CBD and cats

Alvarenga et al. (2023)

According to a survey, 12% of cat owners give or have given their animals CBD products. The most common goal is to combat joint problems, cancer, anxiety, or seizures.

It has frequently been reported that CBD reduces pain, promotes sleep, alleviates anxiety, inhibits inflammation, and reduces (epileptic) seizures. Side effects reported by a small portion of the sample mainly included sedation and increased appetite.

There is currently little actual evidence regarding the effects and long-term consequences of CBD applications in cats. Nevertheless, many people consider it a promising treatment option, perceived as natural and cost-effective.

A study showed that cats experienced mild side effects, but overall they seem to tolerate CBD relatively well.

Alvarenga, IC, Panickar, KS, Hess, H., & McGrath, S. (2023). Scientific Validation of Cannabidiol for Management of Dog and Cat Diseases. Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, 11(1), 227-246. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-animal-081122-070236

Jukier et al. (2023)

A study found that the bioavailability of cannabidiol in cats was almost eleven times higher when administered while fed rather than fasting.

The CBD concentration in the cats' plasma returned to its baseline level after approximately 24 hours. The maximum concentration was usually reached after about two hours and lasted for approximately four hours in fasted cats, and for approximately ten hours in fed cats.

This suggests that the potential effect of CBD on cats could be increased by administering it with their food.

The potential therapeutic use (for example in epilepsy) is being discussed, but has not yet been proven.

Jukier, T., Cruz-Espindola, C., Martin, D., & Boothe, DM (2023). Disposition of a Single Oral Dose of a Cannabidiol Medication in Healthy Cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1181517

 

Rozental et al. (2023)

A study in cats showed that a single administration of CBD was safe and well tolerated. The levels in the cats' bodies were largely proportional to the dose.

This could be an indication that more CBD might also lead to a greater effect in cats.

Immediately after administration, cats shook their heads, licked their lips excessively, and salivated. No adverse side effects were observed.

Overall, side effects and tolerability also seem to depend on the carrier oil used for the CBD. There are vague indications that sunflower oil is better tolerated than MCT oil, which in some cases was associated with gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting.

Rozental, AJ, Gustafson, DL, Kusick, BR, Bartner, LR, Castro, SC, & McGrath, S. (2023). Pharmacokinetics of Escalating Single-Dose Administration of Cannabidiol to Cats. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 46(1), 25-33. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvp.13100