CBD vs Hemp Oil for Cats: Difference, Dosage, Benefits & Side Effects
Key Takeaways
- Full-spectrum hemp oil with CBD has active cannabinoids that can benefit cats, while hemp seed oil is more like a nutritional boost without any CBD. Double-check those labels, especially when shopping on places like Amazon, where things can be... let’s just say, creatively marketed.
- Many cat parents turn to CBD oil to help with stress, stiffness, or when life gets noisy or chaotic. Hemp seed oil, on the other hand, is great for supporting your cat’s coat, skin, and digestion.
- Choose brands that don’t just talk the talk, look for third-party lab testing to make sure what’s in the bottle matches the label, and that it’s free from heavy metals or pesticides.
- Always start low and go slow. A good rule of thumb is starting with 0.67mg of CBD per 10 lbs of body weight.
- Bailey’s CBD is made with cats in mind; vet-formulated, premium-quality, and available in both calming chews and full-spectrum oil.
Key Differences: CBD Oil vs Hemp Seed Oil
Full-spectrum CBD oil is made from the flowering parts of the hemp plant and includes beneficial compounds like CBD, but almost no THC.
Hemp seed oil, on the other hand, comes from cold-pressed hemp seeds and doesn’t contain any cannabinoids. It’s more of a nutritional add-on than a calming supplement.
|
Feature |
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil |
Hemp Seed Oil (No CBD) |
|
Source |
Extracted from flowers, leaves, and stalks |
Pressed from hemp seeds |
|
Contains CBD |
Yes |
No |
|
Contains other cannabinoids |
Yes (in full-spectrum products) |
No |
|
Psychoactive |
No (contains <0.3% THC or none) |
No |
|
Typical Use |
Supports calmness, mobility, and general wellness |
Nutritional supplement (skin, coat, digestion) |
|
Regulatory Status |
Regulated (varies by region) |
Not regulated as cannabis |
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:
✓ 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.
SHOP BAILEY'S CBD COLLECTION →How They Work in Cats
CBD oil works with your cat’s endocannabinoid system to support calm, comfort, and mobility. It’s a go-to for cats that get stressed during travel, loud noises, or changes at home, and it’s especially helpful for older cats who are starting to slow down.
Think of hemp seed oil as a daily multivitamin for your cat. It's loaded with fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), plus plenty of nutrients that can help boost coat shine, skin health, and digestion.
It’s a great everyday pick for cats who could use a little extra nutritional love, especially if their fur looks dull or they're a bit picky at mealtime.
Hemp seed oil supports your cat’s overall health with essential fatty acids and nutrients, making it a good choice for shinier coats and happier digestion.
Potential Benefits (Non-Medical)
CBD oil is great for helping cats stay calm during stressful times like car rides, loud noises, or changes at home. It can also encourage more restful sleep and may help older cats feel more comfortable when moving around or jumping.
Full-spectrum CBD oil can help reduce stress, support deeper sleep, and improve mobility, especially helpful for anxious or aging cats.
Hemp seed oil helps keep your cat’s coat shiny and their skin smooth and healthy. It’s also gentle on digestion and adds extra nutrients to support cats who are picky eaters or on a limited diet.
Dosage Guidelines
Full Spectrum CBD Oil
- Starting Dose: A good place to start is 0.67mg of CBD per 10 lbs of body weight. You can slowly increase if needed.
- Administration: Mix it with their food; giving it during meals helps their body absorb it better.
- Individual Variation: Some cats feel the effects quickly, while others take more time. Keep an eye on your cat and adjust based on how they do.
- Veterinary Consultation: Always chat with your vet first, especially if your cat’s already taking medications or other supplements.
Hemp Seed Oil
- How to Use: Just drizzle a few drops onto your cat’s food; easy and fuss-free. Follow the label to get the right amount.
- Frequency: Perfect for everyday use to support overall health.
- Monitoring: Watch for any changes in your cat’s digestion when starting out; some cats need a little time to adjust.
Potential Side Effects
CBD is well tolerated, but you might see a little extra sleepiness, a change in appetite, or some digestive shifts, especially with higher doses. The trick is to ease in slowly and keep an eye on how your cat reacts.
Most cats do just fine with hemp seed oil too, though a few might have a mild tummy reaction, like softer poop or slight discomfort when first starting out.
Choosing the Right Product
This part’s important: check those labels! Hemp seed oil is all about nutrition; no CBD in sight, while full-spectrum CBD oil includes CBD and other helpful plant compounds.
Go for a trusted brand that tests for purity and safety. If you’re looking to support your cat’s coat or digestion, hemp seed oil is a solid daily go-to. But if you want to help with stress, movement, or sleep, CBD is likely the better pick.
Bailey’s CBD for Premium Hemp Products for Cats
Your cat deserves more than just any supplement; Bailey’s CBD makes sure they get the real deal. For nearly ten years, we’ve been helping pet parents feel confident about what they’re giving their furry friends by sticking to strict standards, real transparency, and simple, honest guidance.
We keep things clean and simple. Our CBD Oil for Cats only has two ingredients: full-spectrum hemp extract and fractionated coconut oil (MCT Oil). That’s it. No fillers, no fluff; just gentle, effective wellness support made with organic, human-grade, and vegan ingredients.
Bailey’s CBD Oil for Cats is made with just quality ingredients your cat will love and benefit from.
What really sets us apart is how we make our CBD. We sourced the USDA organic full spectrum whole plant hemp extract from a small 3-acre family farm in Boulder, CO.
We also searched the entire country and partnered with the only lab in the U.S. using subcritical CO₂ extraction. It's a fancy term for a super gentle method that keeps more of the good stuff: cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, without using heat or solvents.
That means cleaner, more effective results for your cat.
And here’s something you won’t find with most CBD brands: we’re licensed by the Department of Health. That adds serious oversight and quality control. Every batch is third-party lab tested for purity and safety, and the test results are just a click away.
We also believe in keeping pet parents informed. Ever notice how some products on Amazon say “CBD oil” but actually contain only hemp seed oil? It’s a common source of confusion. Hemp seed oil has zero CBD—just omega-rich nutrients—while Bailey’s always uses full-spectrum hemp extract with naturally occurring CBD. No vague wording. Just transparency you can trust.
For cats, we’ve got a few go-to options. Our CBD oil is specially made for feline wellness, helping with stress, nervous behavior, and general relaxation. Just mix it into food or use the dropper for easy, precise dosing. We even have a dosage calculator to help you get started.
Got a picky eater? Our Calming CBD Cat Chews are a hit with cats who love treats. We also have a CBD Pet Shampoo that’s gentle enough for cats and helps keep their skin and coat healthy and shiny.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will CBD oil make my cat high or sedated?
Nope, CBD oil made for pets won’t get your cat high. It contains only trace and legal amounts of THC (the stuff that causes a high), so your cat stays fully in control.
Some cats do get a little extra chill or drowsy, especially with higher doses, but that’s more like relaxation than actual sedation. If your cat starts acting groggy or out of it, it’s probably just time to dial the dose back a bit.
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 a vet trip or fireworks, you might see effects within 30 to 60 minutes.
The changes can be subtle at first, so it helps to jot down how your cat’s acting each day, you might be surprised how much it changes over time.
Can I give my cat human-grade hemp or CBD products?
No, human CBD products can be too strong for cats and sometimes include ingredients, like essential oils, flavorings, or even xylitol, that are toxic to pets.
Even if the label says “natural,” it doesn’t mean it’s safe for your furry friend. Pet-specific formulas are the way to go; they’re made for cats’ smaller bodies and more sensitive systems.
Are there any cats who should NOT take CBD or hemp seed oil?
Yes, a few. If your cat has liver problems, is on several medications, or is pregnant or nursing, it’s best to check with your vet first.
CBD can affect how other meds are processed, and kittens or mama cats are especially sensitive. When in doubt, let your vet weigh in before making changes.
Are Bailey’s CBD products safe for cats?
They are! Bailey’s CBD is all about transparency and safety. Every product is third-party lab tested for things like potency, heavy metals, and pesticides. Plus, we’re made under a health department license, which adds another layer of peace of mind.
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.
These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.