CBD Oil For Cats: Dosage Calculator And Cat CBD Usage Guide
CBD oil for cats is the purrfect natural medicine to add to your fantastic feline’s daily diet!
Cat CBD is safe and well-tolerated by our kitty companions. But there are a few things you should know before giving CBD oil to cats.
In today’s article, we’ll tell you how to find the best CBD oil cat dose, the right way to give CBD to fussy felines, potential CBD side effects in cats, and a whole lot more.
Click a section in the table of contents if you see a topic jump out at you, or keep reading to learn everything you need to know about CBD oil for cats.
Getting Started With CBD Oil For Cats
Let’s talk about finding the best CBD cat dose right meow before we leap into the ins and outs of cat CBD oil.
First things first, CBD in cats is highly dose-dependent. So, finding the correct amount of CBD to give your cat is essential for maximum safety and benefit.
We’ve devised the Organica Naturals CBD Oil for Cats Dose Calculator to make it easy to determine the best CBD cat dose.
Use this simple tool to find the perfect CBD dose for cats of any age, size, and breed (excluding pregnant or nursing cats and wee ones eight weeks or younger).
Ready to calculate the best CBD cat dose for your furry bundle of joy?
PRRRUP — err, awesome.
Let’s pounce!
CBD Oil Dosage For Cats Calculator
It’s so easy to calculate the best CBD dose for your cat! Use the slider to configure your cat's weight, then choose the CBD dose strength your cat needs. Our cat CBD dose calculator will take care of the rest.
DIY: Use This Formula to Calculate the Right Cat CBD Oil Dose
Cat owners are a special breed. We’re smarter than your average pet owner.😸
That said, it’s only natural if you want to geek out using this simple math formula to calculate the purrfect cat CBD oil dose.
Grab a pen and paper, and we’ll show you how to do that now.
Calculating the Best CBD Cat Dose
Use this formula to calculate the best CBD cat dose based on your kitty’s body weight and the desired dosage strength:
[TOTAL WEIGHT] x [STRENGTH OF DOSE] = RECOMMENDED AMOUNT OF CAT CBD IN MILLIGRAMS PER DOSE
The ideal starter CBD dose for cats of any age, size, and breed is 0.3 mg per pound (lb) of body weight.
Most cats take an average of 0.6 mg CBD/lb. But every kitty is unique, so how much CBD your cat needs will vary.
The maximum CBD cat dose is 1.0 mg/lb.
Now, choose the CBD dose strength you think your cat needs and plug it into the formula above:
- Starter Dose
0.3 mg/pound - Average Dose
0.6 mg/pound - Maximum Dose
1.0 mg/pound
Suggested cat CBD oil doses are not meant to be veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before giving your feline CBD for the very first time.
Cat CBD Oil Dose Calculation Examples
Let’s try some example cat CBD oil dose calculations using the formula above.
Our first example is Meatball, a 5-year-old Red Maine Coon coming in at 18 lbs. He’s a big boy just beginning CBD, so he only needs the minimum dose starting out:
Example #1:
Cat breed: Red Maine Coon
Cat weight: 18 lbs
Cat CBD dosage strength: Starting dose
Optimal cat dose calculation: [18 lbs] x [0.3 mg] = 5.4 mg of CBD recommended per dose
Next, we’ll figure out how much CBD to give 10-year-old Bella, a Siamese cat weighing 9 lbs. She’s been taking Organica Naturals 250 mg Micropet CBD for about a week, has responded well to cat CBD oil, and is now ready to go up to an average-sized dose:
Example #2:
Cat breed: Siamese
Cat weight: 9 lbs
Cat CBD dosage strength: Average dose
Optimal cat dose calculation: [9 lbs] x [0.6 mg] = 5.4 mg of CBD recommended per dose
In this last example, we are looking to calculate a CBD dose for Miko. She’s an elderly Tuxedo cat that recently turned 18. Miko weighs 8 lbs and her vet has recommended the maximum daily CBD dose for cats:
Example #3:
Cat breed: Domestic shorthair
Cat weight: 8 lbs
Cat CBD dosage strength: Maximum dose
Optimal cat dose calculation: [8 lbs] x [1.0 mg] = 8 mg of CBD recommended per dose
The key to getting the best cat CBD results is to start low and go slow.
You should gradually increase your cat’s CBD oil dose until the desired benefits are achieved.
This is called titration, and it simply means adjusting and moderating your cat’s daily CBD dose until you find an amount that works best for your feline fur baby.
Do not exceed the recommended maximum CBD cat dose unless your veterinary professional advises otherwise.
What to Know Before You Administer Cat CBD Oil
Cat CBD oil is highly dose-dependent.
It’s essential that you administer the right amount of CBD for cats to maximize safety.
Make sure you always check the labels on your cat CBD products so you know how much is in each serving.
For example, a cat CBD oil tincture may have 6.67 mg per dropperful serving, while CBD cat treats might only have 2 mg per serving. It would take three times the amount of cat CBD treats to equal the same dose in one dropper of cat CBD tincture.
Don’t forget to keep track of your cat’s CBD usage, especially when first beginning CBD. Write down how much CBD oil for cats you give your kitty, and what changes you observe.
These are important details that will inform your future dosage adjustments. They’ll also provide valuable insight into how your cat is responding to their CBD diet.
Key Takeaway
The amount of CBD oil for cats you’ll administer depends on your kitty’s body weight and specific needs. Use the cat CBD dose calculator to quickly and easily determine the best cat CBD oil dose. Remember to start low and go slow as you introduce CBD into your cat’s daily diet. Make sure to jot down dosage amounts, frequency, and any changes you observe after giving your cat CBD.
What is CBD Oil for Cats?
CBD oil for cats is a natural extract from the cannabis plant.
It is non-psychoactive and non-intoxicating, so your cat will never get “high” from it.
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is called a major cannabinoid because it’s the most predominant in the cannabis plant.
THC, a.k.a. Tetrahydrocannabinol, is another major cannabinoid found in Cannabis. THC, however, is only present in the tiniest of fractions in the hemp-based cannabis we use to formulate Organica Naturals cat CBD oil (less than 0.3% THC dry weight).
Other cannabinoids, like Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabigerol (CBG), and Cannabichromene (CBC) are found in cannabis as well. They are present in full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oils.
Key Takeaway
Cat CBD oil is derived from hemp-based cannabis. It has only the tiniest fractions of THC, so it is non-psychoactive and cannot make your cat feel “high” or “stoned” no matter how much CBD you administer.
How Does CBD Oil for Cats Work?
The way CBD works in cats is not all that different from people.
CBD oil for cats is pharmacologically active. This means that it interacts with your cat’s endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) and central nervous system (CNS). The ECS and CNS regulate many of your cat’s vital body functions.
CBD oil for cats works best when you follow these two guidelines:
- Choose a full spectrum CBD oil for cats with a wide range of minor cannabinoids (e.g., CBN, CBG, CBC, and THC)
- Administer cat CBD with a meal to maximize absorption of the active ingredient Cannabidiol
What About Cat CBD Oil Side Effects?
CBD is safe and non-toxic to cats. It’s non-psychoactive and not addictive or habit-forming either.
Cat CBD oil side effects are rare when using it as directed. Established safe dosage ranges are between 0.3 mg/lb to 1.0 mg/lb of body weight.
Typically, only the most sensitive cats experience adverse reactions after being given cat CBD.
Cat CBD oil side effects may include the following:
- Salivation
- Increased thirst
- Appetite changes
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Drowsiness
- Sleepiness
Side effects from cat CBD oil are dose-dependent. So, it’s important to start low and go slow when your cat is first beginning CBD.
Excess salivation is the most common side effect reported in cats given CBD. This occurs when salivary glands produce too much saliva as a reaction to the oil suspension into which CBD is formulated. In clinical study, researchers noted that control groups receiving placebo showed excess salivation from carrier oils (e.g., MCT or sunflower oil) whether they contained CBD or not.
CBD oil in cats may affect appetite, causing an increase or decrease in hunger. Changes in appetite are temporary and normally resolve on their own after a few days.
Drowsiness and sleepiness are other possible CBD side effects cats could experience, especially when taking high doses.
Split your cat’s recommended CBD dose into two or more doses spread out over four to six hours or longer if you observe any adverse reactions.
Allergic reactions to CBD in cats are uncommon. But you should speak with your veterinary professional if your cat has been diagnosed with any allergy to foods, plant-based medicines, or anything else in its environment.
You should not administer CBD if your cat is allergic to any of the ingredients in cat CBD oil.
Key Takeaway
CBD oil for cats is safe, non-psychoactive, and non-addictive. Side effects are rare when giving CBD to your cat as directed. The maximum recommended cat CBD dose is 1.0 mg/lb unless your vet advises differently. Common side effects to be aware of include salivation, increased thirst, appetite changes, gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, or sleepiness. Split the suggested CBD dose into two or more doses spread out over four to six hours or longer if you observe any adverse reactions. You should not administer CBD if your cat is allergic to any of the ingredients in cat CBD oil.
How to Give CBD Oil to Cats
You should always give CBD oil to cats according to their body weight and specific needs. Doing so will significantly reduce the risk of side effects.
Each cat is unique. Many cats have no problem taking CBD while others might be more resistant, depending on how you administer it.
The good news is there are numerous ways to give cats CBD oil, so don’t fret if your furry feline has a particularly epicurean palate — we’ve got you and your kittyboo!
Consider the following tips and tricks that cat owners of all stripes use for their cats with trouble taking CBD.
Tips for Giving Your Cat CBD Oil for The First Time
Cats aren’t finicky, they’re cautious!
In the wild, unfamiliar foods could cause serious problems.
So, cats are naturally leery of putting anything new into their mouths until they’ve decided it’s safe to eat.
Adding CBD Oil to Your Cat’s Food
The best way to give CBD to cats is by disguising it as something delicious.
Your kitty’s favorite wet food is the purrfect start. Bone broth or cat milk are two other options to try that allow for easy mixing.
Make sure to use a small amount of CBD at a time — the jig is up if you add too much cat CBD oil too quickly.
You might even consider splitting kitty’s wet food into multiple smaller portions served at intervals throughout the day to meet recommended dosage needs.
Organica Naturals CBD oil for cats includes a free dropper with every bottle. Our droppers are graduated, meaning they have markings that measure 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 mL of cat CBD oil. They make it easy to measure exactly how much CBD you need every time.
Oral Syringe Cat CBD Administration
Some kitties may flat-out refuse to take CBD.
Giving CBD to your cat using an oral syringe helps to direct the dose where it needs to go — right down the hatch!
Make sure to have plenty of fresh water around if your kitty needs a chaser. Some wet food or another tasty morsel immediately after using the oral syringe will help create a more positive association with the process.😺
Try CBD Isolate For Cats
Does your kitty have a particularly epicurean palate?
Not to worry — CBD isolate might be the next best option.
CBD isolate for cats is made using a single-molecule extraction process. In other words, all other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are radically purified and filtered from the final product leaving only the active ingredient Cannabidiol (CBD).
Cat CBD isolate is colorless, odorless, and flavorless — virtually undetectable to your little feline detective.
There’s a 99% chance your kitty super taster won’t even know it’s taking cat CBD.
Cat CBD Topical Use
CBD oil for cats may be applied topically for on-the-spot treatments.
Organica Naturals CBD is formulated with a coconut oil derivative called medium-chain triglycerides or MCT for short. It’s a purrfect carrier oil for CBD and coconut is the #1 recommended moisturizer for cats with dry, flaky, and itchy skin.
CBD is absorbed through the skin wherever you apply it.
Key Takeaway
Many cats have no problem taking CBD, but each cat is unique. The best way to give CBD to cats is by disguising it as something delicious. Try mixing CBD oil for cats into your kitty’s favorite wet food, bone broth, or cat milk. An oral syringe is recommended if you’re having trouble getting your cat to take CBD. Isolate for cats is another option for particularly picky kitty’s — it’s odorless and flavorless.
CBD Oil for Cats Frequently Asked Questions
Browse our FAQ for quick and easy answers to the most frequently asked questions about CBD oil for cats.
Do you have a cat CBD oil question we haven’t answered? Chat with a CBD Wellness Advisor today.
How much CBD is in a one mL dropperful?
It depends on the strength of your formula and how many servings are in your bottle of CBD oil for cats.
But it’s really easy to figure out how much CBD is in your cat tincture.
First, check the label on the front of your CBD oil for cats to see how much CBD is in the bottle. This number should be printed on the front of your CBD bottle. Typically, this number is something like 250 mg, 500 mg, or 1000 mg.
The next step is to check the Nutrition Facts label on the side of your bottle for the number of servings. There are 15 servings of 250 mg Organica Naturals Micropet CBD and 30 servings of 500 mg and 1000 mg Organica Naturals Pet CBD.
Dividing 250 mg by 15 servings gives you a total amount of 16.67 mg CBD per dropper. Divide 30 servings by 500 mg and 1000 mg to get a total amount of 16.67 mg and 33.33 mg per 1 mL respectively.
What is the difference between hemp and CBD?
Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that produces very little THC (less than 0.3% THC by dry weight) and lots of Cannabidiol, the active ingredient in Organica Naturals CBD pet products.
We get our CBD from hemp cannabis because it has tiny fractions of THC and cannot cause psychoactive side effects. So, your cat will never get “high” or “stoned” no matter how much CBD you administer.
Hemp CBD extracts are legal in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Can CBD get my cat high?
No, CBD cannot get your cat high because it is non-psychoactive and non-intoxicating.
Organica Naturals Pet CBD products contain minuscule amounts of THC that is naturally occurring in hemp cannabis (less than 0.3% THC by dry weight). We’re talking amounts so small that they cannot cause any psychoactive side effects in cats whatsoever.
Is CBD for my kitten OK?
CBD is not recommended for kittens younger than eight weeks old.
Kitten CBD is safe to administer if your cat is at least eight weeks or older.
Follow established CBD dosage ranges according to your kitten’s body weight when first beginning cat CBD.
Is CBD safe for pregnant or nursing cats?
Pregnant or nursing cats should not take CBD.
Wait until after your pregnant cat has delivered and once nursing kitties are weaned before giving CBD to your adult cat.
Can my cat overdose on CBD oil?
While it is possible for your cat to take too much CBD, it is very unlikely to be harmful. Especially if it was a one-off occurrence.
Clinical research shows cat CBD oil is a very forgiving natural medicine. In one recent study, scientists administered up to 80 mg of CBD per pound (lb.) of body weight in a single dose to investigate the potential toxicity of CBD.
To put this into perspective, the maximum recommended cat CBD oil dose is 1.0 mg CBD/lb. Cats in the clinical trial above received 80 times that amount.
Side effects noted were transient and mild, subsiding within hours. No significant bloodwork or behavioral changes were noted.
Contact your vet if you think your cat has taken too much CBD.
Do I need a prescription for cat CBD oil?
CBD oil for cats does not require a prescription from your vet.
But you should always talk to your vet before you make any changes to your cat’s diet.
Cat CBD oil is not meant to be used as a replacement for professional veterinary advice.
Can I combine CBD for cats with anxiety medication or another prescription?
CBD for cats is generally safe when taken on its own.
Combining CBD oil for cats with anxiety medications may increase their sedative effect.
In certain instances, CBD oil may interfere with the absorption of prescription medications that your cat may be taking for anxiety.
You should consult your prescribing vet before adding CBD for cats to your pet’s daily diet so you have access to professional veterinary advice in case your cat experiences a medication interaction.