done scientifically to determine the appropriate dosage, it is always best to use caution when using this with your cat. Cannabinoids like this have been used for many years by holistic veterinarians. Start with a small amount, then increase the dosage slowly to ensure your kitty tolerates it. It may take a few hours to determine if your cat felt any effects. Most recommendations suggest between one and five milligrams at a time per ten pounds of a cat’s body weight.

Tips For Cat CBD Dosage

1. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any supplements or CBD products.
2. Start with a lower dosage, once a day at first. Slowly increase your cat’s dose as needed. Make sure to observe your pet after giving them any cannabis product. It is essential to see if they have a positive response or feel any adverse effects.
3. Review your cat’s unique health needs or long-term conditions before adding anything new. If your cat has any underlying medical conditions, it is crucial to consult with your veterinarian before adding any kind of supplement.
4. Consider your cat’s size, age, weight, and activity level. So, the less active they are, the longer it will take them to metabolize the cannabinoids.
5. Make sure to check the potency levels of products. Not every product will have the same potency. So, owners can unknowingly give their cats far too much or too little to feel any effect. Potency varies by product and company, so it is important to read all product labels thoroughly.
6. Stick to high-quality products free of chemical additives and harmful toxins. This is an industry that is not regulated. It can be possible to find products that are not safe.
7. Research a company’s background and discuss your concerns with your veterinarian. Often veterinarians will have specific products they recommend.

CBD Oil For Cats

CBD oil is often also referred to as tincture. Oil can be full spectrum and contain additional cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant, terpenes, and essential oils. The full spectrum can have 0.3% THC or less. The broad spectrum contains cannabinoids but no THC. Isolate is another form of pure CBD. This most often comes in powder or crystal form.

Keep in mind that hemp oil is not the same as cannabis-infused oils. Some products marketed as hemp oils will not contain any cannabinoids. Hemp oil is made from hemp seed rather than using CBD extracted from the cannabis plant. Hemp oil may have some therapeutic qualities but does not contain any cannabinoids. Make sure to read product labels and ingredient lists to ensure you are purchasing a product with cannabidiol and not just hemp oil made from cold-pressed hemp seeds.

Best CBD Oil For Cats

A wide array of cannabis-infused products for pets are on the market today. There are far too many to review, but we have reviewed some of our top choices for the best feline CBD. There are mainly oils and cat treats available at this time, though the industry is continually growing. In no particular order, here are our picks for Best CBD For Cats.

HolistaPet crafts CBD oil for felines from 100% human-grade ingredients. It is a broad-spectrum oil that can be used on small and larger breeds. They are a well-known and trusted pet product brand. Cannabidiol extract is suspended in hemp oil. Products include oil, treats, capsules, and shampoos.

This option comes in original, chicken, and salmon flavors. Oil comes in 150mg, 300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and 3000mg strength. 0% THC and has no psychoactive effects. Uses 100% natural ingredients and organic superfoods. Pesticide and solvent free. CO2 extraction process. Products are made in the USA.

We love that this company is working on adding more kitty cannabis options. Along with infused oil for cats, HolistaPet offers two different infused cat treats, making both hard chews and calming chews.

Honest Paws is a moderately priced, high in quality CBD oil formulated for felines. Oil is USDA-certified organic. It contains terpenes like Beta-caryophyllene, which works with cannabidiol to reduce inflammation. Other terpenes work to aid in managing anxiety and reducing pain. Contains 4 mg of CBD per milliliter. The company also makes options for dogs and horses. They have a more comprehensive product line for canines but do offer feline-specific formulas.

We love that this one has multiple cannabinoids for maximum effect. GMO and soy-free products. Made in the US, using organic hemp grown in Colorado. CBD is removed using supercritical CO2 extraction. The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

CBDfx makes a broad-spectrum product formulated specifically for cats. Products use organic, human-grade ingredients. The product is vegan and non-GMO. CBD content is 250 mg, and has a natural chicken flavor. Hemp is organically farmed and pesticide-free on a farm in Kentucky.

CBDfx is very transparent, allowing customers to view original lab reports on products with a quick scan of a QR code on the label. This is a coconut-derived MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil. The product formula works to have calming effects on your kitty. It can be administered orally or with food. CBD is extracted using a clean CO2 method. The product uses cruelty-free methods, has verified potency, and has a 60-day guarantee. The product has a reasonable price and is often on sale. We love that this product was developed to work just with felines and has calming potential.

Green Roads is well respected for its human cannabis-based products. The company now offers cannabis options for pets. They only produce oils, no snacks or treats just yet. The infused oil is formulated to be easy on digestion. An independent lab evaluates all products. CBD is from organic, industrial hemp grown in America.

We love that this company is transparent. Green Roads removes cannabidiol through solvent-free CO2 extraction. Infusions are non-GMO and pesticide free. The cannabinoid is suspended in MCT oil. Reports are available on their website and via QR code on the packaging. 2 mg per 1 milliliter of oil.

Penguin CBD makes a delicious salmon-flavored oil just for cats. It is made with Oregon-grown hemp. This is broad-spectrum hemp oil. 5 mg equals 150 mg strength. Infusion is made up of hemp, MCT oil, natural flavors, and terpenes. It is recommended to place drops under the kitty’s tongue if possible.

We love that this has a boost of taste and therapeutic potential. Oil can be mixed with food and drink if cats do not like it under their tongue. It can be given once or twice a day. This one is made with all-natural ingredients CO2 extraction process.

Austin and Kat make a high-quality feline-specific formula. Cannabis extract is combined with sustainably sourced sardine and pollock oil. Cranberry extract and astaxanthin are added to boost urinary tract function and health. Broad-spectrum hemp extract is used here. Products are third-party tested, and lab reports are available on the website. Adds 260 mg per milliliter of Omega–3 fatty acids, which boosts skin and coat health. 11.9 mg per milliliter or one dropper full. We love that this is made just for kitties.

Petly makes products using human-grade ingredients. Products are made in the US and are third-party tested. Cannabidiol is derived from organically grown hemp from Colorado. Broad spectrum hemp extract mixed with coconut and MCT oil. No THC is in this product, and no artificial chemicals or preservatives.

Non-GMO, vegan, and gluten free. Products are veterinarian approved. A 30 ml bottle has 125 mg of cannabidiol. The recommended dose is one dropper full every day. Petly has its own proprietary method of extraction from raw, dried hemp. We love that this company is trying new things, but we are curious about their secret extraction methods.

Best CBD Cat Treats

We focused on oil options for most of this article, but we do need to mention cannabis cat treats. There are several options to choose from. Not all companies that make infused oil for felines make chews. However, some of the top companies already do. Infused kitty treats can help calm a feline down, encourage calmness, boost appetite, improve mood, and support health in diverse ways. The infused oil is an excellent option as it can be added to cat food or used alone. Infused treats are perfect for pets who do not respond well to oils.

Check out a few of our top choices for the best CBD cat treats.

HolistaPet makes a delicious, infused treat. A salmon-flavored hard chew is one option. The bag has 75 chews, about 2 mg per chew. It is made with broad-spectrum cannabidiol, no THC, non-GMO, no dairy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This treat is grain-free.

We love that there are options to choose from. The company also offers a calming chew for felines. This is a calming soft chew, salmon flavored. These have the same dosage as the hard chews, 2 mg per treat. They are made with organic superfood ingredients.

Treatibles offers a few varieties of cannabis-infused cat treats. Chews contain 1.5 mg of CBD. 5-in-1 support for calming, gut health, joints and flexibility, immune system, and skin health. Treats include catnip leaf, turmeric, natural pork, and salmon flavors. We love that this is a wholesome treat, even without the cannabis.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does CBD take for my cat to feel the effects?

It can take effect anywhere from 15 minutes after consumption to several hours. Keep in mind that felines require higher doses than dogs, so it may take more time to find the correct dose. When kept under the tongue, it absorbs quicker, and the effects are felt faster. When ingested, effects occur in an hour to two hours. Make sure to observe your cat closely after giving them cannabis products for the first time. This will be a learning process. Always start with a smaller dose and gradually increase.

Can my cat overdose on CBD?

Yes, felines can consume too much. While not psychoactive, pets who ingest too much can have some adverse effects. Kitties who have taken an excessive amount may experience symptoms like lethargy, excess sleeping, vomiting, lessened appetite, dehydration, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can cause a loss of muscle control called ataxia. Cats who have taken too much will require some fluid therapy, as dehydration is a concern. Unless the cat has eaten an egregious amount, this is not a medical emergency, but it is always advisable to seek out advice from your veterinarian.

Will my cat get high from CBD?

Cannabidiol has no psychoactive effects, so felines will not experience any form of mental high. However, it can have uplifting effects on their overall mood and physical comfort.

Can I give my cat THC products?

No, it is not safe to give felines THC. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid and is toxic to cats. They can become intoxicated by THC and will need support care afterward. Always inspect product labels to ensure they do not contain toxic levels of THC. THC can cause a dip in heart rate and body temperature and, in severe cases, can even cause seizures.

Final Thoughts

Cannabidiol is a growing area in the pet wellness industry. Many pet owners and veterinarians support using cannabinoids to help manage different conditions with their pets. Anxiety, inflammation, pain, and even seizure management are all benefits. Though it does have benefits, this is not something owners should go into blindly. Taking the time for due diligence and thorough research is crucial. Owners should always discuss CBD with a veterinarian before adding it to their cat’s regimen.