CBD for cats. Aggression is the second-most common feline behaviour problem. Although cat bites and scratches are not as serious as dog attacks, aggression in cats can still make life difficult for owners – especially when receiving visitors. According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) cat aggression can be a dangerous problem, and should be treated by a professional.
Luckily for pet owners, cat concerns of aggression, destructive scratching, litter box problems, excessive meowing, overgrooming (psychogenic alopecia) and more can often be traced back to a root cause: stress and anxiety. See our guide to CBD for pets here.
Sometimes aggression in cats has an underlying health problem like thyroid abnormality or sensory disorders, but more often than not taking away a cat’s anxiety can make the situation improve for everyone involved.
Here’s a look at what pet owners in the largest known survey on CBD usage in cats had to say about CBD oil for pets.
91% of pet owners say CBD has led to improvements
Scientific studies on CBD for cats are few and far between. The main research paper was only published in December 2021, and only looked for adverse effects of CBD usage in cats. Among the 20 healthy adult cats used in the study CBD was found to have no adverse effects – however administering THC along with CBD led to issues of lethargy and hypothermia as well as problems with coordination and muscle control.
One large-scale survey of 1448 respondents carried out by Leafreport however sheds some fascinating light on how pet owners are using CBD for cats and dogs. Here’s a summary of the findings:
- 50% of respondents reported having used CBD for their cats or dogs.
- 44% gave CBD to help ease anxiety or stress, 21% for pain, 15% for general health, 13% as an anti-inflammatory and 5% for a disease.
- 24% of respondents gave CBD on a regular basis – nearly one in four owners.
- 38% of respondents said their vet had recommended CBD for their cat or dog.
- 91% of respondents said CBD led to improvements, with 42% noticing a ‘moderate improvement’ and 25% reporting a ‘great improvement’ – only 1% reported a deterioration in their pet’s condition.
- 44% of owners administered 0-5mg of CBD in one dose, with 43% giving 5-10mg.
- 53% of respondents gave their pet CBD edibles, with 15% giving CBD tinctures and 13% using topical CBD (CBD gels can be rubbed into a cat’s ears or paws for direct absorption)
At Pure Organic CBD, we’ve received the most reports of our CBD oil for cats in the treatment of aggression and anxiety.
Jennifer:
“This product completely transformed my 10 year old cat’s behaviour. She was so anxious and terrified of anyone or anything that came in the house. Since adding these drops to her food, she seems so much more relaxed and comfortable. So happy to not have to constantly worry about her anymore!”
Trisha:
“My cat was SUPER aggressive towards certain people to the point that I did not know what I was going to do with him. I decided to try this, and safe to say he’s friendlier than he’s EVER been and I am SO relieved!! 5 stars !!!!”
Neil B:
“Our 8-yr old female cat has separation anxiety, and we tried many other things that worked for a brief time, but never lasted. Her anxiety causes her to fur maul” or lick herself until she has bald patches. She licked the hair off her stomach and around her tail, But thanks to this product she looks completely normal again! She’s also been more active and more playful. This has been a life saver for her and a relief for us!”
What to look for when choosing CBD oil for cats
The World Health Organisation has classed CBD as a ‘safe’ substance for consumption that does not cause any kind of ‘dependency’. Research has shown that cats, dogs and other mammals have the same endocannabinoid system as humans meaning that CBD should also help relieve pain, boost appetite, resolve sleep issues and reduce anxiety in cats.
According to Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club: “CBD for pets is also used because of its anti-inflammatory properties, cardiac benefits, anti-nausea effects, appetite stimulation, anti-anxiety impact, and for possible anti-cancer benefits…”
However there are two major differences between CBD oil for cats and for humans: cats cannot digest terpenes, and THC is not good for cats. Our Pure Organic CBD oil for cats has therefore had both these substances removed (read about the differences between THC and CBD here). Also many cats do not like the grassy flavour of regular CBD oil, so if you’re thinking of adding some CBD drops to your cat’s food you may need one with a flavouring. At Pure Organic CBD, our CBD oil for cats is flavoured with sustainably caught salmon.
Another issue with CBD oils for cats is that, depending on cultivation standards, they can contain heavy metals and toxins. The complications of these substances can increase for small mammals like cats. Organic labels on CBD products generally mean the resulting oils or edibles are safer for your pet – but it’s always worth checking if the CBD company has a lab report. If they do, make sure it’s not out of date. You can check out our Pure Organic CBD oil for cats lab report here for reference.
Buying a CBD oil for your cat is the simplest solution, though over at All The Best Pet Care they suggest an alternative is Coconut Oil with CBD. This versatile product can be applied inside the cat’s ears or dabbed on paws for cats to lick off. CBD infused edibles like bones or treats can also be found on the market.
CBD oils for cats have great potential to reduce your pet’s anxiety, aggression and even pain and inflammation. As always, take caution. Here’s a bullet point recap:
- Avoid CBD oils or edibles for cats that contain THC.
- Choose CBD oils that have terpenes removed.
- Your cat can’t overdose on CBD (within reason) but most owners give up to 10mg of CBD per day. At Pure Organic CBD our CBD oil for cats has 300mg per bottle, and we recommend administering 2-3 drops at 2mg per dosage.
- Your cat should start to feel calm an hour after administration.
- While CBD for cats can help calm anxiety and aggression, if the problem persists see your vet in case there are underlying health issues.
