Is It Possible for a Cat To Overdose On CBD Oil? Vet-Approved Safety Guide
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One of the most frequently asked questions cat owners may worry about when giving their cat CBD oil is whether their cat can overdose on too much. Yes, it is possible for cats to overdose on CBD oil and if you give your cat CBD oil, you must follow your vet’s guidance and the product’s recommended dose.
CBD oil has become popular in the pet community for its claimed benefits in helping dogs and cats with certain health problems. The increase in popularity of these products is mainly due to new advances in human medicine that are making CBD oil known as a natural substance with multiple potential benefits. Currently, these beneficial properties are less explored in pets and in fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved the use of any CBD or hemp-based products in pets..
Since scientific research on the use of CBD oil in cats is currently scarce and there is no single dose established, pet owners must rely on the dosage instructions on the label of the product and follow their vet’s guidance. If you plan to administer CBD oil to your pet, you should consult with your veterinarian first to find out if your cat’s health status requires you to be more cautious about the use of CBD oil. If your cat is already taking other medications or if they have a liver problem, you may have to reduce the dosage considerably or they may not be able to take this product at all.
What Is CBD Oil for Cats?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa), and it is sold as a supplement to treat mild signs of anxiety, stress, pain, and noise-induced fear in cats.
Many cat owners claim that their cats’ signs of nausea, pain from inflammation, and anxiety can be reduced by using CBD oil as a supplement. Seeking help from a holistic veterinarian that can help you give your cat the correct dosages according to the symptoms that need to be treated is ideal for the safety of your cat.
CBD oil is available in different forms, as it can be sold in bottles with a dropper that you can place directly onto your cat’s tongue or into their food, and it can also be found in certain cat treats.
Can Cats Overdose On CBD Oil?
The cannabis plant has many different active compounds, among those, CBD is used for medicinal purposes. Most of the studies done on the effect of CBD oil have been done on dogs, with less studies done on cats.
Although the studies are gradually coming to light, the veterinary community is still cautious because information on the pharmacokinetics of CBD is lacking. This essentially means that we need more data on how the cat’s body interacts with CBD oil while they are exposed to it, how it is absorbed, utilized, distributed and eliminated, and therefore the exact mechanisms of how a cat’s body reacts to CBD oil are being defined. For example, a 2023 study tested how cats reacted to a single dose of an FDA human-approved CBD oil. Cats were given 5 mg/kg CBD oil with or without a meal, and the results proved that most fasted cats achieved good levels of CBD oil in their body, however there was variability among cats.
Pet-safe CBD oil should contain minimal to no THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the substance present in cannabis that makes people “high”. THC is toxic to cats so the product you choose should be THC-free. Generally speaking, high-quality CBD products do not contain any THC and if there is any, the product label should indicate how much THC is in the product.
Signs of THC Toxicity in Cats
THC is toxic to cats. When ingested or inhaled as smoke, it causes a range of nervous, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and metabolic problems. CBD oil should contain virtually no THC and most cases of poisoning occur following accidental ingestion of cannabis products or exposure to marijuana smoke.
- Dilated pupils
- Incoordination
- Agitation
- Disorientation
- Abnormal behavior
- Increased urination
- Increased thirst
- Increased appetite
- Vomiting
- Abnormal heart rate (too low or too high)
- Increased vocalization
- Drooling
- Loss of balance
- Changes in body temperature (too low or too high)
Severe THC toxicity in cats can lead to a coma and seizures, so if you suspect your cat is suffering from THC toxicity it is important to take them to the nearest veterinarian immediately.
Side Effects of CBD Oil in Cats
CBD oil might have a lot of benefits for cats such as temporary pain and anxiety relief. However, like any administered substance, it can come with side effects.
- Lethargy
- Drooling
- Low blood pressure
- Excessive thirst
- Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea)
The side effects that your cat will have depends on your cat’s health status, the type of CBD oil, whether it contains traces of THC, and the dosage per your cat’s body weight. Cats may have different reactions to CBD oil and therefore professional supervision is always recommended.
The side effects of CBD oil in cats appear to be mild and only last a few hours until the product wears off. If side effects appear, the product should be discontinued immediately and you should contact your veterinarian.
Conclusion
The use of CBD oil in cats is becoming more and more widespread to alleviate certain health problems, however, it should not replace prescription medication from your cat’s veterinarian. THC-containing products are toxic for your cat and cause life-threatening consequences, but hemp derived CBD oil should be safe when given at the correct dosages, but still your cat can overdose on it if they take too much.
Featured Image Credit: Lightcube, Shutterstock
