CBD Oil For Cats With Cancer: A Holistic Option

CBD for cats works on several levels. The effects of CBD stem from its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

The endocannabinoid system regulates various bodily functions whose end goal is maintaining a state of health and balance. The ECS consists of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes. 

Cannabidiol binds with the cannabinoid receptors, thus boosting the endocannabinoid system and promoting homeostasis.  

Yes, CBD oil is good for cats with cancer. As a natural remedy, CBD (cannabidiol) is beneficial for cancer patients. Namely, there are several health benefits of CBD oil for cats with cancer. 

For example, CBD oil can help with the tumor itself by inhibiting its growth. It can also help alleviate the cancer symptoms like chronic pain and inflammation. CBD may also enhance the efficacy of conventional treatments and can help manage their side effects such as appetite loss, nausea, and vomiting. 

Yes, CBD oil is safe for cats with cancer. As with any other supplement, you need to make sure you are using a high-quality CBD product and stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines in terms of dosage and frequency of use. 

According to a report on cannabidiol by the World Health Organization, “CBD is generally well-tolerated, with a good safety profile.” Similarly, a PetMD article describes CBD as “very safe for cats.” 

There are many different pet CBD products on the market. However, they are not made the same and some CBD oil products and treats are of superior quality to others. To make sure you get the best for your feline friend, we have reviewed the best CBD products for cats with cancer below. 

Get it on Honest Paws

Summary: Honest Paws is the number one CBD brand in the USA. The Honest Paws CBD oil for cats is full-spectrum and rich in various cannabinoids. The oil is extracted from organic hemp grown in Colorado using the CO2 extraction method. The CBD oil is suitable for cats with cancer regardless of age and size. 

Review: Cat parents say the Honest Paws CBD oil “makes a difference” and their pets “honestly like the product.” They also describe it as a “great product.” All in all, Honest Paws is the best CBD oil for cats with cancer. 

Get it on Honest Paws

Summary: When looking for premium quality, human-grade CBD products, Honest Paws is the most obvious choice. The Honest Paws CBD cat treats are made with organic, full-spectrum hemp rich in cannabinoids, terpenes, and fatty acids. The treats are non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free while featuring cat-friendly salmon flavor. 

Review: Cat owners say the Honest Paws CBD treats “really help” their pets and they “like them.” They also say there is a “big difference” after starting to use the treats. All in all, Honest Paws has the best CBD treats for cats with cancer.

Get it on Joy Organics

Summary: Joy Organics focuses on the production of organic CBD oils and edible. The Joy Organics CBD oil is a broad-spectrum formula with two simple ingredients – hemp oil and organic olive oil. The oil is fast-acting and completely THC-free. The CBD oil is available in two concentrations (460 mg and 900 mg) allowing easy dosage for cats with cancer. 

Review: Cat parents say the Joy Organics CBD oil is a “wonderful tincture” with a “great taste.” They agree that they “would definitely recommend the product.” All in all, Joy Organics offers CBD oil with the best natural ingredients for cats with cancer. 

Get it on Petly CBD

Summary: Despite being new on the pet CBD market, Petly CBD is moving the boundaries of quality and efficacy. The Petly CBD food topper is made with high-grade, full-spectrum hemp oil and comes in an easy-to-use powdered form. The product is free from fillers and allergens and rich in omega fatty acids, brewers yeast, and eggs. 

Review: Pet owners say the Petly CBD food topper “makes a huge difference in the quality of life” and is described as a “very effective” CBD product. All in all, Petly CBD has the best CBD food topper for cats with cancer. 

Get it on cbdMD

Summary: cbdMD provides premium-quality CBD products with established safety and efficacy. The cbdMD CBD oil is a superior broad-spectrum CBD formula rich in CBD, CBG, and CBN. Available in two different strengths (150 mg and 300 mg) and two flavors (natural and catnip), the oil is perfect for cancer cats of all categories. 

Review: Cat owners say the cbdMD CBD oil is a “super product cats love.” They say the oil has helped their cats “eat more” and be “playful.” All in all, cbdMD has the most options for CBD oil for cats with cancer.

Everything starts with choosing the best cat CBD oil. Make sure you always use full-spectrum CBD oil for your cat. Full-spectrum versions are the best option as they are rich not only in cannabidiol compounds but also in terpenes, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids.

CBD oil contains various cannabidiol compounds (the non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant). CBD oils for cats must contain less than 0.3 THC, which is why they are made exclusively from hemp plants, as hemp plants are rich in CBDs and low in THC, while the marijuana plant is low in CBDs and high in THC.

When choosing the right product, check the manufacturer’s credibility. A reputable CBD manufacturer will have its products tested through a third-party lab and the analysis results displayed on its official website.

You can choose between CBD oil and CBD cat treats. CBD oil works faster and is more cost-effective. However, cats with picky appetites may find the oil’s bitter taste repelling. On the other hand, CBD treats feature cat-friendly flavors and are easy to give. However, they need more time to kick in. 

Generally, the recommended CBD amount for cats is between 1 and 5 milligrams per 10 pounds of body weight per day. However, the exact CBD dose depends on your cat’s weight, age, and co-existing health issues. 

In general, it is advisable to start with a smaller amount and then gradually increase the dose as your cat gets used to the supplement. If the use of CBD is sudden, your cat can develop side effects. 

According to a recent study, the two most commonly observed side effects of CBD oil in cats are increased lip-licking rate and head shaking. Other adverse effects include dry mouth, diarrhea, lowered blood pressure, drowsiness, and lethargy. 

Finally, do not worry if you accidentally gave your cat too much CBD – cats cannot overdose on pet CBD products. Worst-case scenario, they will make the cat extra sluggish and sleep off the effects. 

Labeled as a promising anti-cancer drug, CBD can help cats with cancer on various levels. Here is a short preview of some of the scientifically backed up anti-cancer health benefits of CBD oil and treats. 

CBD Might Help Eliminate Cancer Cells. A study of skin cancer in mice showed that both healthy and cancerous cells have endocannabinoid receptors, and targeting those receptors with CBD can trigger cell death. This agrees with other research results demonstrating the CBD’s ability to destroy cancerous cells. In fact, a breast cancer study showed that CBD could induce apoptosis (programmed death) of cancerous cells without damaging the healthy cells.

CBD Can Help Stop Tumor Growth. CBD has unique tumor-shrinking features meaning it can help limit tumor growth. It also indicates that CBD can prevent tumor spreading or, in other words, stop metastasis formation. Interestingly, clinical trials show that CBD oil can inhibit angiogenesis (the process allowing cancerous cells to grow and spread by creating new blood vessels).

CBD Can Help Mitigate Pain Associated with Treatment. Chronic pain is a common companion of cancer. It can stem from cancer itself or its treatment. In both cases, pain decreases the quality of life and delays healing. CBD offers potential natural pain relief and enhances the potency of traditional anti-pain medications like opioids and NSAIDs. In simple terms, CBD makes an excellent pain management tool. 

CBD can Alleviate Nausea and Vomiting. Handling the side effects of anti-cancer treatment can be just as challenging as handling cancer itself. The two most common side effects are nausea and appetite loss, and CBD may help with both. CBD can treat nausea and promote normal food intake simply because it can interact with the ECS, and this system is responsible for metabolism and appetite.

CBD May Reduce Inflammation. In addition to pain, another common companion of cancer is inflammation. Because of its ability to manage inflammation, CBD oil is popularly termed a “novel anti-inflammatory drug.” What is more, CBD boosts the potency of traditional anti-inflammation medications and modulates the immune system ensuring a correct immune response and consequently a more manageable inflammatory response.

No, CBD oil cannot treat cancer. Cannabidiol is not a cancer treatment per see. However, when used adequately and in conjunction with other treatments, it can improve the quality of life in cancer patients. 

However, keep in mind that CBD is not FDA-approved for use in veterinary medicine. Therefore, it is vital to consult with your trusted veterinarian or oncologist before adding a CBD product to your cat’s anti-cancer treatment strategy. 

Crafting the right treatment strategy for cats with cancer requires careful planning with your trusted DVM or veterinary oncologist. Different types of cancer require different treatment approaches and strategies. Here is a short description of the most common cancer treatments:

CBD classifies as a natural and holistic remedy meaning it has wide safety margins and comes with few and mild side effects. Plus, CBD is a multipurpose tool meaning it can help cancer cats on several levels. 

On the other hand, traditional cancer treatments are usually aggressive and more often than not accompanied by severe side effects. CBD can help relieve those side effects. 

Since CBD is beneficial for cats with cancer but not a cure on its own, it is best to combine it with other treatment approaches. Multimodal treatment is the best option for cancer patients.

According to the ACF (American Cancer Foundation), one in five cats will develop some type of cancer at a certain point in its life. Just like in humans and dogs, in cats, certain types of cancer are more common.

The exact causes of cancer are complex and poorly understood. However, the cat’s age and exposure to carcinogens are considered to be significant predisposing factors for the development of feline cancer. 

Here is a list of the most common carcinogens:

There are many types of feline cancer. Here is a list and short description of the most common types of cancer in cats:

Cancer is a truly insidious disease. This is because some cancer symptoms are subtle, and others are non-specific, which means other conditions can cause them. Additionally, cats are notorious for hiding the signs and symptoms of their ailments.

Because of that, by the time the symptoms of cancer become apparent, the cancer is already in its advanced stages. The cancer’s advanced stage has a negative impact on the treatment outcome. For that reason, early diagnosis can be life-saving.

As a cat owner, you need to monitor your cat closely and make sure your trusted vet examines your cat at least twice per year. If there is anything unusual going on, you need to alert your vet as soon as possible.

Although not specific, the following signs and symptoms can be considered as cancer warnings:

If your cat exhibits one or more of the above-listed signs and symptoms, schedule an appointment with your trusted vet.

It goes without saying that different cancer types have different clinical manifestations. Additionally, the severity of the symptoms of cancer can vary significantly between different cats.