CBD For Cats in 2024: The Ultimate Guide

1. What Is CBD Oil?

CBD is the shortened name for cannabidiol. It is one of over 118 cannabinoids, or compounds, found in the cannabis plant. The plant is also known as marijuana or hemp.

There are several ways to extract CBD from hemp plants. We use the designation hemp rather than cannabis or marijuana, because it has a stricter definition.

Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that contains a very low amount of THC, another cannabinoid. THC causes the psychoactive effects that cannabis is notorious for. Therefore, extracting CBD from hemp rather than other cannabis plants is the standard for pet wellness products.

Extracting CBD from hemp involves either alcohol extraction or CO2 extraction. These methods are common across different industries. For example, CO2 extraction is used to extract essential oils and make food additives.

These compounds are then added to a carrier oil to make it easy to administer to your pet. These can be coconut, avocado, salmon, or palm oil. These oils each offer their own individual health benefits for your cat.

Other cannabinoids may then be added back into the oil for the “entourage effect.” This is when multiple compounds have a stronger effect together than individually. They become more than the sum of their parts.

Together, these ingredients are sold as CBD oil.

2. Are All Hemp Products the Same?

Several products are now emerging that come from hemp. But they are used for different purposes. That means they are not interchangeable with CBD.

Here are some common hemp products, and why they are different to CBD products.

CBG

CBG is the mother of all cannabinoids. Compounds in hemp all begin as CBG, before they eventually transform into others, like CBD.

Some CBD oil for cats has CBG added back into the oil in small quantities for the entourage effect. You don’t need to worry, this is a good thing. It is a related cannabinoid that works alongside CBD.

But because it is less abundant within the plant, it is a more expensive compound. Whether your CBD oil has CBG in it or not, it can be effective for your cat.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil also comes from the hemp plant. It is a naturally occurring oil that does have some health benefits for cats, such as a healthy coat. However, hemp seed oil doesn’t contain CBD!

So while there are health benefits, they are nowhere near as effective as the ones we’ll discuss in this article.

THC

THC is not good for your cat. As we said, THC is the compound that causes the psychoactive effects of cannabis.

It has no health benefits for cats. It can even be dangerous, changing appetites and blood pressure in your cat.

CBD oil should not have any THC in it, because the CBD is extracted which separates it from any THC in the hemp. But always check your product’s ingredient list just in case. Never use CBD oil for your cat that has any THC!

3. How Does CBD for Cats Work?

How and why is CBD effective? It’s all because of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The system has receptors spread throughout the body. They are mostly in the brain, nervous system, immune cells, and organs. Their distribution differs in each animal, but they work the same either way.

The health of this system affects everything in the body from temperature and mood to comfort and digestion. CBD helps support this system, which is why it is used for overall wellbeing.

So what can cat parents realistically expect from CBD?

4. Benefits of CBD for Cats

CBD is a wellness supplement, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and it will not replace care from your veterinarian. What it can do is support the endocannabinoid system, which is why so many cat parents add it to a daily routine for cats who are perfectly healthy as well as seniors who need a little extra support.

Here are the areas where cat parents most often report a difference.

Calm Behavior and Everyday Stress

Vet visits, travel, new people, new pets, and changes at home can all unsettle a cat. CBD is most often used to support calm, balanced behavior during these moments and to help cats settle during routine stress.

Everyday Comfort and Mobility

As cats age, stiffness can make jumping and play less appealing. CBD may help support joint flexibility, mobility, and everyday comfort so senior cats can stay active longer. If your cat has been diagnosed with a joint condition, follow your veterinarian's treatment plan and ask before adding any supplement.

Appetite and Digestive Balance

Stress can put a cat off their food. By supporting normal digestion and a healthy appetite, CBD may help picky or easily stressed eaters keep a steady routine.

Skin and Coat

Hemp extract is naturally rich in fatty acids, and many cat parents notice a softer, healthier-looking coat with consistent use.

Senior Wellness

Older cats benefit from routines that support normal immune function, comfort, and a balanced mood. CBD fits well alongside good nutrition, regular vet checkups, and gentle play.

5. Is CBD Oil Safe for Cats

CBD oil has a strong safety record in pets when it is properly dosed. Like any herbal supplement, it works gently to support the body's own balance.

And don't worry, it isn't addictive. While THC causes psychoactive reactions and can be addictive, CBD is completely different.

Just as with any supplement, though, it still needs to be given in the right way. There is such a problem as too much of a good thing! So let’s look at how to give your cat CBD, the correct dosages, and how to choose the right product.

6. CBD Oil Delivery Methods

While all these benefits are fantastic, how do you actually get your cat to consume CBD? There are generally two methods, oil or treats.

The Best Way to Administer CBD to your Cat

Several studies in dogs, horses, humans and rats have shown us that for all species, including your cat, the best absorption, blood levels and effectiveness of CBD happens when the CBD drops are mixed with a small amount of tasty food, such as canned cat food, or canned chicken or tuna. Baby food or Churu also work great for our feline friends. It is best to give your cat’s CBD this way, in some of their favorite foods, twice daily, for the best effect.

CBD Treats and Chewables

Cat treats that contain CBD are another good way to administer CBD to your cat. The treat is the food you would be giving with the liquid CBD tincture, so you don’t have to worry about using any food. There are two potential downsides to giving CBD to your cat by means of treats:

Your cat may not like to eat the treat. We know cats can be quick picky about what they eat. You should try and get a small sample of the treat before purchasing a larger amount in case your cat does not like them.

If you need to increase the dosage of CBD to reach the right serving for your cat, you will have to give more treats, which means your cat needs to eat not just one treat but two! For some cats that could be the impossible dream, even if they were OK about eating the first treat. But how much CBD should you be giving your cats?

7. CBD Dosage for Cats

The correct dosage of CBD oil for your cat is determined by two factors. These are:

● Your cat’s weight in pounds

● What you are hoping to support

First, what are you hoping to support? Everyday calm is often supported with a low serving, while senior mobility and comfort routines are often started at a higher serving.

It’s always best to start with a low dosage. This helps you to avoid any negative reactions to the CBD, which are rare, but do happen. After 10-14 days of a low dose, your cat’s condition may have improved. In that case, there is no need to increase the dosage.

But, if after a couple of weeks, a low dose seems to have made no difference, you may then consider increasing it. But be sure to do this very slowly to allow time for it to work. It is suggested by veterinarians who are knowledgeable about CBD, that it is safe to double the dose, if the observed results are not satisfactory.

But how do we calculate the appropriate starting amount to give your cat?

According to veterinary experts, its best to start by giving 0.25 mg of CBD for each pound of body weight twice daily. An average cat weighs about 10 pounds, although some are heavier and some are lighter than that. Here’s an example of this math:

10 pounds X 0.25 mg = 2.5 mg of CBD which should be given twice daily with some food as described above.

Many folks get confused about milligrams (mg) and milliliters (mL). Milligrams are weight and milliliters are volume. Its most common to dose by the amount of liquid you need to reach that milligram dose. So, for instance, Perhaps your CBD product contains X mg of CBD in each 1 mL. In order to give 2.5 mg of CBD, you would need to draw up 2.5/X = Y mL.

And of course, consult with your vet before you start or change these amounts.

8. Choosing the Right CBD Products

Now that you know all the benefits of CBD oil for cats, you're probably raring to buy some for your favorite feline! But not every CBD oil will cut it. When buying CBD oil, how can you know which one is right for your cat?

First of all, it's important to note that legal use of CBD is only a few years old, so it's still fairly unregulated. How can you make sure that your product is safe for your cat?

In-house testing makes it easier to skew results. Therefore, it's best to choose a product tested by a third party. That means that the manufacturer has sent their products to an independent laboratory for unbiased testing.

These products should also come with a certificate of analysis. That shows that they are safe, good quality, and legally compliant.

An extra precaution is to choose a vet-formulated product. Vet-formulated CBD oil has not only been approved by an animal care professional, they've also had a hand in its design. So vet-formulated CBD oil is by far the best option.

9. CBD Side Effects

Can CBD have any negative side effects on cats? Negative side effects are very unusual and often come down to improper dosage. Meaning that if your cat has the correct amount of CBD for their size and conditions, they shouldn’t occur.

However, if you do notice any of the following symptoms, stop using the product and meet with your vet:

Diarrhea

Increased salivation

Vomiting

Increased anxiety

Fatigue

Loss of appetite

Loss of coordination

Allergic reactions

Hives

A consultation with your vet can help you determine the problem. They may advise you that the side effect was caused by an incorrect dosage that can be remedied.

Or your cat may have an underlying condition that means it doesn't react well to the oil. In that case, they should stop taking it permanently.

10. Is CBD for Cats Legal?

Of course! We wouldn't sell it if it wasn't.

But we understand people's concerns because of its association with cannabis. Here's what you need to know.

In 2018, a law was passed to allow the legal growing of hemp and the marketing of CBD products that come from it. But sellers have to follow strict guidelines.

CBD products are federally legal if their THC content is below a certain threshold. That is so the product doesn’t have any psychoactive effects on users.

In the US, hemp grown legally will sit below that threshold, at 0.3% THC. That means it is safe and legal to administer to your feline.

To be sure that your product falls within these standards, follow our buying guidelines from earlier. Make sure that your CBD oil has been tested by a third party and has a certificate of analysis. That way, you can trust that the product’s claim of less than 0.3% THC is trustworthy.

11. Is CBD Oil Good for Other Pets?

Yes, it is! As we explained, CBD works by interacting with the ECS. All animals have the ECS and thus all animals can benefit from the benefits of CBD oil.

Since the ECS is found in all animals, except insects, cats, humans, and every other animals will also benefit from CBD. For example, we offer products for dogs and horses, as well as cats, and humans, of course.

The dosage and delivery methods for each animal are very different. So if you’re interested in investing in some CBD oil for a pet other than your cat, please read our specific dog or horse articles. That way, you’ll have the best information to take care of your pet’s individual needs.

12. Is CBD Oil Good for My Cat?

Whether it is supporting everyday comfort in a senior cat or calm behavior in a stressed one, most cats can benefit from CBD as part of a daily wellness routine.

But how do you know if it’s right for your cat?

Some cats have preexisting conditions or medications that may not go well with CBD, so check with your veterinarian first. For example, some cats may be allergic to CBD.

Also, some medications or steroids may have negative side effects if combined with CBD.

Therefore, the best course of action is to consult your vet. They will be able to advise you on whether CBD oil will be good for your pet, or if there is an underlying condition that should be considered first.

13. Buy CBD Products You Can Trust

CBD oil can be a great addition to your cat's routine, but it's crucial that you choose the right product.

To ensure your product is safe for your pet, buy vet-formulated CBD for cats. That means that from the outset, manufacturers have had your cat's welfare in mind.

At Bailey's, our CBD comes from a small family farm in Colorado that grows and hand-harvests premium, lab-tested hemp.

And we partner with veterinarian Dr. Robert Silver, DVM, MS, one of the leading experts in the use of Pet CBD products. All of our products are made under his strict scrutiny to ensure they're just what your pets need.

Take a look at our vet-formulated CBD oil for cats and other pets today!