CBD Oil For Cats : Guidance & Recommendations From The Experts

Why are more people choosing to use CBD oil for Cats in 2022?

You love your cat; it’s well known that people have loved their cats for thousands of years. You’re probably a cat expert in your own right, but there are always things popping up, right? 

Just as you may be facing anxiety, depression, allergies, and chronic conditions – maybe you’re wondering why your cat is presenting those same issues.  

There are a slew of options to consider for your cat, but it’s hard deciding what is truly the best option for them. As holistic treatments are becoming more commonplace, it may be beneficial to weigh the options. 

CBD oil may be one of those options to consider as it becomes an evergreen treatment type for medical and non-medical use.  

Always discuss any potential use of CBD oil (and other holistic treatments) with your veterinarian before actual use. It’s important to get individualized advice, as it ensures the safety of your pet. 

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As it is commonly known, CBD stands for Cannabidiol, which is a compound found in the hemp plant. Hemp is commonly considered the “cousin” of marijuana, but it does not produce a psychoactive high. 

Medical News Today better explains the role of CBD oil which uses the leaves, flowers, and stalk of the hemp plant. In most cases, Tthere is no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the euphoric (high) feeling found in marijuana. 

This means that your cat may feel the benefits of CBD oil, without the difficulties associated with taking a product with THC in it. 

In a U.S. based survey it was found that 67% of pet owners noted moderate to major improvement in their pet’s previous condition after using CBD oil. This suggests that with more research, we may be able to better understand the role of CBD oil for chronic and acute conditions. 

Much of this is dependent on how your cat prefers to take any new product. Some cats prefer food mixed in with their CBD oil, while others prefer to simply have CBD oil dropped into their mouths. 

To avoid the messy process of wrangling your cat, it would probably be best to test out their tolerance of CBD oil in food first. From there, if they like the new addition, you can better determine their daily regimen. 

As mentioned above, your best bet at getting your cat to take CBD oil is in their food. This makes the process easier and helps with absorption and most likely tolerance of a new addition to their food. 

However, if you have difficulty with this, ask your veterinarian for some tips/tricks of the trade. Afterall, you both shouldn’t struggle through the process, so find what works best for you. 

It is generally recommended to give between 0.1 to 0.5 milligrams of CBD oil per lb of body weight (0.25 mg is generally considered a regular dose). For example, if your cat weighs 10 lbs then a regular dose would be 2.5 mg.

Formula for Regular Dose: 0.25 mg x 1 lb body weight 

However, it’s generally best to give your cat a lower dose of CBD oil to start and then work up to a higher dose if needed. This can all be better discussed with your veterinarian to tailor the best dosage based on your cat’s weight and medical history. 

Quality of ingredients and safety practices should be considered before choosing a CBD oil for your cat. Some products are more popular based on overall use, but it would be best to consult with an expert of holistic practices. 

Many experts recommend verifying the lab’s standards and certification, while also looking for a full or broad-spectrum CBD oil product. Yet it is equally important to determine your cat’s needs before purchasing the first product available. 

Full spectrum CBD oil includes many of the compounds found in the cannabis plant with the addition of up to 0.3% THC, which is the legal amount for these products to contain. This is considered a full or whole plant extract. 

Broad spectrum CBD oil has the same compounds as full spectrum, but without the THC. 

This means that pressurized carbon dioxide, or CO2, is used to separate CBD oil from the physical plant, which then produces a more concentrated strain with less risk of contaminants. This keeps in line with a higher purity standard and further reduces the risk of your cat using an inferior product.

A CoA ensures quality standards and accurate testing practices are met. When looking for a product, make sure a CoA is offered for the product you are looking to purchase.

As with any product that you’re going to use, cost will always be top of mind, but it shouldn’t push you to buy the cheapest product on the market. 

By far, it is important to understand the product’s offerings, safety standards, and overall efficacy according to the guidelines mentioned above. 

You may want to consider the quality of the product over the allure of price to ensure your cat is getting the best there is.

According to Katsiaryna Bykov, PharmD, ScD, at Harvard, CBD oil can potentially interact with OTC medications and prescription medications depending on the type. There are many factors to consider, so consulting with your veterinarian is always encouraged before beginning the use of CBD-based products. 

CBD oil, and CBD in general, has been used as far back as 2900 B.C. From then to now, scientists have studied how the body processes CBD to ultimately better many conditions. 

Human studies have suggested that CBD may be effective for types of pain, generalized anxiety disorder, and potentially for those suffering with motor issues due to Parkinson’s disease. 

As we continue research, we may better understand the similarities in interactions with CBD in humans and animals. 

1. Cats with Anxiety

Anxiety is a difficult burden for your cat to carry, especially given the number of outside stimuli that exist. CBD oil may aid in alleviating some of your cat’s stress to potentially give them ease in life. 

Some of the popular uses for CBD oil include the promotion of relaxation by aiding receptors in the brain to receive more serotonin. Human trials have suggested CBD’s positive impact for those suffering with anxiety disorders, OCD, and even PTSD when closely monitored. 

As anxiety often also impacts sleep, a 2019 human study suggested a correlation between CBD use and improved sleep along with anxiety improvement. 

2. Low Appetite or Nausea

Animal studies have suggested that CBD may be effective treatments for humans and animals suffering from nausea and vomiting. Some of these issues are brought on by chemotherapy and other therapeutic treatments, which could prove extremely useful in the future with expanded research. 

The suppression of these ailments may benefit your cat’s quality of life as well, especially when further discussed with your veterinarian. 

3. Cats with Seizures or Epilepsy

In cats, CBD oil works with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to bind receptors in the brain and nervous system. A 2019 study suggests a connection between the ECS and epilepsy. It is thought that cannabinoids may reduce the incidence and severity of seizures and neuroinflammation. 

While more research is needed, this proposes a connection between CBD use aiding the ECS to function better. As applied to animals, UC Davis conducted a study in 2019 in the treatment of seizures in rats. Scientists found CBD to be potentially effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures. 

Finally, a study conducted in 2018 by Colorado State University saw an extremely promising reduction in the number of seizures in 89% of dogs. This serves as a promising potential for the future of CBD research and the potential expansion for cats as well.  

4. Pain or Discomfort

Your cat shouldn’t have to suffer in pain or even discomfort if there are alternatives out there. While some options include pain management medications, there are side effects to consider as with any prescription-based pain treatment. 

However, there has been success in using CBD oil on dogs with osteoarthritis. A study resulted in a potential significant decrease in pain after CBD treatment. It was suggested that 2 mg/kg of CBD twice daily can be helpful for dogs with osteoarthritis. 

5. Cats with Cancer

CBD for cats with cancer may be a beneficial option to support traditional treatment. Like humans, cats can also suffer with appetite issues and nausea as a side effect of cancer treatments. 

Human studies have shown the potential of CBD in reduction of pain. While more information is needed, this suggests a future pathway to better pain management in cancer patients. 

Yes, Hemp-derived CBD has been legal since 2018. Furthermore, if the hemp product is under 0.3% THC, it is also compliant under federal law. As the industry continues to grow, so will the understanding of the legality of CBD products. 

However, it’s always useful to stay updated to any potential legal status changes and on statements made by the FDA. 

While there is still a need for more research, veterinarians, especially those with a holistic approach, have found it to be a safe alternative to medications and other treatments. However, a lot of this is based on individual assessment. 

You should always discuss treatment plans and product types with your veterinarian. They will be able to best explain what your cat can tolerate. 

It’s important to note that your cat will not get high on CBD oil as it is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid. This is merely technical language that means it doesn't have the hallucinatory/high-inducing properties that marijuana does. 

You can rest assured that your cat may see the benefits of CBD oil without the side effects associated with THC-based products. 

As with any new addition to a pet’s system, there are always potential side effects to consider. According to Dr. Jamie Richardson, BVetMed, there have been minimal side effects reported including: changes in appetite, soft stool/diarrhea, and some lethargy or tiredness. 

It’s important to monitor your cat for any abnormal signs as listed and to discuss them with your veterinarian before continuing with CBD oil use. 

The way CBD oil works often varies based on the dosage and individual details such as: your cat’s breed, health history, activity level, and even personality. By taking this into account you can better evaluate your cat’s tolerance of CBD oil. 

It may take some time for you to see any potential benefits, but this shouldn’t deter you from continued use.  

While unlikely, as there is no known toxicity level, there is always a chance of a potential overdose if the dosage is not monitored. It is recommended that you only provide your cat with the appropriate amount based on weight. 

Also, if giving CBD oil it’s best to not incorporate more CBD products until you have determined your cat’s tolerance. The ASPCA has provided a guide to better educate pet owners on CBD use in pets. 

Just as you would research the best food for your cat, it’s best to also research the ingredients found in your choice of CBD oil. Healthline put out an article detailing the best ways to find quality products. 

It’s best to find trusted resources and then research from that information to make an informed decision. 

Yes, consistency with dosages of CBD oil is recommended to observe your cat’s tolerance and behavior over time. It may take some time to see the long-term benefits so it's best to continue a consistent approach to your cat’s treatment plan. 

Just as you would strive for consistency in your own health, your cat deserves the time to metabolize and simply get used to something new in their system. 

Do not feel disheartened if there is a waiting period of efficacy, this is always something that can be further discussed with your veterinarian. 

Just as humans are beginning to better understand the role of CBD, so many pet owners are also considering the role of CBD for their best companions.

CBD oil is one important option to consider. While there are many holistic and therapeutic alternatives to consider, CBD products may be one to better understand and help make an informed decision regarding your best friend’s health. 

And as you wonder how to begin this process, start by chatting with your veterinarian to discuss their approach to a more holistic treatment plan. From there, you can begin researching quality brands to ultimately make the most informed decision.

Afterall, your cat’s health is probably top of mind as an owner. They deserve the due diligence necessary to aid in any ailments that may pop up.