CBD for Cats: Can Your Furry Feline Take it?

You’ve probably heard about the many benefits of CBD for people. And we’ve talked a lot about CBD for pets in general, mostly referring to dogs and horses. But what about CBD for cats? We’ve been remiss in our coverage of CBD for felines, and it’s an important topic!

Just like dogs and horses, there are many benefits of CBD for cats – but there’s also important information when it comes to how to give it to them. So, this week, that’s our focus!

CBD for Cats

CBD is a non-intoxicating compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s one of over 100 active compounds identified in the plant, just like the other popular cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Just like all mammals, your cat has an endocannabinoid system (ES), that fancy system found throughout the body. It’s goal is to bring about homeostasis, or balance.

It’s found in the brain, the major organs, the bones, the central nervous system, everywhere really. And when you take CBD or give it to your furry friend, it interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the ES to cause a positive change.

How to Give Your Cat CBD

For humans, our favorite route of administration is sublingual. That means dropping your dose under your tongue so it’s absorbed but the mucous membranes and right into the bloodstream.

That said, it’s probably not going to be your favorite route when it comes to giving it to your cat. Let’s be honest, most cats are, well, jerks when it comes to this type of thing, so tying to put your cat’s dose under your tongue may be just end with you covered in scratches.

We’ve found that the best way is to just simply drop the dose onto your cat’s food. When you take/give CBD this way, it has to pass through the digestive tract. This just means it’ll take a little longer to work, and it may reduce the concentration of the oil a little.

In this case, especially if you’re giving it for something like anxiety, keep in mind that it’ll need time to work its magic, so give accordingly.

CBD for cats

CBD for Cats: FAQs

  1. How much should I give my cat? Your cat’s system is similar to your own, or your dog’s, so dosage should be based on body weight. Your cats probably fairly small, so they won’t need a lot. Check out our dosing calculator – use the dog setting and set your cat’s weight. Start with a small dose and work your way up to the recommended dose until you find the sweet spot for your pet.
  2. Will it make my cat high? No. As long as you find a product with less than 0.3% THC (the standard for legal therapeutic CBD oil), your cat won’t get “high.” CBD is non-intoxicating, so while it may leave your cat feeling calm and relaxed, it shouldn’t make them lose their head.
  3. Are there any side effects? CBD has a great safety profile! Numerous studies have shown that CBD is a very well-tolerated compound, even in high doses. No major side effects have been found, and mild side effects may include some drowsiness or stomach upset, usually when you give/take a higher dose. That’s why we always say start small and pay attention.
  4. What can I use CBD for? According to the World Health Organization, CBD has been recognized for its potential with a variety of different conditions, including, but not limited to:
    • Pain
    • Anxiety
    • Nausea
    • Inflammatory diseases
    • Arthritis

**Keep in mind that studies based on CBD for cats specifically are very limited, and most research is based on humans or dogs. That said, as mentioned, your cat’s system is very similar to your own, so the science remains largely the same.

How to Choose the Right Product for your Furry Friend

  1. Is it organic? You want to make sure that the product you choose uses plants grown without the use of pesticides.
  2. How is it extracted? Some extraction methods use harsh chemicals like butane or propane, and these can leave residues that eventually make their way into your cat’s system.
  3. Is there a Certificate of Analysis? Make sure the company you choose tests their product for things like total CBD and THC concentration, heavy metals, and solvents. And make sure they share that Certificate willingly with customers.
  4. What are the other ingredients? Make sure you know what other ingredients are present. Some companies add a carrier oil, like coconut or hemp oil, to increase the bioavailability. Others include flavor enhancers to mask the taste of the oil. Make sure those are safe for your cat.
  5. Are there other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes in it? We’re big fans of full spectrum oil because it gives your cat the “full spectrum” of beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavaonoids, not just CBD.