More and more cat owners come across CBD for cats. In this article we set out what it is, how it differs from CBD oil for people and dogs, how you dose it and what to look out for. Including the point where the knowledge stops, because with cats there is all the more of that.
What is CBD oil for cats?
CBD oil for cats is composed especially for cats: a lower concentration of CBD, no THC and a salmon flavour. The active constituent is cannabidiol (CBD), a natural compound from the hemp plant with no psychoactive action. So your cat does not get high from it.
Unlike most CBD products for people, CBD for cats is made from isolate rather than full spectrum, which means it contains 0.00% THC. The CBD is mixed with salmon oil, which makes it tasty for most cats.
Why not ordinary CBD oil for your cat?
Cats are, like dogs, more sensitive to THC than people. CBD oil for people often contains a fraction of THC and sometimes terpenes with a strong smell, and both are better avoided with a cat. So never give your cat CBD oil meant for people.
Dog oil is not the right choice either: it has a higher concentration, matched to a dog’s body weight. A cat weighs a few kilos, and that calls for its own, lower dose. In our article about CBD oil for dogs you can read how it works with dogs.
How does CBD relate to your cat’s body?
Like people and dogs, cats have an endocannabinoid system: a network of receptors that is involved in a wide range of bodily processes. All vertebrates have such a system, and that is why owners give their pets CBD too. You can read more about that in Everything about CBD for animals.
What is being researched, and where it stops
Research into CBD in animals is still at an early stage, and with cats it is thinner on the ground than with dogs: most studies have been done with dogs. We attach no statements to that about what CBD would do for your cat. CBD oil is a supplement and not a veterinary medicine. If your cat has health complaints, that belongs with the vet and not with a supplement.
What owners use it for in practice varies. Think of New Year’s Eve, moving house or the carrier that otherwise only comes out for the vet. Those are experiences we get back, not research outcomes.
Dosing and giving CBD to your cat
Start with the 2% oil and give one drop three times a day. Every cat is different, so build up calmly and see how your cat responds. You can move to the 4% oil later if you like.
You can put drops of the oil straight into your cat’s mouth, but many cats do not appreciate that. It is easier to put the drops over the cat food. Because the oil is made with salmon oil, most cats find the taste fine.
Safety: when is it better not to give it?
Do not give CBD to pregnant or nursing cats. Is your cat on medication or are there liver or kidney problems? Then consult your vet first, because CBD can interact with medicines. Vets also appreciate it when owners consult them first, certainly with cats that have health problems. That cooperation makes for the best care for your cat.
What to look out for when choosing CBD oil for your cat
Not every oil labelled “for animals” is the same. Four things to look out for:
- Isolate, not full spectrum: that way you can be sure there is no THC and no terpenes in it.
- 0.00% THC, demonstrable: check whether the supplier has the oil tested externally and can show the reports.
- A base your cat likes: salmon oil works better with most cats than a plant oil with a herbal taste.
- A concentration for cats: 2% to start with, 4% later if you like. Higher percentages are meant for people or larger dogs.
Frequently asked questions about CBD oil for cats
Will my cat get high from CBD?
No. CBD is not psychoactive, and our cat oil contains 0.00% THC, externally tested and certified.
My cat will not take the drops. What now?
Very recognisable. Put the drops over the cat food instead. The salmon oil base makes it tasty enough for most cats.
How much CBD oil do you give a cat?
Start with the 2% oil, one drop three times a day, and build up calmly while watching how your cat responds.
Buying CBD for cats at Dutch Balance
At Dutch Balance you will find CBD oil composed especially for cats from Dutch Hemp: isolate with 0.00% THC, based on salmon oil, externally tested. Free shipping from €25 and ordered before 17:00 means shipped today.
