CBD vs Catnip: What's Better for Your Cat?

Bailey's CBD: Natural Support for Your Pet's Wellness

Veterinarian-Formulated | USDA Organic Hemp | Lab-Tested

 

Tailored Wellness Options:

• Calming Support Chews & Oil: Peanut butter-flavored soft chews that promote calmness during thunderstorms, travel, or separation – without causing drowsiness.
• Hip & Joint Formula: Support your aging or active pet's mobility with our grain-free formula combining full-spectrum hemp extract with joint-supporting ingredients.
• "No More Itchies" Probiotic Chews: Bacon-flavored soft chews that help maintain healthy skin and digestive balance for pets with seasonal sensitivities.

Why Pet Parents Choose Bailey's:

✓ Single-source USDA organic hemp from Boulder, CO
✓ Subcritical CO₂ extraction for cleaner, high-quality CBD
✓ Full-spectrum formula (not isolate) for enhanced effectiveness
✓ Non-psychoactive (<0.3% THC)
✓ Backed by Dr. Robert J. Silver, DVM
✓ Third-party lab tested for heavy metals and pesticides (QR code on each package)
✓ Free from fillers, chemicals, and harmful additives
✓ Licensed by the Department of Health for added oversight
✓ 4.5 TrustScore from 1,533+ verified reviews on Trustpilot

Find Your Pet's Perfect Formula:

We offer multiple potencies for different sizes and needs – from tiny companions to gentle giants – ensuring the right support for every furry family member. Your satisfaction and your pet's wellness are our priority.

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CBD vs Catnip: Comparison Table

When to Consider Catnip

Catnip is great when your cat needs a little boost in playtime or a fun distraction during something stressful, like visitors or a furniture shuffle. 

It’s perfect for short bursts of entertainment and enrichment, but it’s more of a treat than a daily go-to. Most cats enjoy it in small doses, stuffed in toys or sprinkled during play.

Catnip adds excitement to your cat's routine, offering playful stimulation and temporary enrichment rather than daily stress relief.

When to Consider CBD

CBD may support a sense of calm, help maintain mobility, and promote healthy skin and coat—especially when used as part of a wellness routine.

Just be sure to use a cat-specific formula that’s non-psychoactive (<0.3% THC) and check with your vet to find the right fit and dose.

Safety & Side Effects

Catnip’s usually harmless fun, but if your cat goes a little overboard, they might get overstimulated or have a mildly upset stomach.

CBD, on the other hand, is more about long-term support, but it’s not totally side-effect free. Some cats might get a bit sleepy, drink more water, or have a slightly upset tummy. 

Always stick to CBD made just for cats, and talk to your vet first, especially if your cat’s on any meds.

Which Is Better for Your Cat?

Catnip and CBD do very different things. If you’re after quick fun or a playful distraction, catnip’s your go-to. But if your cat needs help staying calm or feeling more comfortable day-to-day, CBD may be the better fit. 

Both are safe when used right—the best choice depends on your cat’s personality and needs. When in doubt, try a little and see how they respond.

You can find CBD-enriched products in various forms. For example, at Bailey’s CBD, we even have CBD Pet Shampoo to nourish the skin and make the fur look shiny. 

What Cat Owners Need to Know Before Starting Either Option

Neither catnip nor CBD is a magic fix, but they can be awesome parts of your cat’s wellness routine. Think of them as tools, not total solutions. 

For CBD, quality is everything. Go with brands that make vet-approved, pet-specific products and share lab results. As for catnip, the fresher the better; store it in the freezer to keep it potent. 

Every cat’s a little different, so finding the right fit might take a little experimenting. And as always, loop your vet in before trying anything new.

Bailey’s CBD: Quality & Comfort for Your Cat

Your cat deserves the good stuff, and that’s exactly what Bailey’s CBD delivers. Our products are made with care, top-notch ingredients, and complete transparency, which is why pet parents all over trust us to help their furry friends feel their best.

One big reason people love Bailey’s is how we make our CBD. We source our hemp from a single farm in Boulder, Colorado. We also partnered with the only lab in the U.S. using a gentle subcritical CO₂ extraction method. It keeps all the good stuff in the hemp without using any harsh solvents, so your cat gets pure, powerful CBD.

We’re also not your average CBD brand. We’re licensed by the Department of Health, which means there’s extra oversight and safety built in. Plus, every batch is third-party tested to make sure it’s clean, safe, and exactly what it says on the label.

For your feline, we’ve got options. Our CBD Oil for Cats can help with relaxation and everyday movement. Just mix it into food or give it straight up. Got a treat-loving kitty? Our Calming CBD Cat Chews are tasty and perfect for moments when life gets a little too exciting. We even have a CBD Pet Shampoo to nourish their skin and keep their coat shiny.

Bailey’s Calming CBD Cat Chews offer an easy, tasty way to help your cat stay relaxed.

Getting started is easy; just follow the dosing guide based on your cat’s weight. Use the oil daily or as needed, toss them a chew when things get stressful, and add the shampoo to their grooming routine when it’s bath time.

Everything we make is human-grade, GMO-free, and never filled with grains, soy, or fake stuff.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I give my cat both CBD and catnip at the same time?

Yes, you can, but it’s usually best to give them separately. Since catnip can be stimulating and CBD is more calming, using them at the same time might cancel each other out a bit. 

Try using CBD for daily wellness and saving catnip for special play sessions or as a fun distraction. If you're using CBD to help with calmness, it’s probably best to skip the catnip at that moment.

How long does it take to see results from CBD oil in cats?

It depends on what you’re using it for. If it’s a one-off stress moment, like fireworks or a vet visit, CBD can kick in within 30 to 60 minutes. For ongoing things like mobility and mood issues, it usually takes a couple of weeks of daily use to really see the difference. 

Keep an eye out for little changes, like better mood or more movement, and be patient. If nothing changes after 4–6 weeks, check with your vet about tweaking the dose or trying a different formula.

Why doesn't my cat respond to catnip?

Not every cat is into catnip, and that’s totally normal. About 30% of cat breeds just don’t have the gene that makes them sensitive to it. And if your kitty’s still a baby, they might not react until they’re a few months old. 

The good news? Other plants like silver vine or valerian root might still do the trick. And unlike catnip, CBD works with your cat’s biology, not genetics, so even catnip skeptics can still benefit.

Is CBD legal for pets in all states?

Yep! Hemp-based CBD (with less than 0.3% THC) is legal in the U.S. thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. But here’s the catch: while you can buy it, some vets aren’t allowed to officially recommend it depending on your state. 

So if your vet seems hesitant, it’s probably a legal thing, not a personal opinion. Just be sure to stick with reputable brands that third-party test everything and list exactly what’s in each bottle.

Can I use Bailey’s CBD for other pets?

Totally! Bailey’s CBD has products for dogs and even horses – same quality, same care. So if you’ve got a multi-pet household, there’s something for everyone.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.