CBD Oil for Cats

Most studies agree that CBD is well tolerated by cats when used responsibly. Some mild reactions have been documented, such as excessive salivation, vomiting, drowsiness, ataxia (incoordination in movements) and head shaking, especially in the first few applications. These effects tend to diminish when the amount administered is reduced, as observed in the study by Gutierre et al. (2023). In general, these events do not pose a serious risk to your pet's safety, but it is important that if you notice any effects you reduce the amounts, or discontinue use completely and talk to your veterinarian if they continue.

Source: Gutierre, E., Crosignani, N., Garcia-Carnelli, C., di Mateo, A., & Recchi, L. (2023). A case report of CBD and THC as analgesic therapy in a cat with chronic osteoarthritic pain. Veterinary medicine and science, 9(3), 1021-1025. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.1057

Some external factors can also affect tolerability. For example, oils that use MCT (medium chain triglycerides) as a base have shown a higher incidence of gastrointestinal discomfort. In addition, THC-containing products may be toxic to felines. These observations highlight the importance of choosing products specifically designed for cats and of applying CBD with care, in a calm environment adapted to their needs.

In long-term studies, such as that of Coltherd et al. (2024), a moderate increase in ALT enzyme levels, which is associated with liver function, was observed. Although these values were not linked to structural damage or clinical symptoms, they do suggest the importance of regular monitoring if CBD is to be used for several weeks at a time. This recommendation is especially relevant in cats with a hepatic history or receiving other medications that also require metabolization in the liver.

Source: Coltherd, J. C., Bednall, R., Bakke, A. M., Ellerby, Z., Newman, C., Watson, P., Logan, D. W., & Holcombe, L. J. (2024). Healthy cats tolerate long-term daily feeding of cannabidiol. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1324622