CBD for Cats: Uses and Benefits

CBD (cannabidiol) has been widely explored as an alternative to help dogs and cats. Many pet owners are increasingly curious about the potential benefits of CBD for cats. Understanding how this component of cannabis works in cats, its safety and how to dose it properly, is crucial to help our pets responsibly.

Today on the Cannactiva blog, we’ll explain what current science says about the benefits of CBD for our feline friends.

The endocannabinoid system in cats

Cats, like humans, have an endocannabinoid system that regulates bodily functions such as sleep, mood, appetite and pain sensation. Thus, CBD in cats has the potential to lead to improved well-being by interacting with this endocannabinoid system.

Possible uses of CBD for cats

CBD is explored as a treatment for various conditions in cats. A survey in the United States revealed that dog and cat owners use CBD to relieve pain, reduce anxiety and reduce inflammation in their pets (1).

Some research has shown that CBD may be useful in reducing anxiety in cats, particularly in experiments where cats were separated from their owners to induce separation anxiety. Felines that received CBD showed lower levels of anxiety (2).

Like people, cats have a system in their body that responds well to CBD, helping them feel more relaxed and healthy.

In addition, CBD has been shown to be effective in pain management. One study indicated that it can reduce inflammation and relieve pain in cats undergoing surgery, such as in cases of feline chronic gingivostomatitis, facilitating recovery and improving postoperative well-being (3).

Effects of CBD in cats

As for the effects of CBD in cats, these can vary and include anxiety reduction and pain relief. However, responses may differ between individuals and not all cats will experience the same benefits.

Many cats have been shown to feel less anxious and in less pain after taking CBD, according to studies.

CBD dosage recommendations for cats

Consult with a veterinarian before starting any CBD regimen in your pet. The practitioner can offer personalized advice, considering the cat’s medical history and current treatments, thus ensuring safe use of CBD.

Although CBD is safe, it is important to go slowly to ensure that it does not negatively affect your cat’s health.

It is advisable to start with a minimal dose and monitor the cat’s response for 14 days before considering any gradual dose adjustment. This precaution makes it possible to identify the optimal dose while minimizing the risk of side effects.

CBD doses for cats reported in scientific studies

For the treatment of anxiety in cats, doses of 4 mg/kg body weight of CBD daily (2) for two weeks have been reported to be effective. In cases of pain and inflammation management, the same dosage is suggested, 4 mg/kg CBD daily (3), administered on an empty stomach for a period of 15 days.

The amount of drops varies considerably depending on the concentration of CBD oil and the weight of the animal.

For example, in a 5 kg cat these doses would be equivalent to 16 drops of a 2.5% CBD oil. On the other hand, if a 10% CBD oil is used, a much higher concentration, it would be only 4 drops. It is important to see the concentration of oil being used.

Methods of administration

CBD can be administered to cats orally through oils, gummies or by adding it to food. The method of administration can affect absorption and efficacy, with oils generally offering more accurate dosing.

The studies that reported effective doses of CBD for cats administered CBD orally to fasted cats. However, there is evidence that when CBD is administered with food to cats, it may increase their absorption up to nine times (8).

Safety of cannabis therapies in cats

Importance of low doses

Given the sensitivity of cats to supplements and medications, starting with low doses is essential to reduce the risk of adverse effects, allowing a detailed observation of their effects.

It has been suggested that cats metabolize cannabidiol differently from other animals, resulting in lower blood concentrations of CBD compared to equivalent doses in dogs (9). This suggests caution to avoid alteration of liver enzymes, especially since liver disorders are common in adult cats.

Consult with your veterinarian before using CBD in your pet, and follow the recommended dosage.

All CBD studies conducted in healthy cats report at least one case of hepatic enzyme disruption, underscoring the importance of caution when administering CBD oil to cats. This situation is linked to the limited glucuronidation capacity in the liver of cats, affecting the metabolism and excretion of CBD and other cannabinoids (9).

The effective dose of CBD for cats may vary. Factors include the size, age and condition of the cat. It is essential to use a very low dose and to escalate gradually if necessary, taking extreme precautions regarding possible hepatic alterations. Consultation with a veterinarian is essential to determine an adequate and safe dosage.

Adverse effects of CBD in cats

Although generally considered safe, CBD can induce side effects in some cats, such as gastrointestinal distress and sedation (1). It is crucial to properly adjust the dose and monitor the animal to identify any adverse signs. Adverse effects observed may include excessive licking and head movements during oil administration (4).

Many adverse gastrointestinal effects are associated with the type of oil used in CBD or THC formulations, with medium-chain triglyceride oils (such as coconut or palm oil) tending to cause these problems in cats (5).

In addition, in some cases an increase in liver enzymes has been reported after CBD oil administration, a sign that has been linked to the use of these medium-chain oils (5).

A clinical report highlighted the case of a cat that was given a daily dose of 0.5 mg/kg CBD for 30 days to relieve pain associated with chronic osteoarthritis. Although this reduced dose was effective for the animal, alterations in liver enzymes were observed (6).

One study safely implemented 4 mg/kg CBD daily for 12 weeks, using fish oil as a vehicle. Although this oil is not medium-chain, one of the participating cats showed an alteration of liver enzymes (4).

The longest study on CBD in cats evaluated the safety of its administration at doses of 4 mg/kg body weight for up to 26 weeks, indicating that it is tolerated by healthy felines during this period (7). However, alterations in liver enzymes may occur in some cases.

Adverse effects of THC in cats

THC or tetrahydrocannabinol (the intoxicating compound in marijuana) while not toxic to cats, being a psychoactive cannabinoid can produce the “high” associated with marijuana, which is not a desirable effect for pets.

The maximum safe dose of THC for cats is 41.5 mg/kg and for CBD 30.5 mg/kg, applied every three days (5) only in cases where high doses are really necessary. However, unlike CBD, THC can cause prolapse of the nictitating membrane (third eyelid), indicative of alterations in feline homeostasis due to stress, disease or dehydration (5).

Can CBD interact with other medications my cat takes?

CBD may interact with other drugs by affecting the liver enzymes responsible for drug metabolism. Consult a veterinarian before starting to consume CBD, especially if your cat is taking medication or suffers from liver disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while CBD offers promising benefits for cats, navigating its use safely requires careful consideration of dosage, product quality and potential drug interactions. Always consult a veterinarian to ensure the best care for your feline companion.

Note: This is an informational article and is not intended to prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. Its contents may complement, but should never replace, any diagnosis or treatment of any disease or symptom. Cannactiva products are not medicines and are intended for external use. Cannactiva is not responsible for the misuse of this information. Please note that new scientific evidence may become available since the date of publication. Consult your veterinarian before using CBD in your pet.

References

1. Corsato Alvarenga, I., Panickar, K. S., Hess, H., & McGrath, S. (2023). Scientific Validation of Cannabidiol for Management of Dog and Cat Diseases. Annual review of animal biosciences, 11, 227-246. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-animal-081122-070236
2. Masataka N. (2024). Is cannabidiol (CBD) effective to ease separation anxiety in cats?. Heliyon, 10(3), e25851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25851
3. Coelho, J. C., Duarte, N., Bento da Silva, A., Bronze, M. D. R., & Mestrinho, L. A. (2023). Placebo-Controlled Trial of Daily Oral Cannabidiol as Adjunctive Treatment for Cats with Chronic Gingivostomatitis. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 13(17), 2716. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172716
4. Deabold, K. A., Schwark, W. S., Wolf, L., & Wakshlag, J. J. (2019). Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats. Animals: an open access journal from MDPI, 9(10), 832. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9100832
5. Kulpa, J. E., Paulionis, L. J., Eglit, G. M., & Vaughn, D. M. (2021). Safety and tolerability of escalating cannabinoid doses in healthy cats. Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 23(12), 1162-1175. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X211004215
6. Gutierre, E., Crosignani, N., Garcia-Carnelli, C., di Mateo, A., & Recchi, L. (2023). A case report of CBD and THC as analgesic therapy in a cat with chronic osteoarthritic pain. Veterinary medicine and science, 9(3), 1021-1025. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.1057
7. Coltherd, J. C., Bednall, R., Bakke, A. M., Ellerby, Z., Newman, C., Watson, P., Logan, D. W., & Holcombe, L. J. (2024). Healthy cats tolerate long-term daily feeding of Cannabidiol. Frontiers in veterinary science, 10, 1324622. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1324622
8. Jukier, T., Cruz-Espindola, C., Martin, D., & Boothe, D. M. (2023). Disposition of a single oral dose of a cannabidiol medication in healthy cats. Frontiers in veterinary science, 10, 1181517. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1181517
9. Schwark, W. S., & Wakshlag, J. J. (2023). A One Health perspective on comparative cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid pharmacokinetics and biotransformation in humans and domestic animals. American journal of veterinary research, 84(5), ajvr.23.02.0031. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.23.02.0031