You’ve probably noticed that CBD oil has become all the rage in the past few years. There’s a good reason for that. When it comes to humans, CBD oil1 can help prevent seizures, may help relieve anxiety and insomnia, and even help with chronic pain. But can it help our feline friends with similar ailments?
The answer is yes2p! There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that if your cat has been showing signs of anxiety such as hyperactivity or excessive grooming or is older and suffering from joint pain, the right dose can make your pet feel better. There are tons of CBD oils out there, though, so you may feel overwhelmed with all the options available. We’ve reviewed the best CBD oils for cats to help you narrow your search and find the oil that will make your cat feel more like their old selves sooner rather than later.
Kinpur Pet Hemp Oil contains no harmful ingredients, which means no preservatives, dairy, soy, corn, wheat, GMO, and artificial substances. It may offer support in lessening anxiety in your cat and supporting healthy joints, plus boost the immune system and soothe itchiness. The hemp oil used in this isn’t extracted via heat, so nutrients have not been destroyed in the making of the product, making it more effective.
You can give this to your favorite feline by placing a drop in their food or in their mouth, whichever is easiest!
Pros
Says it is vet-recommended
Taste & smell are not unpleasant
Can help with pain & seizures
Cons
Must use a few times before effects start to show
Some animals refused the product without even trying it
2. K2xLabs Max Potency Buster’s Organic Hemp Oil – Best Value
Promotes calm, helps with allergies, supports joint & hip health
If you’re hoping to get the most value for your buck, this is the best CBD oil for the money. With a 2-month supply for less than one month of most of the other products on this list and claiming 30 times the potency of other oils, K2xLabs oil promises optimum absorption in your feline’s body. This 100% vegan product has no additives or gluten and claims support for a variety of issues, including nervous chewing, pain relief, separation anxiety, anxiety associated with traveling, seizure reduction, and allergies. It also promises to improve your pet’s sleep, as well as their skin and fur.
It can be administered daily in your pet’s food or via mouth.
Pros
Best CBD oil for the money
May aid in post-surgery recovery
Can be used with regular medications
Cons
Issues with the droppers falling apart have been reported
Made some animals super sleepy
Some people reported vomiting in their pets after use
3. HMone Max Potency Organic Hemp Oil – Premium Choice
This high-quality CBD oil includes whole hemp extract and is non-GMO, contains no xylitol, and is cruelty-free. The most expensive of the oils on this list, HMone Max Potency, may help calm both the mind and body of your cat. It can also aid in the promotion of the overall health and wellness of your pet. This product also claims to reduce body aches, plus can be used every day for managing a stressed feline.
This oil is quick and simple to use; just apply it topically or in food or treats.
Omega 3, Omega 6, Omega 9, Vitamins B & E, Hemp Oil
Organic:
Yes
Age:
All ages
Quantity:
30 ml
Specialties:
Calming support, Hip & joint care
When it comes to determining what CBD oil to use for your cat, you want to be sure that it helps with the health issues you’re using it for and that it’s good for them overall. Charlie & Buddy Pet Hemp Oil manages to do both. Not only does this organic oil promise to help reduce anxiety, inflammation, and pain, but with its use of omega oils and vitamins, it also claims to help your cat get better sleep and a glossier coat, plus increased energy.
Charlie & Buddy has no flavor, so you can simply sneak some into your cat’s food or water. It’s also fast-acting, so your pet will start feeling better in no time!
Pros
Best anti-inflammatory oil
Promotes rest and well-being
Contains vitamins and omega oils
Cons
Occasional reports of cats throw up after trying.
Periodic reports of cats refusing to touch food when this is placed in it.
Calms & soothes anxious or ill pets, reduction of muscle & joint pain
PB Pets Hemp Oil for Dogs and Cats is chockful of healthy omega oils that help support your kitty’s joints, heart, and brain. This product is organically grown and certified, non-GMO, and contains no pesticides or herbicides, making it safe for your pet. It may be useful in helping to calm down an anxious kitty on the way to the vet or one who has an upset stomach. It may also help senior cats out with any muscle aches or joint pain. Not only are the omega oils used beneficial for your cat’s heart and brain health, but they can also be helpful when it comes to hormone health.
This oil says it is vet-recommended, plus tastes great, so your cat will be sure to enjoy it. Apply via food, mouth, or topically.
Pros
Seems to work well in older cats
May lead to a decrease in itchiness from skin conditions
Omega 3, Omega 6, Omega 9, Fatty acids, Vitamins C & E, Antioxidants, Hemp Oil
Organic:
Yes
Age:
All ages
Quantity:
30 ml
Specialties:
Relaxation & calm, joint mobility
Billion Pets Hemp Oil is stuffed with good things to help your kitty feel happier and healthier. Whether your pet fears being separated from you, is having trouble getting around due to joint issues or just becomes a screaming ball of rage on car rides, this oil says it can help it all. Claiming 75 times the potency of other CBD oils, it is non-GMO, contains no xylitol, and is cruelty-free.
Put a little in your pet’s food or mouth or even on their skin and see how this oil can help you.
Pros
Lots of vitamins and nutrients
Says it is vet recommended
Promotes a shiny coat
Cons
May cause diarrhea in some pets
Complaints of no markers on droppers
A few reports of animals getting extremely ill after use
Despite its name, this product says it’s for both cats and dogs and claims to have the highest level of hemp of any pet oil in today’s market. Cruelty-free and non-GMO, this oil is also third-party tested for quality assurance. Like others of its ilk, it contains omega oils and vitamins (though it doesn’t list which ones), both things that can help better your pet’s health and wellness. Bark Boy says it can be used to calm aggressive pets, reduce anxiety, ease arthritic aches and pains, and increase appetite in animals who aren’t feeling well.
Bark Boy claims to have a great taste, so sneak a bit into your kitty’s food or drop it under their tongue and give it a go.
Pros
Tested by a 3rd party lab
Tastes good
Cruelty-free and Non-GMO
Cons
Some owners reported gastrointestinal issues in pets after use
This lab-tested, 100% natural hemp oil is designed to improve your pet’s health quickly so they canregain their quality of life. Giving your cat only a few drops may help lessen separation anxiety and make them calmer and more focused. It also claims anti-inflammatory properties making it great for muscle aches and pains. Plus, it tastes like bacon!
You can give this to your cat via mouth, food, or water, or even topically.
Pros
With multi-vitamins to soothe dry, itchy skin
See results within a week
Anti-inflammatory properties
Cons
People reported mold in dropper tube after receiving product
Omega 3, Omega 6, Omega 9, Fatty acids, Antioxidants, Vitamin C & E, Hemp Oil
Organic:
Yes
Age:
All ages
Quantity:
30 ml
Specialties:
Relieve stress, joint health
MaxHemp comes in a pack of two and contains most of the same as other oils on this list when it comes to omega oils and vitamins. This 100% organic, non-GMO oil claims to be beneficial for quite a bit — providing relief for arthritis, promoting joint lubrication, increasing appetite, promoting healing, lowering inflammation, lowering anxiety, boosting immunity, reducing seizures, making itchiness better, helping allergies, increasing focus, and improving skin and coat. It seems no matter what ails your cat, this might prove useful for it.
Simply drop the recommended dosage in your pet’s food bowl and reap the benefits!
Pros
Relatively inexpensive
Claims to help with various issues
May help increase appetite
Cons
May be less helpful for pain relief than other oils
Some pets did not like the taste
Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best CBD Oil for Cats
What Should I Look for In a CBD Oil?
When it comes to finding the right CBD oil for your cat, you should first and foremost consider your pet’s needs. Some oils may work better for anxiety, while others are aces at easing pain in older felines. After that, the quality of the product should be your concern. Some brands are just made with better ingredients and are higher quality than others (and those brands won’t always be the most expensive either). You want to be sure you’re giving your kitty something well-made and trustworthy, so verify ingredients and check to see if it’s been tested by a 3rd party lab.
Also, consider the reputation of the brand. How are their reviews on Amazon and other places? Are those reviews honest or bought and paid for? Are there consumer reports on them? Finally, consider the value of the product. CBD oils can range from mid-price to super pricey, and the expensive ones aren’t always the best ones. Consider if you’re getting your money’s worth before purchasing a product. Finally, you might want to initiate a conversation with your vet — due to state laws in the majority of states, your vet won’t be able to bring CBD oil up to you.
The best CBD oil products for cats should contain organic and all-natural ingredients. You will likely do better to search for either a broad-spectrum (contains the tiniest bit of THC) or full-spectrum (contains less than 0.3% THC) oil. Both broad-spectrum and full-spectrum have been noted to have something called an “entourage effect” in humans that can improve the experience of using CBD oil — this should be helpful for your kitty as well.
Most CBD oils will come in 30 ml and up bottles (but it’s wise to start with 30 ml to see how it works for your cat before moving on to larger bottles) featuring a dropper. Flavors of CBD oil can vary from tasteless to catnip flavored to bacon flavored. Oils also come in the above-mentioned broad spectrum and full spectrum, as well as isolate.
Image Credit: Lightcube, Shutterstock
What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil For Cats?
CBD oil is like other herbal supplements when it comes to how it helps our feline friends. The range of ailments and issues CBD oil may improve for your kitty include:
Pretty much every supplement and medication out there will have side effects of some kind, and CBD oil is no different. Luckily most of the side effects aren’t too serious. Side effects can include:
CBD oils will usually come with their own dosage recommendations, but there are a few factors to consider. First, take note of the potency of the CBD oil. The higher the potency, the less you’ll want to give your kitty at a time. How much your cat weighs will also be a deciding factor.
It’s always safest to start with the lowest recommended dosage to see how it affects your pet. You can always up the dosage later if needed. Most CBD oils also recommend using the product for at least 30 days before upping dosages.
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
How We Selected Our List of CBD Oils for Cats
Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat CBD oils. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat CBD oil. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!
Final Thoughts
Depending on what ails your cat, CBD oil may be the right answer for you. There’s a plethora out there; you just need to do a little research to find the most reputable brands with the best ingredients. For our list, Kinpur Pet Hemp Oil was the best overall due to the number of excellent reviews and the absence of harmful ingredients. K2xLabs offered the best value overall, with its 60 ml for much less than the competition. And HMone Max provided the most premium of choices both in price and quality.
More research will need to be done on the usage of CBD oil for cats. Still, overall it seems relatively safe to give to your kitty with minimal side effects and lots of potential benefits.
Featured Image Credit: Erin Stone, Pixabay
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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.