Knowing how to manage CBD dosage for cats is crucial to ensuring your furry friend lives their best life. And before you get worried — no, CBD is not a gateway drug for catnip.
There’s lots of literature on how to dose CBD for humans, including. Below we look at how CBD works for cats, what its benefits are, which CBD oil to choose, and how to dose appropriately.
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How Does CBD Work in Cats?
CBD’s effects on cats are not too different from its effects on humans. That’s because cats and humans alike have endocannabinoid systems. Our bodies produce endocannabinoids similar to cannabinoids produced by hemp and marijuana plants. These substances travel through our bloodstreams and attach themselves to our cells, guiding our bodies on how to react.
Many times, stress can alter the body’s balance of chemicals in humans and animals alike. CBD travels through your cat’s bloodstream and helps preserve endocannabinoid balance in its body, restoring a state of homeostasis.
How Does CBD Benefit Cats?
When you find the right CBD dosage for cats, the results can be immediate and impressive. Because cats also have an endocannabinoid system, CBD can affect them in many ways: reducing stress and anxiety, lowering inflammation, and helping with pain.
Many anecdotal stories seem too good to be true. Some owners have reported arthritic cats getting their agility back, while others have reported aggressive cats turning sweet and docile. As luck would have it, scientists are currently working on research to see whether any of these claims hold water.
Until then, we know one thing: CBD is pretty darn safe for cats and humans alike. Side effects are minimal, provided you use the correct dose.
The most popular benefit of CBD is its anti-inflammatory properties. This helps decrease chronic pain in mammals, and it does so by targeting a particular pain receptor called the “vanilloid receptor.” When CBD binds to the receptor, it prevents it from turning on. Additionally, CBD can help prevent seizures and epilepsy.
In cats, CBD can help with:
- Anxiety
- Inflammation
- Arthritis
- Urinary tract infections
- Overall health
- Pain
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Inflammatory bowel disease
How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Your Cat
Your cat may not be the biggest fan of raw CBD oil or the flavors we use to make it more palatable (orange citrus, anyone?). While human and dog CBD often comes with coconut oil as a carrier, cats have a hard time processing those fatty acids because they’re carnivorous.
The best oil to choose is something your cat would find delicious, like sardine oil. Plenty of brands make CBD with fish oil, so choose that if possible.
CBD Dosage for Cats
How do you determine a healthy CBD dosage for cats? The rule is the same as for humans: start small and work your way up as needed.
Start with a dose between 2 mg and 4 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of weight. You may note that this is more than recommended for dogs, but that’s because cats have fewer cannabinoid receptors and need twice as much as a result. If your cat has cancer or severe seizures, start with 4 mg to 6 mg CBD per 10 pounds.
When you notice your cat acting calmer and happier, try sticking with that same dose. You can even try lowering it a bit to see if the effects stay the same.
For example, take a cat named Fatty McCatty. He is 25 pounds of pure chonk, but he’s anxious and neurotic. If you owned such a creature, you could start with 5 mg of CBD per serving, then up it to 10 mg if things don’t improve.
Remember that CBD will take between 15 and 45 minutes to take effect in your pet’s body. The effects will likely last between 4 and 6 hours.
CBD Dosage Calculator for Cats
To keep things simple use our CBD Dosage Calculator below and pick the Cats icon. This will make it easier for you to find the right dosage for your feline friend.
CBD Calculator
Please consult your doctor before taking CBD or a vet before giving CBD to your pets. CBD is not approved by the FDA as a dietary supplement. Our articles and calculator on CBD are for information purposes only. Learn more about the FDA's stance on CBD.
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FAQ
How do I give my cat CBD oil?
Most people simply fill the oil dropper and apply it directly to the cat’s food. For most cats, the taste of the oil is so appealing that they will lick the bowl clean. Most cats don’t like having their mouths played with, so sublingual application is not recommended.
Should my cat have an empty stomach for CBD oil?
No, CBD is best absorbed when accompanied by other fatty foods. It’s best to give your cat CBD with their meal.
