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You may have heard a few of your friends or family members talking about trying out CBD oil to ease chronic pain, mental health conditions, and insomnia. While these might be potential uses for this product, scientific research only supports its benefits as an anti-seizure medication with a prescription from a doctor. This cannabis plant-based substance is popular among humans and some pet owners around the world as an alternative treatment.
However, little research has been done on its use on cats, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of CBD or hemp-based products on pets. We highly recommend that you speak to your vet if you plan on giving your cat any CBD oil since each cat is different, and there are no treatment protocols published in veterinary medicine to date. Additionally, CBD oil products sold in stores or online are not regulated, and the dosing guidelines are based only on the manufacturer’s recommendations. With this in mind, yes, it’s possible for a cat to overdose on CBD oil. These effects can be minor or much more serious. Your cat can overdose on CBD oil if you give your cat a very high dosage, if the product’s label has the wrong information, or if your cat absorbs the product differently due to taking other meds or having a health condition. If you’re interested in starting your cat on CBD oil, keep reading to know how to care for them best.
Important note: This post has been fact-checked by one of our veterinarians, however the information included can’t substitute the input of your cat’s vet. The local regulations of cannabis plant-derived products vary in different areas. We highly recommend that you verify with a vet the suitability of any product you intend to give your cat.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol. It’s extracted from Cannabis sativa or hemp plants. There are over 100 cannabinoids and around 500 chemical compounds contained in the cannabis plant, but two substances attract the most interest: CBD and THC. CBD is different from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Unlike CBD, THC has psychoactive effects (makes people “high”) and is toxic to pets.
Hemp-based products that contain less than 0.3% THC are legal to be sold in the U.S. However, some states only allow CBD to be used by those with a prescription, and the Federal and State Laws surrounding its use are complex. You will need to be sure of the legality of a product if you are considering using it. Always consult your cat’s vet if you’re considering starting them on CBD oil, as not all products are safe, and not all cats absorb CBD the same way.
What Are the Potential Benefits of CBD Oil for Cats?
The effects that CBD oil will have on your cat, according to anecdotes, are numerous, but the lack of sufficient scientific studies means that the benefits cannot be defined. Some cats experience great improvements in certain ailments, while others do not. The difficulty is that there are no large-scale studies proving the safety and efficacy of CBD oil in cats, and therefore, the proposed benefits are based on anecdotal evidence and extrapolated information from dogs and humans.
Pet parents tend to use CBD oil for the same issues they use for themselves, such as pain, lack of appetite, and anxiety. However, keep an open discussion with your vet as they’re a medical professional; they know your cat’s health situation and are aware of the latest research to provide you with tailored advice.
What Are the Dangers of CBD Oil for Cats?
Unfortunately, CBD oil in cats is still quite new and hasn’t undergone enough research, but more interest has been placed on the substance, and studies are underway. However, due to the lack of information on the treatment, there is uncertainty about it.
The CBD oil should be used with caution in cats with liver problems, and it may interfere with any treatment your cat is receiving. Pet owners may alternatively stop other medications because they think CBD oil is all their cat requires and cause unintentional serious and potentially fatal harm to their cat.
There are many products on the market trying to make money from the growing popularity of CBD oil, but not all are well made. During recent sample testing, almost no CBD products were found to contain the amount claimed on the label. This makes it difficult to be sure what and how much you are giving to your cat as these products are not regulated like medicine would be.
We always suggest speaking to a vet before making any changes to their diet or supplement regime.
Overdosing on CBD Oil
Unintentionally giving your cat the wrong dosage of CBD oil is a high risk. Humans, dogs, and cats require different amounts because each species’ bodies interact differently with it. Veterinarians need more information about CBD pharmacokinetics in cats to understand how cats absorb, utilize, and eliminate CBD oil and establish protocols for it to be consumed safely.
If your cat got into the CBD oil while you weren’t looking, you accidentally gave too high a dose or the product was labeled incorrectly, they may experience an overdose. Adverse effects in cats following CBD administration include lethargy, licking, head shaking, pacing, drooling, low blood pressure, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Side effects appear to be mild and tend to last a few hours until the product disappears from your cat’s body. However, make sure you contact your veterinarian or pet poison helpline for advice.
If, on the other hand, your cat has ingested CBD oil with a high THC level, they will experience toxic effects that could even be fatal. Most cases of poisoning occur when cats are accidentally exposed to marijuana smoke or cannabis products because CBD oil should contain virtually no THC. Additionally, dogs are more prone to this type of intoxication. When marijuana intoxication occurs, cats can suffer from neurological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and metabolic problems. They can appear wobbly, agitated, lethargic, have dilated pupils, and vomit. You should take your cat to the nearest emergency clinic if you suspect your cat has been exposed to THC.
Conclusion
CBD oil is an increasingly popular plant-derived substance for both people and pets. Some cat owners are using it, but at the moment, it lacks sufficient scientific research to support its medicinal use. Pet owners feel it may be a natural way of easing pain, discomfort, and anxiety, but natural doesn’t always equal toxicity-free. Of course, there are risks, and your cat can overdose on CBD oil. Discuss your options with your veterinarian before starting CBD, and never stop any medications without talking to your vet first.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
