Best CBD Oil For Cats: Benefits, Dosage & More

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

CBD can help manage symptoms and improve a cat’s quality of life. However, there are a few things you should know before giving it to your purr baby. Cannabidiol takes some time to work out the best dosage and feel the effects.

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

Note: Clicking the above links takes you to manufacturer websites, where you can get additional product information and customer reviews. If you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

What Is CBD Oil?

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. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid responsible for the high feelings people experience.

THC is not safe for cats, but CBD is a different story. CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, causing health benefits and boosting overall well-being. It can help relieve symptoms of conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, arthritis, diabetes, epilepsy, MS, and Crohn’s disease.

CBD comes in many different forms, and the options are only growing. The oil is made by extracting cannabidiol from cannabis plants. The extract is then mixed in a carrier oil, like hemp seed or coconut oil.

CBD oil is often also referred to as tincture. The oil can be full-spectrum or broad-spectrum.

• Full-spectrum CBD oils contain additional naturally occurring cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant, terpenes, and essential oils. Full-spectrum CBD oil can have 0.3% THC or less.
• Broad-spectrum oil contains cannabinoids but no THC.

Is CBD Oil Safe For Cats?

As long as it’s derived from hemp, CBD is safe for cats. Be careful to ensure the right 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 or any carrier oils used in the CBD product.

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.

Benefits Of CBD For Cats

Cannabis has an extensive list of potential benefits for felines. Some of the health benefits include:

1. Though there is limited research on cannabidiol and seizure management in cats, research on rodents shows a positive impact and reduction in epileptic seizures. It is also proving to be an effective anticonvulsant.
2. Reduces inflammation and can be helpful for cats who have arthritis, joint health issues, inflammatory bowel disease, and other painful conditions.
3. Urinary tract health.
4. Cancer and pain management.
5. Reducing nausea and improving appetite.
6. An overall sense of well-being and managing mood.

What The Research Says

The use of CBD on cats is a newer research area that has been growing in recent years. One study from 2019 studied the effects of CBD on both dogs and cats and found that dogs absorb CBD better than cats, which can explain why you may see a more pronounced impact on your dog vs your cat. Evidence from a study in 2023 by Colorado State University also shows the beneficial effects of CBD in companion animals for adverse conditions like seizures.

Much more research is necessary to understand why cats and dogs respond to cannabinoids the way they do. Newer studies have looked at the absorption rate in cats, how well they tolerate CBD over the long term, and the appropriate doses to be effective. Safety and effectiveness depend on the product used and the amount and frequency of use.

Because extensive research and documentation have not been done scientifically to determine the appropriate dosage, it’s always best to use caution when using CBD with your cat.

How Much CBD Oil Can I Give My Cat?

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 body weight. Learn more in our guide on CBD dosing for cats.

Our Personal Experience Giving CBD Oil To Cats

I work at a health food store that sells CBD for cats and dogs, and I give my cat, Lucy, CBD as well. CBD can help treat various health conditions, including anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, and seizures. Lucy uses CBD for stress and tension. She often gets worked up when guests visit or if she has to leave the house for a vet appointment. I give her a liquid USDA Organic CBD suspended in MCT oil (from coconut) orally, and I can usually see the difference in around 10 minutes. She appears very relaxed and typically lies down and naps.

– Tara Maurer, cat owner, nutrition expert, and Love Your Cat Writer

Best CBD Oil For Cats

There is a wide array of cannabis-infused products for pets on the market today. In no particular order, here are my picks for the best CBD oil for cats.

HolistaPet crafts CBD oil for felines from 100% human-grade ingredients. It is a broad-spectrum CBD oil that is safe for small and large breeds. HolistaPets is a well-known and trusted pet product brand. The cannabidiol extract is suspended in hemp oil.

The HolistaPets option comes in original, chicken, and salmon flavors. The oil comes in 150mg, 300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and 3000mg strength. It uses 100% natural ingredients and organic superfoods and a pesticide- and solvent-free CO2 extraction process.

Along with infused oil for cats, HolistaPet offers two different infused cat treats: hard chews and calming chews.

Honest Paws is a high-quality CBD oil formula just for felines. The USDA-certified organic oil also contains terpenes like Beta-caryophyllene, which works with cannabidiol to reduce inflammation. Other terpenes help manage anxiety and reduce pain. It contains 4 mg of CBD per milliliter. Honest Paws also makes options for dogs and horses.

This one has multiple cannabinoids for maximum effect. It uses only GMO and soy-free products. Made in the US, using organic hemp grown in Colorado. The CBD removal uses supercritical CO2 extraction. Honest Paws offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

CBDfx is a broad-spectrum product formula specifically for cats. Products use organic, human-grade ingredients. The oil is vegan and non-GMO. The CBD content is 250 mg, and it has a natural chicken flavor. This oil uses pesticide-free organic hemp from 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 formula works to have calming effects on your kitty. You can give it to your cat orally or with food.

The CBD extraction uses a clean CO2 method. CBDfx uses cruelty-free methods, has verified potency, and has a 60-day guarantee.

Green Roads is well respected for its human cannabis-based products. The company now offers easy-to-digest cannabis options for pets. An independent lab evaluates all products. CBD is from organic, industrial hemp grown in America.

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 a QR code on the packaging. This oil contains 2 mg CBD per 1 milliliter of oil.

Our Personal Experience With Green Roads Pet CBD Oil

I gave my 15-year-old kitty, Cleo, Green Roads Pet CBD oil when I started noticing that she was suffering from arthritic symptoms. She was overweight for years, and that caught up with her in her elder years. After a couple of weeks of giving her CBD, I noticed an improvement in her mobility issues, and she seemed happier overall. Getting up from a sitting position was less difficult, and she even began moving around much easier than she had been for a while.

–Sally Jones, cat parent, Love Your Cat Writing and Editing

Penguin CBD makes a delicious salmon-flavored oil just for cats using Oregon-grown hemp. This is broad-spectrum hemp oil. 5 mg equals 150 mg strength. The infusion uses hemp, MCT oil, natural flavors, and terpenes. If possible, place the drops under your cat’s tongue.

If your cat does not like it under the tongue, the oil can be mixed with food and drink and given once or twice a day. This one uses all-natural ingredients in the CO2 extraction process.

Austin and Kat make a high-quality feline-specific broad-spectrum oil formula. They combine cannabis extract with sustainably sourced sardine and pollock oil. Cranberry extract and astaxanthin are added to boost urinary tract function and health.

Austin and Kat employ third-party testing, and lab reports are available on the website. This oil adds 260 mg per milliliter of omega-3 fatty acids, which boosts skin and coat health. It contains 11.9 mg of CBD per milliliter or one dropper full.

Petly makes products using human-grade ingredients. Products are made in the US and tested by third parties. The cannabidiol comes from organically grown hemp from Colorado. Broad-spectrum hemp extract is mixed with coconut and MCT oil. This product does not contain THC, and there are no artificial chemicals or preservatives.

The oil is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and veterinarian-approved. A 30 ml bottle contains 125 mg of cannabidiol, and the recommended dose is one dropper full every day. Petly has its own proprietary method of extracting raw, dried hemp. I like that this company is trying new things, but I am curious about their secret extraction methods.

Penelope’s Bloom makes full-spectrum CBD oil just for cats. It has a delicious salmon flavor and is made with organic CBD, MCT oil, and wild Alaskan salmon oil. It is very simple and made with all-natural ingredients. This oil is formulated to provide relief for joint pain due to aging and mobility issues. It also helps manage mood and alleviate stress and anxiety.

The salmon-flavored oil can be given directly to your cat with the dropper or mixed with food and treats. It is formulated to be easy to digest and deliver rapid effects. There are no fillers or unnecessary additives. Along with CBD, Alaskan salmon oil has anti-inflammatory properties and supports skin and coat health. Penelope’s Bloom also makes a soothing CBD balm for cats and dogs. All products are made here in the USA and go through third-party testing.

Best CBD Cat Treats

I focused on oil options for most of this article, but I do need to mention cannabis cat treats. There are several options to choose from.

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-infused cat treats.

HolistaPet makes a delicious, infused treat. One option is a salmon-flavored hard chew. The bag has 75 chews, about 2 mg per chew. The chews use broad-spectrum cannabidiol, which contains no THC. They are non-GMO, dairy-free, and grain-free and use no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

The company also offers a calming, salmon-flavored soft chew for cats. These have the same dosage as the hard chews, 2 mg per treat, and use 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.

7 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, consult with your veterinarian before adding any supplement.
4. Consider your cat’s size, age, weight, and activity level. The less active your cat is, the longer it will take to metabolize the cannabinoids.
5. 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 industry has little regulation, so it can be possible to find unsafe products.
7. Research a company’s background and discuss your concerns with your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

I know there are plenty of questions about cats and CBD oil. I answered a few of the top ones below, but if I missed yours, let me know in the comments.

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 placed under the tongue, it absorbs quicker, and the effects are felt faster. Make sure to observe your cat closely after giving them cannabis products for the first time.

Can my cat have too much 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.

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.

What about hemp oil for cats?

Hemp oil is not the same as cannabis-infused oils. It is made from hemp seed rather than using CBD extract from the cannabis plant. Hemp seed 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.

Keeping Your Cat Healthy

CBD can be a useful addition to your pet’s health regimen. You should discuss adding this and any other supplement with your vet first. Along with supplements, healthy food and regular exercise are highly beneficial to your kitty’s long-term health. Consider engaging toys like the floppy fish and cat tunnels, as mental interaction is also a priority.

Why Trust Love Your Cat?

Danielle has over 30 years of cat care experience. She has raised several cats with special needs, including a deaf kitty, those with kidney issues, and rescue cats. Danielle is also a dedicated and skilled researcher who tirelessly works to stay on top of the latest science-backed research, developments, and trends in pet care, health, training, food, and products. She works alongside a talented and dedicated team to provide pet owners with valuable information to better their lives.