Despite the fact that CBD has taken the pet industry by surprise, there is a lot of research on its impact on dogs and cats, especially for cats. We want to know as pet owners, is CBD safe for cats?  

Let’s look at some of the factors cat parents should consider before giving their cats CBD oil or CBD cat goodies. 

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the second most common active component discovered in cannabis plants.

CBD is found in all cannabis plants, but it’s mostly derived from the hemp plant, which recent research defines as “Cannabis sativa with a total THC concentration of less than 0.3 percent dry weight in leaves and buds.”

It’s also worth noting that a hemp plant cannot contain more than 0.3 percent THC, which makes it a Schedule I controlled substance (narcotic).

CBD is extracted from the stalks, leaves, and buds of the hemp plant rather than just one section, as is hemp oil and hemp seed oil.

Has Research Been Done On CBD For Cats?

To the best of my knowledge, there have been no scientific studies on how CBD interacts with cats.

So, as is often the case, we’re left to interpret research findings in dogs, people, and other animals along with anecdotal evidence to see if giving CBD to cats is a good idea.

Research on CBD Use in Dogs and People

CBD may help dogs with osteoarthritis and epilepsy, according to studies. It can also aid in the reduction of seizure frequency in severe epilepsy.

The FDA’s recent approval of Epidiolex for the treatment of certain types of childhood epilepsy, which is in line with CBD’s effectiveness in helping dogs with epilepsy, demonstrates that this compound can benefit people as well.

CBD has been shown to help with a variety of illnesses, including inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, anxiety, pain, and nausea.

So, Is CBD Safe for Cats?

CBD, in and of itself, has been found to be very safe for cats based on veterinarian records and pet parents’ feedback.

Some pet owners claim that their cats become drowsy or have upset tummies, particularly when given large doses, but these symptoms go away when CBD treatment is stopped or the dosage is decreased.

A Word of Warning About CBD for Cats

While CBD has received praise from pet owners, there is one major drawback to its use in cats: a lack of regulatory control.

There is a lack of regulation in the hemp market, which has led to a flood of low-quality CBD goods.

CBD products were tested in one study and discovered that many of them had little—if any—CBD. Others had more CBD than was stated on the label.

Some CBD products, according to studies, may contain hazardous contaminants.

For cats, this is especially crucial since they are more prone to drugs and poisons.

How to Find Safe CBD for Cats

If you want to give CBD to your cat, there are a few things you can do to ensure that the product is of good quality:

1. Find goods that have been certified by the US Hemp AuthorityTM or the National Animal Supplements Council (NASC) Quality Seal, as these have been verified to fulfill industry-prescribed criteria and have passed a third-party audit.
2. Only use items that are intended for cats or contain just CBD oil, with maybe a safe carrier like hemp oil, coconut oil, or MCT oil.
3. Consult with a veterinarian who is knowledgeable in holistic medicine. If your veterinarian can’t assist you, the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association offers a “Find a Vet” tool on its website.