Compare the Best CBD for Cat Anxiety in 2022

How CBD May Help With Cat Anxiety

Based on the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine study, some indoor-house cats may become anxious when separated from their pet parents for extended periods⁽¹⁾. 

Some signs of feline separation anxiety include excessive vocalization, not eating or drinking when their owners are away, elimination in inappropriate places, vomiting, exuberant greetings, and destructive behavior⁽²⁾.

CBD (cannabidiol), an active constituent of cannabis plants, is non-psychoactive. However, it has structural similarities to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a cannabis plant compound that causes a euphoric effect⁽³⁾. 

Currently, there is no scientific data available regarding the effect of CBD on anxious cats. However, CBD’s purported health benefits and activity in the ECS (endocannabinoid system) may elucidate how CBD may help with cat anxiety.  

The ECS has been found to be pervasive in mammals like cats⁽⁴⁾. The system is responsible for maintaining bodily homeostasis or balance. It is composed of endogenous cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), and enzymes.

The CB1 and CB2 receptors are involved in various biological processes and responses, including pain, inflammation, and anxiety⁽⁵⁾. Both cannabinoid receptors are found in the bodies of cats⁽⁶⁾.  

Human research indicates that CB1 receptors present within the pain pathways of the central nervous system may affect CBD-induced anxiolysis (anxiety relief)⁽⁷⁾. 

In addition, CB1 receptors modulate neurotransmitters, including GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and serotonin⁽⁸⁾. 

Both GABA and serotonin are inhibitory neurotransmitters that reduce the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential. 

Researchers suggest that GABA administration may help with behavioral abnormalities in aged dogs⁽⁹⁾. 

These findings may be helpful for researchers who want to explore CBD’s interaction with the CB1 receptors and its effect on cats with anxiety.  

For instance, anxiety and increased irritability are common behavioral problems in older cats⁽¹⁰⁾.  

Meanwhile, in rodents, several serotonin receptors have been shown to participate in anxiety-like responses, and both antagonists and agonists may be used to modulate anxiety-like behaviors⁽¹¹⁾.  

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps relay signals between nerve cells. It plays an adaptive role in animal cognition and behavior⁽¹²⁾. 

Meanwhile, antagonists are substances that block a biological response by binding to and blocking a receptor than activating it. Agonists activate receptors in the brain. 

CBD is believed to have weak antagonist activity at CB1 receptors⁽¹³⁾. However, it may counteract the psychoactive effects of THC when administered concurrently⁽¹⁴⁾.  

CB1 receptors are responsible for THC’s psychotropic effects⁽¹⁵⁾.  

Benefits of Using CBD for Cat Anxiety

Based on anecdotal evidence, pet owners stated that they find cannabis products helpful for inappetence, seizures, pain, and anxiety in dogs and cats⁽¹⁶⁾. 

In a survey, about 81.8% of 55 respondents said that they used cannabis products to help with their cats’ arthritis, cancer, and anxiety⁽¹⁷⁾.

A 2019 study from the journal Animals suggested that hemp-rich CBD may be relatively safe in healthy populations of cats and dogs⁽¹⁸⁾. 

At present, no scientific research is available regarding the benefits of CBD on feline anxiety. However, anecdotal reports and animal research using dogs and murine models may help explain the potential anti-anxiety effects of CBD on cats. 

The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine researchers suggested that cats may respond to stress by becoming nervous, uncomfortable, or fearful⁽¹⁹⁾. Susceptible cats may either get sick or develop behavioral problems, like aggression. 

Aggression in cats is typically related to anxiety and pain⁽²⁰⁾. Anxiety-related aggression and irritable aggression are also prevalent among dogs⁽²¹⁾. 

A 2021 research article from the University of Western Australia outlined CBD’s promise in helping manage shelter dogs’ aggressive behavior⁽²²⁾. 

The researchers assessed the effects of CBD on canine behavior. They observed that the administration of CBD every 24 hours did not affect behavioral categories related to stress. However, the compound appeared to reduce the aggressive behavior of shelter dogs involved in the study⁽²³⁾. 

 Another 2021 animal study from Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience tested the effect of intraperitoneal administration of 20mg of CBD per kilogram of the body weight of male and female mice during their adolescent period of 25 to 45 days⁽²⁴⁾. CBD was administered twice daily in the study.

Intraperitoneal refers to a drug administration through the peritoneum, which is a thin transparent membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.

The mice in their adolescent period were exposed to CBD for a prolonged time. The results showed that CBD may not have substantive adverse impacts on a range of behaviors like anxiety⁽²⁵⁾.

Research from the journal Animals mentioned a specific case study about a cat that developed house-soiling problems and aggression fearfulness due to chronic pain⁽²⁶⁾. 

The researchers treated the cat with over-the-counter supplements for joint pain and gabapentin, an anticonvulsant drug used to manage neuropathic pain and partial seizure. 

The cat has not had behavioral incidents for 18 months following the treatment.

There is no direct study regarding feline anxiety caused by pain. 

However, in dogs, researchers suggested that musculoskeletal pain may develop canine sensitivity to noise, resulting in anxiety⁽²⁷⁾.

These findings may be promising. Nonetheless, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved cannabis and its derivatives for any use in animals⁽²⁸⁾. 

For this reason, the FDA cautions pet owners against the use of such products and recommends consulting a veterinarian for alternative treatment options⁽²⁹⁾. 

Furthermore, some veterinarians in the U.S.A may not be legally allowed to recommend, dispense, or even discuss CBD products with their clients. Still, you may initiate an open dialogue with them⁽³⁰⁾. 

What Is the Best Way to Give CBD to a Cat With Anxiety?

Cat owners will find various CBD products on the market, especially online. CBD oil or CBD tincture consists of CBD extracts suspended in a carrier oil, such as MCT oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and hempseed oil. 

CBD oil products or pet tinctures usually come with a dropper, allowing you to dose your cat much more accurately. 

Remember that CBD can be absorbed quickly through your pet’s mucous membranes when you administer CBD oil under its tongue, cheeks, or mouth⁽³¹⁾. 

If your cat does not like the earthy flavor of CBD, you may either add drops of CBD oil to human-grade cat food or treats. 

CBD cat treats are a good option, especially if your feline friend enjoys taking these edibles. Additionally, since treats and chews are tasty, you can easily give them to your cat. 

Another popular way to give your pet CBD oil is to apply the liquid directly to its skin. Aside from oils, other CBD topicals include lotions, creams, and salves. 

CBD Dosage for Cat Anxiety

Although the FDA is aware of some cannabis items being marketed as animal health products, the federal agency has not approved cannabis and its derivatives, including CBD, for any use in animals⁽³²⁾. Hence, there is no standard CBD dosage for cat anxiety. 

Instead, you should check the product label to know how much CBD you should give to your cat. 

The CBD product must be accurately labeled, indicating how many milligrams of CBD are in each bottle and how much cannabidiol is in each milliliter if you use an oil or tincture⁽³³⁾. 

For tinctures and oils, one dropper is equivalent to one milliliter⁽³⁴⁾. 

Begin with a low-end dose and observe how your pet reacts over the following week. The low-end dose should be between 0.05 mg of CBD per pound of the animal’s body weight and should be administered twice daily⁽³⁵⁾. 

Remember that some regulations restrict veterinarians from discussing or recommending CBD products to their clients. However, pet owners may share resources with these experts⁽³⁶⁾. 

This way, they can give information on reducing the risk of adverse reactions occurring if the pet parent chooses to administer CBD to their animal companion. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Cat Anxiety?

How long it takes for cannabidiol to help with cat anxiety depends on the administration route and other factors like the feline’s body weight and the CBD product’s potency.

Studies on CBD for cats are insufficient, and most research and accounts on how soon the compound takes effect have been conducted on humans. Feline size and biology are different even if cats, like humans and other mammals, have an ECS. 

Research regarding the safety of hemp-based CBD products in dogs and cats reported that the absorption kinetics of CBD-infused fish oil in felines showed a maximal serum concentration of 43 ng/ml (nanograms per milliliter), with a retention time of 3.5 hours⁽³⁷⁾.   

How Long Will CBD Help With Cat Anxiety?

How long CBD’s effects last typically depends on the compound’s pharmacokinetics, including its half-life. 

Pharmacokinetics encompasses the period of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. On the other hand, half-life is the time required for a drug concentration to decrease by 50% of its starting dose.

In a study, the half-life of CBD-infused fish oil administered to cats was 2.4 hours⁽³⁸⁾. 

Choosing the Best CBD Oil for Cats With Anxiety

Most CBD brands, like Honest Paws and Paw CBD, are dedicated to giving their customers high-quality CBD oil and other CBD-derived products like those specifically made for pets. 

However, with so many CBD companies promising the best CBD items on the market, pet owners may find it challenging to choose the highest quality products for their furry friends.   

If you want to try cannabidiol to help your anxious feline friend, here is a guide for you. This list has been collated to help you select the best CBD oil for cats with anxiety for your pet’s improved health and well-being: 

• Learn about hemp extracts.  

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the compounds naturally present in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. 

Terpenes are essential oils that provide a distinct taste and aroma to cannabis and hemp plants⁽³⁹⁾. 

On the other hand, flavonoids are active compounds present in cannabis. They have potential antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties⁽⁴⁰⁾.  

Full-spectrum CBD oil and other full-spectrum hemp-derived products have less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. 

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD oil is another CBD variant that contains all the natural compounds found in the cannabis plant. However, it is nearly THC-free. Lastly, CBD isolates are made of pure CBD. 

• Choose CBD brands that are transparent with their farming practices.

Visit the official webpage of a CBD brand to determine if its website includes information about its grown hemp, testing methods, and CBD extraction process.

Generally, carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction is considered the cleanest extraction method⁽⁴¹⁾. 

• Check if CBD pet products come with lab reports and COAs (certificates of analysis) from third-party lab testing.    

Manufacturers must provide COAs and test results to their customers because these documents verify that the products adhere to industry manufacturing standards.

Consumers should purchase only CBD products that meet their specific parameters and usage objectives. Ensure that these items are free from contaminants, such as residual solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals. 

• Assess CBD pet products’ ingredients. 

Some chews or treats may contain added preservatives that may not suit your feline friend. For this reason, always opt for organic hemp and non-GMO products containing all-natural ingredients. 

Most CBD pet products may also have additives like carrier oils. The most frequently used carrier oils are MCT oil, coconut oil, and hempseed oil.

Hempseed oil is different from hemp oil. However, some people use the terms interchangeably. 

Hemp oil, also known as CBD oil, is an essential oil that comes from the flowers and leaves of hemp plants. Meanwhile, hempseed oil is made from the pressed seeds of hemp plants. 

Hempseed oil does not contain CBD. Still, it is sufficient in nutrients and fatty acids⁽⁴²⁾. 

• Read customer feedback.

Reading customer feedback is vital because it may provide you with reliable information about a CBD brand and the products it offers. 

For instance, you may read reviews regarding organic CBD products and top CBD oil safe for cats to know whether CBD works with various feline health issues. 

Is CBD Safe for Cats With Anxiety?

No study suggests that CBD is safe for cats with anxiety. 

However, research from the journal Animals indicated that hemp-based CBD may be relatively safe in healthy populations of cats and dogs⁽⁴³⁾. 

Despite the promising results, the research only highlights the need for a specific study on the safety of using CBD for cats with anxiety.     

The Potential Risks and Side Effects of Administering CBD to Cats With Anxiety

After CBD ingestion, some pets reportedly showed signs of inappetence, lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting⁽⁴⁴⁾. Cats with separation anxiety may also exhibit inappetence and vomiting⁽⁴⁵⁾. 

Furthermore, since full-spectrum CBD products contain small amounts of THC, it is worth noting that cats react to THC overdose the same as humans⁽⁴⁶⁾. 

However, due to their small size, felines may experience severe and prolonged THC effects⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

For these reasons, initiate a conversation with your veterinarian regarding CBD use to ensure your pet’s safety. However, be prepared to hear some restrictions as medical boards in each state are still working on guidelines to provide these professionals with rules concerning cannabis use⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

Legality of CBD

Marijuana is federally categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act⁽⁴⁹⁾. 

Nevertheless, Cannabis sativa L. and other derivatives of cannabis with less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis are not included in the list of controlled substances. 

More than half of the U.S. states have passed legislation allowing medical marijuana use in humans under strict guidelines⁽⁵⁰⁾. 

However, state laws legalizing cannabis use in people do not apply to animals⁽⁵¹⁾. Still, pet owners must familiarize themselves with different state laws.

In Nevada, licensed veterinarians can recommend and administer hemp and CBD products, provided that the items contain less than 0.3% THC⁽⁵²⁾. 

Meanwhile, in Colorado, the local government expanded its state law in 2012 by decriminalizing the adult use of recreational marijuana⁽⁵³⁾. However, it is not clear whether the Centennial State permits the use of CBD in pets.