CBD for Cats 101: A Purchasers Guide

This article will help you learn more about CBD oil for cats so that you can make informed decisions for your feline friend. 

What is CBD?

The Short Answer:

• CBD is a cannabinoid that grows naturally in hemp.
• When ingested, CBD binds to a cat's cannabinoid receptors found in the endocannaboid system.
• CBD products often contain other beneficial natural compounds found in the hemp plant, as well as added ingredients chosen for feline health.

The Long Answer:

CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of the many cannabinoids found in plants from the cannabis family. 

As one of the two most-researched compounds found in hemp, cannabidiol has been the subject of hundreds of research studies over the last three decades. These studies include medical research on anxiety, inflammation, pain, sleep, appetite, mood, metabolism, a wide variety of skin problems, immunity, gut health, and more. 

Unlike THC, the compound found in marijuana that creates the psychological effect known as a “high,” CBD is not psychoactive. And, because the hemp strains of cannabis plants are legally required to have less than .3% of THC, CBD oil made from hemp is safe for pets, including cats.

How Does CBD Work?

The Short Answer:

• CBD binds to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which influences a number of your cat's most important bodily functions.
• When CBD binds to these receptors, it can encourage homeostasis in the systems monitored by the endocannabinoid system.
• This can result in relief from occasional joint discomfort, improved mood, a healthier inflammatory response, and overall wellness improvements.

The Long Answer:

CBD and the other natural compounds found in hemp interact with the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This system was discovered in the 1980s, and scientists have learned that the ECS acts as a regulator for balance or “homeostasis” in a variety of bodily functions. 

The Endocannabinoid System

The ECS works with the central and peripheral nervous systems to regulate processes including pain, inflammation, appetite, mood, memory, the immune system, digestion, sleep, skin health, and more. 

It’s important to understand that the ECS includes special receptors, transmitters, as well as chemicals called endocannabinoids which are produced by the body itself. 

Evolutionary scientists have argued that the Endocannabinoid System and the diets of early hunter-gatherers may have coevolved. They suggest that adding cannabinoids back into the diet may help mitigate some of the issues caused by modern diets packed with processed grains and carbohydrates.

And yes, your cat has an endocannabinoid system. In fact, all mammals on the planet have one!

Are CBD Oil and Hemp Oil The Same Thing?

The Short Answer:

• CBD oil and hemp oil are often the same thing
• Some products called "CBD oil" are CBD isolates, containing only CBD and none of the other natural cannabinoids and compounds found in hemp.
• Full-spectrum CBD products contain the breadth of naturally-occurring cannabinoids found in hemp.
• Hemp oil typically contains CBD, but not always.
• Full-spectrum hemp oil always contains CBD.
• Lolahemp products use full-spectrum hemp oil for maximum benefit.

The Long Answer

This is one of the most commonly asked questions from cat owners. The answer is a little bit complicated because the hemp and CBD industries are rapidly evolving right now. 

The short answer is that in many cases, hemp oil and CBD oil can refer to the same thing. In some cases, however, they don’t. That’s why it’s important to dig a little deeper and learn more about the quality of the product you’re purchasing for your pet. 

Most hemp and CBD oils are made by refining the hemp plant. Both usually contain the compound CBD. However, given that CBD is the active ingredient in such oils, you should only purchase products that have the CBD dosage clearly labeled, from companies backed up by third-party lab tests. 

On the other hand, beware of hemp seed oil for cats. Although it may be a healthy supplement for some cats, it does not contain appreciable amounts of the compound CBD since it is made from the seeds of the hemp plant. Many manufacturers on the market are misleading on this issue, so buyer beware!

What Does “Full-Spectrum Mean and Is It Good for My Cat?

The Short Answer:

• Full spectrum hemp oil contains all of the naturally-occurring cannabinoids found in hemp. 
• The presence of all of these compounds can have increased benefits.
• In many cases, full-spectrum hemp oils could be safer due to the reduction of extra extraction and manufacturing processes.

The Long Answer:

If the products are labeled as “full-spectrum” they also have trace amounts of other cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. 

Many believe that full-spectrum oils are more effective because trace amounts of additional flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids found in these oils have a synergistic effect in healing processes, known by scientists as "The Entourage Effect."

For example, Lolahemp’s CBD tinctures, topicals, and chews are all made using full-spectrum organic hemp oil that is slowly processed using low temperature and pressure, producing a robust full-spectrum CBD oil for your cat. See our batch lab results to learn more. 

Is CBD Oil Safe for Cats?

Vets and pet owners alike have found that CBD is safe for cats. However, it’s worth mentioning that there have been no large-scale studies done on CBD for cats, and no CBD-based drugs have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of cat disorders or diseases. 

We recommend that you work with your vet or consult with a holistic vet to make sure you give your cat CBD oil safely. 

Does My Cat Need a CBD Oil Prescription?

No. 

CBD oil and hemp oil are now available for pets without a prescription. However, we recommend that you discuss using CBD oil for cats (as well as side effects from traditional medications) with your vet to determine appropriate dosing for his or her case as well as to avoid any potential drug interactions. 

In addition, please be sure to do your research to make sure you are getting high-quality CBD products made to be safe for cats.

What’s The Right Dosage?

 The Short Answer:

• The general rule of thumb is to give your cat 1mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight, twice daily.
• Larger amounts are generally safe, but it's important to start slow and increase after a period of a couple weeks if you don't see the intended results.
• Consult with your veterinarian if you're concerned about drug interactions, and make sure to purchase from a company with clear dosage guidelines and easy-to-use oils and treats.

The Long Answer:

Again, we recommend working with your vet to work out a dose that is best for your cat’s condition. However, as a general guideline, you can start at 1mg per 10lbs of cat weight, twice daily.

Since different CBD products on the market can have very different concentrations of CBD, you need to be careful about the dose in the actual product you use.

For example, with Lolahemp tinctures, 2 drops = 1 mg of CBD. Note that this dropper guideline will not be the same with other brands so be careful when calculating dosing. 

The general rule when using any hemp products is to start low and increase the dosage slowly until the desired effects are achieved. If you notice any side effects such as nausea, drooling, excess tiredness, or tremors of any kind, it is wise to stop giving CBD to your cat and consult with your vet. 

What if My Vet Won’t Talk to Me About CBD?

The Short Answer:

• Your vet might not be able to recommend CBD for your cat due to lack of approval from the FDA.
• They should still be able to discuss the option with you, even if they aren't able to officially recommend it.
• If they won't discuss it, you can seek another opinion if you'd like to.
• At the end of the day, always defer to your vet or another vet's judgement as they typically know what's best for your pet.

The Long Answer:

Up until just recently, hemp-based products had a questionable legal standing. However, the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp and hemp products legal in the U.S. 

Further complicating matters is the fact that many veterinarians are restricted from discussing CBD with their clients due to restrictive or unclear state veterinary licensing requirements. 

Some veterinarians, such as those in California, have even had to resort to legislative action to gain protection when discussing the potential therapeutic values of cannabis-based medicine with their clients. 

If your vet is unwilling to discuss using CBD for your cat, you may want to consult with a holistic veterinarian. These vets have additional training that includes the use of natural products, known as nutraceuticals, in their clinical practices. Because these vets are often more experienced in the use of CBD with pets, they can be a better resource for informed cat owners.

How Do I Make Sure I’m Using High-Quality CBD Oil?

The Short Answer:

• Buy only from manufacturers that offer third-party lab tests.
• Review the ingredients on the package or bottle and ensure that they're all safe for cats, specifically. 
• Don't purchase CBD for humans or dogs, as cats have different internal systems and require products made for them.
• Opt for organic, all-natural products made with ingredients you can recognize.
• Lolahemp CBD oil for cats meets all of these requirements.

The Long Answer:

One of the most important things you can do to help your cat is to do your research before buying any CBD or hemp product for them. 

The reason for this is that the demand for CBD pet products is exploding right now as word of mouth spreads. And, unfortunately, some companies are taking advantage of that by selling low-quality or even harmful products. 

Here at Lolahemp, quality is our number one priority. Here are some of the key features that make Lolahemp CBD the right choice for your cat:

• We start with hand-harvested organic hemp grown at a family farm in Colorado. 
• We test our products three times from seed to bottle. 
• We offer third-party lab testing for every single batch of our oil, tied to a QR code on every product we sell. 
• We offer a robust full-spectrum CBD oil made just for cats.
• Our products contain no harmful additives like artificial flavors or sweeteners that can be toxic to pets. 
• We include accurate and veterinarian-recommended dosing guidelines for our products.
• We use MCT coconut oil for our carrier oils, considered ideal for optimal cannabinoid absorption.
• We are a Pets Before Profits company with a strong commitment to animal welfare.

Is There Any Scientific Research on CBD Oil?

It is no surprise that veterinary medical research is often several years behind the human-based iterations of various supplements and drugs. However, research on CBD and hemp has been going on for decades. 

Below, you can find a list of links to helpful research studies on CBD. Each link goes to a primary scientific paper published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. 

Want to Learn More About CBD for Cats?

We hope this guide to CBD oil for cats has answered all of your questions.

In addition, to hear from some of our verified customers about their success using Lolahemp CBD oil for cats, please visit our customer review page.