CBD + Cats

The use of CBD for pets has gone mainstream—and it’s a huge business. Grandview Research estimates the 2022 global CBD pet market size at $195.98 million USD. But does CBD do all it is purported to do? And is it right for your cat? 

There’s a growing body of research looking specifically at CBD and pets, and the results are encouraging, especially for arthritic pain, itchiness, anxiety, and cancer.

“Cannabinoids can be beneficial for cats,” say the directors of the Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine. “Certain diseases have been shown to respond well to cannabinoid therapy…the most common conditions for which we may consider CBD as a suitable part of a cat’s treatment plan would be chronic pain, seizures (usually in addition to other anti-seizure medications), anxiety, chronic GI diseases, and allergic skin disease.

A tincture or oil-based extract or treats are currently the most common format to administer cannabinoids to pets. “In the future, should transdermal products with proven efficacy be developed, cats would no doubt benefit due to the ease of administration—as we all know how difficult some cats can be to medicate by mouth!” says CAVCM.

CAVCM recommends veterinary assessment to determine if CBD is a fit for your particular cat. 

“Dosing should always be discussed with your pet’s veterinarian,” notes the CAVCM team, taking product, condition, and individual patient factors into consideration. Never give your cat CBD without your veterinarian’s knowledge if your cat is taking other drugs. CBD may affect how drugs are metabolized, changing how the medications perform and possibly affecting the recommended dosage.

Our Picks

Treats & tinctures formulated especially for cats

Ease Discomfort
The Feline Full Spectrum Hemp Tincture from Canine Hemp Solutions combines 200 mg of hemp-derived full-spectrum Cannabinoid extract with MCT oil to aid your cat with joint and muscle discomfort, promoting mobility, functionality, and overall wellness. ($45, caninehempsolutions.com)

Calm
Soothe your anxious kitty with Okoa Pet’s “Chill, Kitty, Kitty” all-natural CBD-infused calming cat treats. These soft chews are made with broad-spectrum hemp extract, catnip extract, and valerian root to calm your cat. All-natural ingredients like chicken liver, flax oil, and salmon bring the yum. (from $25, okoapet.com)

Soothe Hips & Joints
The Hip ‘N’ Joint Salmon-Flavoured Tincture from Colorado Hemp Honey offers a powerful blend of full-spectrum hemp extract with naturally occurring CBD, bee propolis, and MCT coconut oil. It’s formulated to soothe and comfort your cat while supporting general wellness. (from $45, coloradohemphoney.com)

Increase Agility
That’ll Do pet CBD tincture from Orso Farms is made from certified organic CBD hemp and extracted through a solvent-free process to aid in a sense of calm, support physical comfort, and increase your pet’s agility. The 10mg tincture is recommended for cats and small dogs. (from $40, thatlldopets.com)

Choosing a CBD Product

Was the hemp grown organically?

Independent analysis should confirm a lack of heavy-metal contamination and minimal THC levels (no more than 0.3%).

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Cat magazine. Subscribe today!