How to Use CBD Oil for Cats: Benefits, Dosages, & Key Facts

As cat parents, we love cats for their unique personalities. Some cats are shy and sweet, others are a little mischievous... and a few are just jerks (but in a loveable way!)

Regardless of their disposition, all cats share a common trait: they excel at concealing chronic pain and illness... a survival instinct dating back to their days as top-tier predators. This means that by the time you notice your cat's discomfort, the issue may have been brewing for some time.

Whether you're looking for CBD Oil to help your cat through their health concerns or support them proactively - we're here to help! In this guide, we'll talk about how CBD for cats can help, as well as important details like how much CBD to give your cat, and how to do your own research to find the best CBD companies and products for your feline companion.

 

 

Introduction to CBD Oil for Cats

What is CBD?

CBD, derived from the hemp plant, is a non-psychoactive compound known for its therapeutic effects on both humans and animals, including cats. Through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, CBD offers various benefits, such as support for anxiety, pain relief, and overall well-being. Pet parents worldwide are increasingly turning to CBD to address various feline health concerns.

In pet products, CBD is typically found within broad or full-spectrum hemp extracts, which contain not only CBD but also trace amounts of THC, as well as other naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes.

Our CBD oil for cats uses a broad spectrum CBD oil (a whole hemp plant extract, carefully processed through a cold extraction method to remove just the THC) ensuring a THC-free yet potent blend of the hemp plant's beneficial compounds.

Discover more about hemp oil, CBD, and why we favor a THC-free broad spectrum CBD oil for our beloved pets by clicking here.

How does CBD oil work in cats?

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in cats, similar to its effects in humans and dogs. This system plays a vital role in regulating various physiological functions, including mood, pain perception, and even immune system responses.

When we use CBD for cats, it has the potential to alleviate anxiety and pain, and enhance their overall well-being. These therapeutic benefits make CBD a promising natural option for addressing a variety of health issues in cats, such as stress, pain management, and joint mobility.

Do I need to give my cat feline-specific CBD?

You don't necessarily need to use CBD products marketed specifically as "CBD for cats" to support your feline companion, as the CBD molecule is the same no matter where it appears.

However, cat-specific CBD products offer distinct advantages, as they are thoughtfully formulated to align with your cat's taste and health preferences, making them more appealing and tailored to your cat's specific needs.

Moreover, cat CBD oil is made with the understanding that cats require smaller doses than dogs or humans, ensuring more accurate and appropriate dosing for your cat. Many cat parents appreciate a pet cbd oil made for cats because they know they're not giving too much CBD and not having to do complicated math to divide up a product just to support their feline friends.

Choosing cat CBD products can enhance your cat's overall CBD experience by providing both convenience and customization.

 

 

Benefits of CBD for Cats

CBD has gained popularity among humans and pet owners due to its potential to support a variety of common health issues, thanks to the way it interacts with our multi-system regulating endocannabinoid system.

While it's essential to consult your veterinarian before starting any CBD regimen, here's how CBD oil for cats may support your their well-being in some common areas:

Anxiety and Stress

Cats can experience anxiety and stress due to various factors, such as changes in their environment (including introducing new furry family members), loud noises, or separation from their owners. CBD's calming effects may help alleviate anxiety, promoting a sense of relaxation and comfort in your feline friend.

Pain and Inflammation

Arthritis, injuries, or age-related issues can cause discomfort and pain in cats. CBD is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may assist in managing pain, improving mobility, and enhancing your cat's overall quality of life.

Sleep and Relaxation

Cats, like humans, can experience sleep disturbances. CBD's relaxing effects may promote better sleep patterns, ensuring your cat gets the rest they need for optimal health.

Overall Wellness

CBD supports your cat's endocannabinoid system's function, which regulates various bodily processes to help your cat maintain homeostasis (balance) across a variety of bodily systems.

It's important to note that while CBD holds promise in addressing these health concerns, individual responses may vary.

You'll hear us say this a lot - every pet is different and you know them best! So, while we can help you get started with CBD for your cat, the best results will come from you observing your cat and finding the right dosage for your cat's specific needs.

 

 

Selecting a CBD Product for your Cat

When it comes to supporting your feline friend with CBD, several key factors should be taken into consideration. It's not just about CBD dosage for cats, but also picking the right product that makes dosing easy and that your cat will actually want to take.

Your cat's health and happiness is the goal, so let's delve into some essential aspects to ensure you make an informed decision - these are the same things we take into account when considering the best CBD oils for our own cats. (And why we ended up formulating our own product with all the benefits we were looking hoping for in a in a natural remedy.)

Dosage Matters

Determining the appropriate CBD dosage for cats is important not only for your cat's health but for your ease of serving too. CBD products come in a wide range of strengths - it's possible but, frankly, a pain in the tail to try to portion out a product made for 150lb dogs for your 8lb cat.

You'll want to estimate how much CBD your cat needs (more on that later), so you can pick a product that contains the right amount of CBD doses. Most people shoot for a a few weeks to a month's supply of CBD for their pet.

Tip! Although CBD is derived from hemp, hemp (and hempseed oil) products do not necessarily include CBD. Select products that clearly state how many milligrams (MG) of CBD are in the package and each serving.

Taste Preferences

Cats are known for their discerning palates, so considering taste is especially important when choosing a CBD product for them. Some cats may be more receptive to certain flavors or delivery methods, such as fish-flavored CBD oils. (Our Purr-fect Feline Formula uses Sardine & Pollock as a carrier oil, with the added benefit of helpful omega-3's and a taste most cats will love.)

Many cats don't appreciate sudden changes to their diet or routine. If you've got a picky kitty, gradually add a little CBD oil to their food and work up to the desired dose over a few days.

CBD oils without any fish or animal products in them may also be used topically if you find CBD difficult to give your cat treats.

Company Credibility

When purchasing CBD products for your cat, it's vital to vet the company thoroughly. CBD products for pets are not regulated with the same intensity as, for example, pet foods - so it's really important to look for businesses that prioritize transparency and quality. Here are some factors to consider:

• Ingredient Transparency:
  Avoid products with unnecessary additives, fillers, or artificial flavorings - it's just not necessary! You should also be able to access 3rd party lab reports of CBD's potency and purity easily.

• Pet-First Mindset:
  The best CBD products for pets are formulated for the needs and preferences of our four-legged friends first. This approach should extend to a company's sustainable and ethical practices, creating a better world for our pets to thrive in.

• Customer Reviews: Seek recommendations from friends who have experience with CBD for their own pets, and read genuine customer reviews and testimonials. These can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and quality of a CBD product.

By considering these factors, you'll be able to spot a high-quality CBD product that aligns with your cat's needs and your values.

And here's our shameless plug - we happen to make the purrfect CBD oil for the cats in your life. CLICK HERE to check it out!

 

 

How to Give Your Cat CBD Oils

Ok, you've selected the best CBD oil you can find. Now it's time to actually give this CBD product to your cat. But how do you get started?

Beginner's CBD Dosage for Cats

Finally, we've arrived at the answer to your burning question - how much CBD oil should I give my cat?

If you've never given your cat CBD before, we recommend 3mg of CBD per 10lbs of body weight, per day.

Keep in mind that every pet is different, and you know your feline friend best - so some trial and error to find a dosage that works for your cat is totally normal. We'll review our best tips for finding the right dose in just a moment.

Note: It's totally OK to round up or down to make serving CBD for cats easy. If the math says your cat should start with 2.1mg of CBD, and it's easier to measure out 2.5mg of CBD - go for it!

If you're already well acquainted with the health benefits of CBD for cats, and already use pet CBD products - start with the dosage you used with your previous CBD cat treats or CBD oil (and you may find that you can actually use less of ours because it's the best CBD oil on the market!)

Administering CBD for Cats

To make the most of CBD for your cat, stick to a consistent daily routine that suits their schedule. Some cat owners prefer giving CBD in the morning to start the day calmly, while others opt for an evening dose for relaxation and better sleep. Cats typically respond within 30 minutes, depending on their metabolism and whether they've eaten.

For best results, serve CBD separately, either in a small dish 15 minutes before meals or directly in their mouth if they're willing. Find the approach that works best for your furry friend!

CBD works well with any healthy diet and can easily be mixed into a bit of your cat's wet food and most cats won't even notice.

In case of REALLY picky cats, you may need to mix a very small amount into your cat's food and gradually increase over the course of a week so that the change is subtle. We know it can be hard to trick picky cats, but we encourage you to give it a good try so you can support your pet's health - from joint health to your cat's immune system, hemp oil has the potential to improve your cat's quality of life.

How Often to Give CBD for Cats

CBD is non-habit forming and your cat can't "overdose" on CBD so you have the option to administer it once a day, twice a day, or as needed, depending on your cat's requirements, body weight, and your schedule.

For some cats, a daily regimen provides consistent support for their well-being, while others may benefit from CBD on an as-needed basis, particularly during stressful situations or when specific health concerns arise.

Keep in mind that your cat's needs may evolve over time. What works well today may require adjustment in the future as your feline companion's health and circumstances change.

 

 

Dialing it in - How to find the right CBD dosage for your Cat

You'll hear us say this a lot - every pet is different, and you know your pet best. So, while we're here to help you get started, it's really important to spend some time observing your cat when first starting out with CBD.

CBD for Different Needs

There are several factors that will impact how much cat CBD oil is needed for your furry feline. These include your cat's body weight, metabolism, and why you're trying to use the CBD oil with your cat.

For example, if you're using CBD for to help reduce anxiety or support pain relief your cat might respond best to more CBD - a higher dose and/or giving CBD multiple times a day to keep CBD in your pet's system is what works for most pet parents.

On the other paw, if you're using CBD oil proactively, to support homeostasis, your kitty will do well with a standard dose (3 mg of CBD per 10lbs of pet weight) once a day.

Give CBD for Cats Consistently

Whatever dose you decide to try, be consistent while you evaluate the results!

Give your cat the same dose of CBD oil, at the same time for at least 3 days to get a good understanding of how it works for them. After about 30 minutes, take note of how they respond. How long does it take for them to respond? And how long until it seems to 'wear off'?

Once you have a good understanding of how your cat responds to CBD, you can adjust the dosing frequency and monitor for how much CBD oil to give your pet, as their needs change.

Adjusting the CBD Dosage

If your cat isn't responding in the way you'd hoped, increase the dosage by half and repeat the 3 day observation process. Continue until you find the dose that works for your cat's body weight.

You may also find that your cat does well with an extra strong dose, on tough days or before stressful events. And, of course, you can also use smaller doses, if you feel that they don't need a strong dose of CBD for cats to stay in good health.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CBD work for Cats?

Yes! Like humans and dogs, cats have an endocannabinoid system which helps them regulate various bodily functions and promote overall well-being. CBD interacts with that system in a way that supports stress, inflammation, and homeostasis.

If you look at our reviews, many have reported positive outcomes when using CBD to address a variety of health concerns in their feline friends. However, it's important to note that every cat is unique, and their response to CBD may vary. 

Can CBD get my cat high?

Unlike catnip, which can make your furry friend go a little wild, CBD is a totally different story. CBD doesn't have any mind-altering effect on cats (or humans.) (You might be thinking of the famous cannabinoid, THC.)

When you give your cat CBD, it's more like treating them to a spa day - it can help them feel more relaxed and comfortable without making them feel "high". So, rest assured, CBD is a gentle choice for your feline companion's well-being, and it won't lead to any mischievous cat capers or late-night munchies.

Is CBD safe for cats? 

CBD oil for cats is generally considered safe, when used correctly. Unlike THC, it won't make your cat feel "high" or pose a significant risk. However, responsible usage is essential.

Cats can't overdose on CBD, but just like any other supplement- using too much can lead to mild side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, or an upset stomach. To prevent this, start with a low dose and monitor your cat's response. As with anything new in your cat's routine -if you notice any unusual or adverse effects afterwards, consult your vet.

Before giving your own cat CBD, it's wise to consult your veterinarian, especially if your cat has health issues or takes other medications. Your vet can provide personalized guidance. While many pet owners report positive results with CBD for cats, scientific research on its effects in cats is limited since the field is still emerging. For safety and effectiveness, opt for high-quality cat CBD formulated for pets and avoid gas station products. Your cat's well-being is the top priority!

 

 

Ready to try CBD for your cat?

Curious about how CBD for cats can make life better? You're in good hands! CBD is safe, won't alter your cat's behaviour, and offers a wide variety of benefits

We've perfected our craft over the years in our quest to make the best CBD oil for cats possible. We've been crafting small-batch CBD formulas for pets since 2014 and have witnessed the positive impact it's had on our pets and others across the nation.

Our feline-friendly CBD oil is designed specifically for your cat's needs, made in small batches with minimally processed, broad spectrum CBD oil (whole-plant hemp extract with THC removed) and a few other natural ingredients like fish oil and cranberry extract. Give it a try and let us know how your cat responds!

Not sure if CBD is the right choice for your cat? No problem! We also offer a CBD-free botanical powder featuring some fantastic natural ingredients to support your cat's health and well-being.

P.s. If you're still not sure that CBD is right for your cat - we've got a CBD-free botanical powder with some of our favorite natural ingredients for supporting feline health and well being.