CBD for Cat Anxiety - Does It Work?

Cats sometimes suffer from anxiety which can manifest in various ways including excessive grooming, hiding, aggression, and more. While traditional veterinary medicine offers treatments for anxiety, many pet owners are turning to natural alternatives such as CBD oil for cats.

This guide covers the ways in which CBD oil may support your cat's anxiety symptoms.

How Does CBD Oil Work for Cat Anxiety?

CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors found throughout the body, including the brain, nervous system, and immune system. The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including mood, appetite, pain perception, and immune response.

When CBD is administered to cats, it binds to receptors in the ECS, helping to modulate these functions in various ways. In the case of emotional distress, CBD can ease separation anxiety by influencing serotonin receptors in the brain, promoting a sense of calm and well-being in your furry feline. These effects extend to the nervous system and contribute to a sense of calm, either temporarily or long-term depending on how long you give your cat CBD oil. 

How Long Does it Take CBD Oil to Help Cat Stress?

It's important to note that CBD oil may not help your cat, but there's a good chance that it will. If it does work, it could help in short-term and long-term ways. 

If you're using CBD oil to help your cat get through a specific situation, give them a dosage about an hour before you anticipate the event.

If you're looking to help overall daily calmness, it's recommended to give them a weight appropriate dosage twice daily.

Using CBD Oil for Feline Behavioral Support

Cats with behavioral issues, such as aggression, excessive grooming, or inappropriate elimination, may benefit from the calming effects of CBD oil. By reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm, CBD can help improve your cat's behavior and reduce stress-related behaviors.

Regular use of CBD oil for cats with a history of trauma or those exposed to stressful situations can help create a more balanced and peaceful demeanor, improving their interactions with other pets and family members.

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Things to Know about Using CBD Oil for Your Cat's Anxiety

The most important thing is to use a CBD oil option that's specifically formulated to be safe for cats. Second, you need to follow dosage guidelines according to your cat's weight.

While no serious adverse reactions to CBD have been noted in cats, it's possible for too much CBD to cause drowsiness or digestive discomfort. It's also possible for your cat to have negative reaction on their first use, so it's important to monitor their response closely. 

References

1. Tateo, A., Zappaterra, M., Covella, A., & Padalino, B. (2021). Factors influencing stress and fear-related behaviour of cats during veterinary examinations. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 20(1), 46–58. https://doi.org/10.1080/1828051X.2020.1870175

2. Rapin, L., Gamaoun, R., El Hage, C., Arboleda, M. F., & Prosk, E. (2021). Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic. Journal of cannabis research, 3(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00078-w

3. Masataka N. (2024). Is cannabidiol (CBD) effective to ease separation anxiety? Heliyon, 10(3), e25851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25851

4. Harrison, J., VanDolah, B. A., Bauer, B. A., & Mauck, K. F. (2019). Clinicians’ guide to cannabidiol and hemp oils. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 94(9), 1840-1851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.01.003

5. Coltherd, J. C., Bednall, R., Bakke, A. M., Ellerby, Z., Newman, C., Watson, P., Logan, D. W., & Holcombe, L. J. (2024). Healthy cats tolerate long-term daily feeding of Cannabidiol. Frontiers in veterinary science, 10, 1324622. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1324622