If you have recently discovered the world of Cannabidiol and if the idea of CBD products for pets has intrigued you, then I advise you to learn some more about this substance, so that you can determine if your pets could benefit from it or not. The best thing would be for you to start by learning about a specific product and CBD oil for cats could be a perfect choice, as it is one of the most popular options among feline owners. It might also become your favorite option, but not until you have gotten properly acquainted with it.
Caring for cats might not be that difficult and I am pretty sure everyone will agree that dogs are perhaps a bit more demanding. Yet, this most definitely doesn’t mean that you should take your felines for granted and stop worrying about their general health and overall wellbeing. Plus, these animals are also prone to developing certain diseases and it is your task to either prevent or help treat those. Doing that, however, will only be possible if you properly research the products that you are giving to your pets.
Well, that is the main reason why we have decided to properly research CBD oil for cats before you buy the product and start giving it to your pet. The most important thing that you are probably concerned about is the safety of this product because there is no way you can decide whether you should buy it or not if you don’t check whether it is safe in the first place. In order to check that, though, you will have to get acquainted with a few important terms, learn the differences between some of those, and generally understand these products better. So, I say we should start learning right away.
Cannabidiol Doesn’t Equal Tetrahydrocannabinol
The first two terms that I want you to get familiar with our Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol. If these sound familiar, then that’s probably because they sound rather similar to cannabis, and there is an important reason why. In simple words, these two substances are the main compounds found in cannabis. The reason why I am mentioning both of those is that learning the difference between them will help you understand the safety of CBD oil for cats much better.
You can learn about these differences in detail here: https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thc
The most significant thing to understand when it comes to these two substances is this. While Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is more commonly known as THC, is psychoactive and can produce hallucinogenic effects both in people and in animals, Cannabidiol is a completely different story. It does have a few similar properties to THC, meaning that it can relax you, but it is most certainly not psychoactive.
Meet The Endocannabinoid System
There is another term, i.e. another concept, that you will have to get acquainted with in order to understand the safety of this product in more detail. I know that you are probably curious about what on Earth led people to even thinking about giving Cannabidiol to animals. So, without further ado, it’s time for you to meet the endocannabinoid system, i.e. ECS.
Both humans and certain animals have this particular system in their bodies, which further means that they have CBD receptors all over their bodies. This is what led people towards thinking about giving CBD oil to animals because the proper functioning of this system is important for the overall health of those animals. If you don’t know how this system functions precisely, you can always get more info about it.
In simple terms, your feline’s body needs enough cannabinoids in order to be healthy. When the ECS fails to produce enough of those, CBD oil comes into play and makes up for the rest by practically waking up the ECS and pushing it towards producing the right amount.
What Regulators and Veterinarians Say About CBD for Pets
It is important to know the current official position before you consider any CBD product for a cat. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved CBD for use in animals. The FDA has approved only one CBD product, Epidiolex, for certain seizure disorders in people, and it has not approved any CBD product for cats or dogs. The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has stated that CBD products for animals are not approved, and that the safety and effectiveness of these products in animals has not been established.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that research on CBD in animals is very limited, and that most of what is known comes from small studies or from reports, not from large, controlled trials. This means there is no agreed safe dose, no agreed set of benefits, and no agreed way to know how a cat will react.
Why Cats Need Extra Care with CBD Products
Cats are not small dogs. Cats process some substances differently from dogs and people, and they can be more sensitive to certain ingredients. Some CBD products sold for pets can contain THC, which is the psychoactive compound in cannabis, or other ingredients that are harmful to cats, such as xylitol or certain essential oils. Products also differ in quality: tests of CBD products have found that some contain less CBD than the label says, or contain THC that is not on the label. This is why a product bought without a veterinarian’s input can be risky for a cat.
Possible Side Effects Reported in Animals
In the limited veterinary studies available, the side effects reported in animals given CBD include drowsiness, loose stools, changes in appetite, and changes in liver enzyme levels on blood tests. These findings come from small studies, and more research is needed. If a cat shows vomiting, diarrhea, unusual sleepiness, wobbliness, or loss of appetite after taking any product, stop the product and call a veterinarian right away.
What to Do Before You Consider Any CBD Product for a Cat
- Talk to your veterinarian first. A veterinarian who knows your cat’s health, age, and medicines can tell you whether a product is unsuitable and whether it could interact with other medicines.
- Do not use human CBD products for cats. Products made for people may contain flavors, oils, or other ingredients that are not safe for cats.
- Ask about third-party lab testing. If a veterinarian discusses a product, ask whether the product has a certificate of analysis from an independent lab, and whether the lab report matches the label.
- Check the law in your country. CBD rules differ by country and by state, and what is sold legally in one place may not be legal in another.
- Keep the product out of reach. Store any cannabis or CBD product where pets and children cannot reach it, and never give a cat a product meant for another animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBD oil approved for cats?
No. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved CBD for use in animals. It has approved only one CBD product, Epidiolex, for certain seizure disorders in people.
Has CBD been proven safe for cats?
No. Research on CBD in cats is very limited. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that there is no agreed safe dose and that the safety and effectiveness of CBD in animals has not been established.
What side effects have been reported in animals given CBD?
Small studies have reported drowsiness, loose stools, changes in appetite, and changes in liver enzyme levels. More research is needed, and any unusual symptoms should be checked by a veterinarian.
Can I give my cat a CBD product made for people?
No. Products made for people may contain flavors, oils, or other ingredients that are not safe for cats. Never give a cat a product without talking to your veterinarian first.
What should I do if my cat eats a CBD product by accident?
Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away, and tell them what product your cat ate and how much. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical or veterinary advice. CBD is not approved for use in cats, and this article does not recommend giving CBD to a cat. Always talk to a qualified veterinarian before giving any new product to your pet.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026