CBD for Cats: What to Know Before Giving Your Cat CBD for Pain or Anxiety

Cannabidiol, or CBD, has been growing in popularity over the last couple of years. 

The 2018 Farm Bill allowed hemp to be legally grown throughout the U.S. In the same year, Epidiolex, which treats rare forms of epilepsy in people, became the first FDA-approved CBD medication. And since then, many CBD products have come to market for both pets and people. 

In this article we’ll look at the current research on CBD use in cats, including what studies say about the potential benefits and risks. 

What is CBD for cats, and how does it work?

CBD is a natural compound that comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. The CBD used in consumer products comes from a variety of the plant known as industrial hemp.

Industrial hemp must have less than 0.3% THC. For pets, THC is what makes all the difference between a product that may be helpful and a product that may be toxic. THC — the psychoactive compound in cannabis — is toxic to pets.

But even though it contains almost no THC, industrial hemp contains many more compounds than just CBD. This means there can be a lot of variety in CBD products for pets, and different products can contain different combinations of compounds. 

CBD works by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the body. Experts believe activating these receptors prevents the release of compounds called inflammatory cytokines. Researchers think this is how CBD may help with arthritis and other painful inflammatory conditions.

CBD also interacts with noncannabinoid receptors in the body. This is how it may help with conditions like anxiety, trouble sleeping, and nausea.

What is CBD used for in cats?

There is very little research on CBD use in cats. There have been some small studies that mostly focused on CBD concentrations in cats and their safety and effects. These studies will hopefully be the basis for future research on CBD’s therapeutic benefits for cats.

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CBD use in cats is largely based on studies involving dogs and the work of individual veterinarians. Findings from veterinarians’ clinical experience using CBD for cats is promising. But it's difficult to know how this evidence applies to larger numbers of cats.

Individual companies making CBD products sometimes conduct their own safety and therapy studies. These studies are not always widely published. But they may be available upon request.

Based on the research that is available, here are the three main areas where CBD may have benefits for cats.

1. Pain

CBD may provide pain relief for cats through its effects on inflammatory cytokines. CBD may also act on something called the vanilloid receptor. This receptor assists in the perception of pain and inflammation. By reducing inflammation, CBD may be able to reduce the pain it causes.

There is very little research to date on CBD for pain and inflammation in cats. But studies in dogs with arthritis have been promising. 

2. Anxiety

CBD can have calming effects for humans and potentially for cats. Researchers believe this CBD helps increase serotonin signaling in the body. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and anxiety. By increasing serotonin levels, CBD may be able to help humans — and cats — with anxiety.

3. Seizures

CBD can treat some seizure disorders — at least in humans. In 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, the first prescription CBD medication, to treat rare forms of epilepsy in people. But experts still do not quite know how CBD helps with seizures. And though there’s some evidence CBD may help dogs with seizures, there’s no research on whether it can help cats yet.

What is the dosage of CBD for cats, and how is it given?

There is no FDA-approved CBD product for cats. While Epidiolex is FDA approved for use in people, any use of Epidiolex in pets is considered off-label. 

Epidiolex is the only true CBD medication. All other products are considered supplements, not medications. Supplements do not need to be scrutinized or approved by the FDA to come to market. This means that many CBD products are not tested for safety or effectiveness. And some companies may include unsubstantiated claims on their products’ labels.

Research on the use of Epidiolex in cats has demonstrated certain dosages of the medication are safe for cats. But how different dosages affect specific health conditions has not been well studied. There is no recommended dosage currently for Epidiolex use in cats.

To know what dosage to use for your cat, make sure to follow the instructions on your product’s packaging. Some companies have established dosages for their products based on their own research. But it’s also a good idea to consult your veterinarian for advice.

Epidiolex comes in a 100 mg/mL concentration oral solution. CBD supplements, however, come in a variety of forms. The most common is an oil-based form that comes in a dropper bottle. This may be added to food or given directly by mouth, depending on the product’s instructions.

CBD products also commonly come in the form of oral tablets, capsules, or chew treats for pets. Topical products for cats in the form of lotions, gels, or creams are also available. But the benefits of topical CBD products in pets have not been established. 

What are common side effects of CBD in cats?

The following side effects have been commonly reported in cats who were given CBD-infused oil:

• Lethargy

• Ataxia (trouble with balance and walking)

• Vomiting

• Drooling

Vomiting and drooling may be more related to the taste of the medication and/or fat content of the oil used than the effects of CBD.

What are the most serious risks of CBD for cats?

Studies have reported some liver toxicity effects from CBD in humans, dogs, and cats. Reports of these effects in cats have been very rare. But research on CBD use in cats is also very limited.

In some cases, CBD products pose serious risks to cats because of the other ingredients they contain. For example, some products contain varying levels of chemicals that are toxic to cats, such as:

• THC

• Toxic metal compounds

• Pesticides

• Other contaminants

For pets, the presence of THC that’s higher than 0.3% is one of the biggest risks with CBD products. While CBD products derived from hemp should have less than 0.3% THC, quality control varies widely among products. And in some states, it’s possible to purchase CBD that is not derived from hemp, which may contain higher levels of THC.

In cats, consuming CBD products that contain THC has been associated with:

• Lethargy

• Ataxia

• Low body temperature

• Protruding third eyelids

• Excessive vocalizing

Thoroughly investigate the quality of any product you are considering for your cat. This will help you minimize the risk of side effects and other harmful effects.

Any quality, reliable company should have a certificate of analysis (COA) available to view at any time on request. A COA verifies that a current batch of a product actually contains (and only contains) the ingredients on its label. If a company you’re looking at does not have a COA on hand, consider avoiding their products.

Always avoid giving your cat a CBD product made for people. These products may include ingredients that are unsafe for cats, like chocolate or caffeine. Since people are less sensitive to the effects of THC than pets, these products are also more likely to contain THC.

Consider asking your veterinarian for guidance on CBD product selection. Though, keep in mind some states may limit a veterinarian’s ability to make medical recommendations about CBD products. 

Does CBD interact with any other cat medications?

Based on studies of Epidiolex, CBD may interact with several medications that are used to treat cats. Here are some examples::

• Amiodarone

• Azole antifungals like itraconazole

• Benzodiazepines like alprazolam and diazepam

• Central nervous system depressants like gabapentin and trazodone

• Chloramphenicol

• Cimetidine

• Clopidogrel

• Dexamethasone

• Diltiazem

• Fenofibrate

• Fluoxetine

• Glipizide

• Prednisolone

• Lidocaine

• Loperamide

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like robenacoxib and meloxicam

• Opioids

• Phenobarbital

• Propofol

• Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole

• Rifampin

• Sildenafil

• Theophylline

• Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and clomipramine

• Warfarin

These interactions may not apply to CBD products other than Epidiolex. There is too much variability in the makeup of CBD supplements to be certain of their potential interactions. So it’s important to discuss the possibility of interactions with your vet before giving your cat CBD.

What should you do if your cat misses a dose of CBD?

There are no available dosage guidelines for CBD in cats. If your cat is taking Epidiolex for a seizure disorder and you miss a dose, contact your veterinarian for guidance about what to do next.

For other CBD products used for other conditions, a single missed dose is unlikely to cause harm. If you miss a dose, wait to give your cat their next dose at the regularly scheduled time. And contact your veterinarian if you have any questions.

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Written by:

Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH

Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH, has been involved with the veterinary field for over 20 years, since working as an assistant at a local veterinary clinic. After earning an associate’s degree in veterinary technology in 2005, Chris transferred to Virginia Tech where he went on to complete his bachelor’s degree, then his doctorate and master’s.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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