CBD oil is now commonly used for dogs but it works just as well for cats too. CBD oil for cats can be taken in the same way as for dogs but just in a lower amount. This article was initially written for dog owners but there is very little difference as you will see.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a substance that is found in a cannabis or hemp plant. Unlike THC that creates a ‘buzz’, CBD is NOT a psychoactive stimulus, but rather provides your dog with a calming feeling and pain-relieving sensations without harming them with potential intoxicating effects.
How much CBD Oil should I give my cat?
The easiest way is to start with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase this over the next 4-6 weeks. Then, based on the results, you can keep the dose, increase the dose, increase the strength or even stop giving it if you feel your cat is not taking to it. For best results, give your cat 2 doses per day, ideally in one in the morning and one at night.
Although there are no medical guidelines available yet, we have made the formula as easy as possible for you. Just use the following calculation:
General dose guideline = 0.25mg X 1lb of body-weight
From there, work out how many milligrams of oil your cat needs based on his/her body weight, then see how many actual drops you need to give depending on which strength bottle you have. If it works out to an odd number of drops eg 5 drops, give two in the morning and three in the evening.
Use the following table to see how many mg of oil there are in one drop:
- A 10ml bottle of 300mg CBD oil contains approx. 1.5mg of oil per drop
- A 10ml bottle of 500mg CBD oil contains approx. 2.5mg of oil per drop
- A 10ml bottle of 1500mg CBD oil contains approx. 7.5mg of oil per drop
So a 6kg (13.2lb) cat would require (13.2 x 0.25mg) 3.3mg of CBD oil per day
A 4kg (8.8lb) cat would require (8.8 x 0.25mg) 2.2mg of CBD oil per day
And a 2kg (4.4lb) cat would require (4.4 x 0.25mg) 1.1mg of CBD oil per day
Then just divide the ‘per day’ dosage by two and give half in the morning and half in the evening. We appreciate the measurements won’t equal whole numbers exactly but you can use your own judgement to round up/down as you see fit.
To give the required dosage you can either use a lower strength oil and give more drops or use a higher strength oil and give less drops. As long as you don’t go over the daily guideline for your cat the bottle strength doesn’t matter.
NOTE: These are guidelines only and the actual dosage will depend on what you are giving it for: stress/anxiety relief will require a lower dosage than pain/long term condition relief.
The benefits of using CBD for your cat
The benefits of using CBD for your cat are incredible, with more and more people seeking the treatment for their furry friends. Products containing this substance have opened up a whole new world for pet care and those who believe in natural remedies.
Treats Seizures and Epilepsy (Ref*)
Many cat owners turn to CBD when their pet suffers from seizures and epilepsy. High levels of CBD can manage your pet’s seizures. Over time, it has been known to reduce the frequency of them, and in some cases get rid of the seizures altogether.
Relieves Chronic Pain/Arthritis
Even cats can’t escape arthritis, but CBD can help with that. Arthritis is the inflammation of joints that cause aching, pain, and other degenerative illnesses. As CBD is a pain reliever, it targets these aching joints and gives your cat relief. Not only that, but it soothes the chronic inflammation that prevents your pet from healing properly.
Boost Appetite
When a cat loses their appetite, it can be hard to know the reason why. Majority of the time, however, they lose it due to nausea. As a human, we won’t eat when we feel like that unless we take something to alleviate the digestive issue and receive pain relief. CBD can do this for your pet.
Reduces Anxiety
If you have ever suffered from anxiety, then you know that it is awful, and it would be the same for your cat too. Many cats suffer from anxiety and have been known to be depressed and extremely anxious in certain situations, such as when their owner leaves. This can result in destructive behaviours such as chewing objects, urinating, pacing, and more. CBD helps because it is a relaxing stimulant that calms your pet.
Prevents and Fights Cancer (Ref**)
Unfortunately, animals can get cancer too, and when they do they have symptoms of nausea, loss of appetite, and chronic pain.
CBD allows your pet to feel comfortable during those difficult times and helps to reduce the side effects that cancer can have on your cat.
Pet owners are also giving their cats small doses of CBD daily as it has been proven to aid in cancer symptoms by:
- Helping the immune system to fight cancer cells
- Reducing the cancer cells ability to produce energy
- Contains anti-tumour properties
Helps All Types of Conditions
The majority of conditions in cats usually all result in the same types of symptoms – chronic pain, nausea, loss of appetite, change in behaviour, etc. CBD is an all-around stimulant that can help your cat relax and alleviate pain in troubling times.
Some diseases that CBD can help with include:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Autoimmune Disease
- Neurodegenerative Disease
- Cardiovascular Disease
How to Add CBD Oil to Your Cat’s Diet
If you think that cannabis oil sounds like the right treatment for your cat, then there are different methods for adding CBD to your cat’s diet. These include:
- CBD tincture
- Capsules
- Topicals
- Cat treats
- CBD spray
The ideal method is the same as for us humans; just place the drop(s) under your cat’s tongue in the morning and at night.
If your cat refuses to take it this way then you may find that the cat treats work better as they are more prone to want to take the treat.
FAQs on CBD for Cats
Are Cannabinoids Good for My Cat?
CBD products are absolutely safe for your cat as they are non-toxic and offer a relaxing stimulant and pain-relief effects. Cannabinoids come from the hemp oil (or hemp seed oil) and leave out most if not all of the THC making it a safe supplement for your pet.
Is CBD Hemp Oil Bad for my Cat?
No, it’s not bad for your pet as it is all natural ingredients. Medical cannabis such as cannabidiol oil is extracted from marijuana plants but doesn’t mean it automatically contains THC.
How Do I know if my Product is Organic?
If your CBD oil for cats isn’t organic, it will contain substances such as pesticides, fungicides, and/or solvents.
Will it give my Cat a ‘Buzz?’
No, CBD products are not a psychoactive agent, meaning that they do not contain the substance THC that causes this reaction. Marijuana comes from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa with the active ingredient THC, but CBD is a relaxant and pain-relief agent and non-psychotropic.
What if I give my cat too much CBD?
Although there are no serious side effects of CBD if the amount you are using is too high for your cat it may result in tired, lethargic behaviour. If so, just reduce the daily amount or drop down to a lower strength oil.
*REF: https://www.aesnet.org/meetings_events/annual_meeting_abstracts/view/1868751
** REF: http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/content/70/3/897.full
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25069049
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5009497/
NOTE: This information is for guidance only and we encourage you to always seek medical advice from a professional if you are not sure about using CBD for your pet
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