How Much CBD Oil Should You Give a Cat? Vet-Reviewed Dosing Chart & Safety Guide
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Among humans, the use of CBD as an alternative to traditional medications has grown extensively in popularity. Many pet owners have also begun to explore using CBD oil on their cats, but it can be difficult to find trustworthy information regarding the products because scientific data is currently scarce and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved the use of any CBD or hemp-based products in pets.
Keeping in mind that there are no fixed doses or treatment protocols for CBD in cats published in veterinary medicine, pet parents must rely on the manufacturer’s recommendations and their vet’s guidance. In this article, we’ll cover approximately how much CBD oil you could give a cat based on the limited scientific knowledge available. We’ll also discuss the precautions you should take when using CBD oil with your cat. As always, please don’t start any medication or supplement for your cat without speaking with your veterinarian first.
Important note: The information included here has been fact-checked by one of our veterinarians. This is not a substitute for professional advice by your veterinarian. We highly recommend that you verify any product that you intend to give your cat with your vet before administering it. The local regulations of cannabis-derived products vary in different areas.
How Much CBD Oil to Give a Cat
So far, a 2019 study performed on healthy dogs and cats showed that kitties don’t absorb CBD oil as well as dogs. Thus, the dosage and treatment regimes differ for each species, and the cat dosage can’t be based on what has been studied in dogs until additional research is completed. You should always consult your vet to determine whether your cat is a good candidate to start taking CBD oil. For example, cats with liver disease may need a lower dose or not be able to take CBD at all.
Medication dosages for pets are typically calculated using kilograms (kgs) as the unit of measurement instead of pounds, and CBD oil is no different.
Some sources recommend a starting dose for CBD in cats at 0.2 mg/kg. To calculate this dose, take your cat’s weight in pounds and divide by 2.2. The resulting number is your cat’s weight converted to kilograms. Multiply that number by 0.2 to get your cat’s starting dose of CBD in milligrams (mg). Additionally, you must know the product’s CBD concentration, which varies greatly among the different supplements and is usually given as milligrams per milliliter (mg/ml) in liquid products.
You should always aim to administer your cat the lowest effective dose. You could work up to at least 0.5 mg/kg or higher for cats. In research studies, dogs received doses up to 2 or 2.5 mg/kg twice daily, which may be necessary for cats in some cases as well.
CBD Dosing Chart For Cats
Here is a chart showing a low (0.2 mg/kg), mid-range (0.5 mg/kg), and high (2 mg/kg) dose of CBD oil for cats, based on standard cat weights.
| Weight | Low dose (0.2 mg/kg) | Mid-range dose (0.5 mg/kg) | High dose (2 mg/kg) |
| 6 pounds (2.7 kg) | 0.5 mg | 1.35 mg | 5.4 mg |
| 8 pounds (3.6 kg) | 0.7 mg | 1.8 mg | 7.2 mg |
| 10 pounds (4.5 kg) | 0.9 mg | 2.25 mg | 9 mg |
| 12 pounds (5.4 kg) | 1 mg | 2.7 mg | 10.8 mg |
| 15 pounds (6.8 kg) | 1.36 mg | 3.4 mg | 13.6 mg |
To figure out the actual amount (usually drops) of CBD oil to give your cat, you’ll need to refer to the label of your product and, better yet, consult your veterinarian. There, you should find how many milligrams are in a measured amount. Divide your calculated dose by the amount given to find out how many drops your cat needs.
Precautions to Take When Giving Your Cat CBD Oil
To properly administer your cat’s CBD oil, you need to know the concentration. CBD products are not regulated by the FDA, and some are not labeled, nor are there any quality controls in place to ensure the safety and purity of the oils.
Try to find products that are as up-front as possible about their quality control process, but keep in mind CBD is still somewhat of a “buyer beware” marketplace. If you can find a holistic veterinarian who is comfortable discussing CBD with you, that’s probably your best option to find quality oil for your cat.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Cats?
Based on the limited information available, CBD oil appears to be safe for cats. Some cats showed signs of disliking the taste of the products by drooling, shaking their heads, or lip-smacking.
The most commonly noted side effects of CBD oil in cats are gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, drooling, excessive thirst, and low blood pressure. The side effects generally were mild and went away after a few hours of discontinuing the product.
While CBD may be safe for cats, marijuana and products containing THC (the substance that gets you high) are not. Marijuana toxicity is quite common among both dogs and cats. By definition, CBD products are not supposed to contain more than trace amounts of THC. However, without adequate quality controls, there’s no way to guarantee this.
- Wobbly gait
- Drooling
- Disorientation, vocalization, or hyperactivity
- Increased urination, thirst, and/or appetite
- Vomiting
- Abnormal heart rate
- Changes in body temperature
- Sleepiness
- Enlarged pupils
- Seizures or tremors
If you suspect your cat (or dog) may have ingested marijuana products, take them to the vet immediately for urgent treatment.
What Is CBD Oil Used For?
Again, without accurate scientific data, we don’t know exactly what CBD oil is effective in treating. Cat owners often use it for many of the same issues they do for themselves, such as anxiety and chronic pain. Because the legality of CBD oil is not settled in all parts of the country, veterinarians may not feel comfortable discussing or recommending CBD oil for specific conditions.
Conclusion
If you are interested in using CBD oil for your cat, try to find a holistic veterinarian to assist you. Remember, there is not much evidence to prove how well CBD oil works, and it will not be appropriate for all medical problems.
As CBD oil and similar alternative treatments become more in demand for pets, hopefully, science and the laws will soon catch up, allowing all veterinarians to play a more active role in the search for unconventional treatments.
See also:
- Is It Possible for a Cat To Overdose On CBD Oil?
- How Long Will It Take CBD to Work in a Cat? Important Facts to Know
Featured Image Credit: Erin_Hinterland, Pixabay
