Dogs
Cats
Brand Reviews
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Copy Link
Yes, you can safely give CBD to a kitten. CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant and packaged into bottles with droppers or tinctures that allow you to administer this to your kittens easily and safely.
Being a powerful and active ingredient, CBD is known to yield health benefits for felines of all types, and these include relieving joint inflammation, boosting appetite, reducing anxiety, and many others. It’s THC that can be toxic to pets, but CBD extracted from industrial hemp is legal in every state. The most important differentiation is that hemp CBD offers all the benefits without the THC, so your kitten won’t get stoned but instead, they’ll experience relaxation. Your vet can help answer any questions about side effects and dosing.
One important thing to consider before giving CBD to your kittens is to make sure you read the dosage instructions carefully on the label and consult your vet for proper administration. The use of CBD in pets is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and vets are not legally allowed (on a federal level) to prescribe such products. Therefore, it is a good idea to find a holistic vet willing to discuss the topic and answer any CBD-related questions you may have.
Recent studies are being done with cats to determine the efficacy of CBD with felines.
This study, for instance, aimed to “determine the safety and tolerability of escalating doses of orally delivered cannabis oils predominant in cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or both CBD and THC in healthy cats.” In the coming years, there will more evidence of the benefits of CBD oil for cats and young kittens.
- Enhance bone & joint health
- Promote relaxation & combat stress
- Boost immune system & cognitive function
At What Age Can I Start Giving My Kitten CBD?
CBD oil can be used by kittens over the age of four months. However, it is advised to talk to your vet to rule out underlying medical issues before using CBD oil with kittens and defer to vet experts on the best age. Every animal is different! Kittens receiving vaccinations may benefit as CBD oil supports the immune response. Also, remember that typical kitten behavior includes zoomies and your kitten is teething! This does not mean CBD oil is the solution to addressing normal kitten behavior but health issues as we discuss below.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Kittens?
CBD oil is generally safe for kittens. The adverse effects that most vets warn their clients about include sedation and gastrointestinal upset. Experts recommend discontinuing the use of the oil if this happens to your kitten and contacting your vet.
Always give pet-specific CBD oil to your kitten, not human CBD oil, gummies, or treats. Never exceed the recommended dose, and start slow. Even building the dose slightly needs to be over a week or two.
- You may want to start with one dose in the morning for a week before increasing it to two doses a day as kittens often have more sensitive stomachs than adult cats.
- Watch for vomiting or diarrhea after the first few days.
- If your kitten is acting normally then you can try increasing the dose to twice a day.
Also, CBD Oil is extracted from the hemp plant and despite what you may have heard, while CBD oil is safe for kittens, cannabis plants are not!
*It’s important to understand that while THC can be toxic to pets, CBD extracted from industrial hemp is legal in all states. The most important differentiation is that hemp CBD offers all the benefits without THC.
What Does CBD do for Kittens?
Humans, dogs, and cats (all mammals) have an endocannabinoid system. Kittens respond to CBD much in the same way as humans do. This framework is an interconnected chain of receptors found in the cerebrum, sensory system, and organs. It controls well-being and recuperation by keeping up equalization inside the body.
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for the physical effects that the cannabis plant has on the body. How does this work?
- The body naturally produces some molecules, which bind to the cannabinoid system and activates it.
- The body only produces cannabinoids when they are needed but cannabinoids derived from plants like cannabis can produce the same effects on the body as naturally produced cannabinoids.
There are two major cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system of your kitten:
CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors:
- The CB1 receptors are mostly found around the brain and spinal cords. CB1 receptors are found in the hypothalamus; the portion of the brain responsible for controlling appetite, the amygdala, the portion in charge of memory and emotion control, and in the nerve endings and portions of the brain that control pain.
CB2 Cannabinoid Receptors:
- The second type of cannabinoid receptors found in cats and dogs too, is primarily concentrated in the immune system and the nervous system. These receptors when activated can help to regulate inflammation, boost immune system function, and promote relaxation.
When to Give Your Kitten CBD
You can dose your kitten with CBD oil if they experience anxiety, acute or chronic pain, and behavior issues. It also has many restorative properties. There are numerous other reasons your kitty may need CBD oil. CBD oil has calming effects for older cats too and is used for epilepsy, and joint pain.
- Multi-cat households. When a kitty joins a new household, life can be stressful! Stress can cause social issues and litter box training may be difficult as a result.
- Trouble falling asleep. CBD oil can also promote feelings of relaxation in your cat or kitten, making it easier for them to fall asleep. If your kitty is having trouble sleeping, you can try this.
- Vomiting. Nausea can be a common issue with all felines. Hairball ingestion may cause them to vomit regularly, and kittens with very weak stomachs can be sensitive to new food leading to constant vomiting and nausea. CBD oil serves as an effective anti-nausea tool for your young kitten.
- Weak immune system with vaccinations. Studies carried out on how the endocannabinoid system works revealed that endocannabinoids help to lubricate the immune system for optimal function. These studies revealed that when humans and animals take external cannabinoids, it could provide the same effect as endocannabinoids, helping to stimulate the immune system for heightened performance.
- Poor appitite. Kitties need to be gaining weight and a weight change may be an issue. If you notice lethargy and your kitty is skinny, CBD oil may help.
- Behavior issues. Constant hіdіng, fеаr оf thе lіttеr bоx, crуіng wіth nо арраrеnt cause or distress from a change in the environment may all be reasons to start a course of CBD oil.
- Pain and swelling. When your kitten takes CBD oil, their feelings and awareness of pain are reduced due to the inhibition of the receptors that are supposed to communicate the feelings of pain to the rest of the body.
When Not to Give Your Kitten CBD
If your kitten is on certain medications, or if you suspect an underlying health issue like anxiety that needs a behavior modification plan, you should consult your vet before giving any supplements including CBD oil.
For example, if your kitten is already feeling sick and experiencing drowsiness from another medication they currently take, do not dose your kitten with CBD oil. There can be side effects as CBD may interact with other medications. A dangerous cocktail of CBD oil and a contraindicating medication may result in:
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Tremors
- Low blood pressure
- Excessive drowsiness
These side effects usually occur because of CBD interaction with other medication or substances, or when there is an underlying health condition that triggers these effects. “It always helps to keep a diary when you start administering CBD to your pet. This diary will help you to monitor your pet closely, and notice any warning signs in your pet. If you notice any of these side effects, please discontinue CBD oil administration, and see a veterinary doctor for immediate help and advice,” advises Warner Timothy Lee, author of CBD for Cats. For example, gabapentin and CBD oil should not be combined due to the risk of increased sedation between the two.
How Much CBD can I Give My Kitten?
The CBD dosage for kittens varies on the weight of your kitty. A regular dose is about 0.25 mg per pound of body weight. If your cat weighs 10 lbs. and you want to administer a regular dose of CBD, you’ll have to multiply 0.25 by 10 lbs. which is the weight of your cat or kitten, to determine the dose you should administer. For instance, a regular dose for a 10-pound cat would be 2.5 mg. For kittens, the dose will be less as they will likely weigh less. A kitten that weighs 5 pounds would receive 1.25 mg.
To treat your kitten for anxiety issues, give your kitten CBD oil 30 minutes before exposure to any event that can cause them to suffer from anxiety issues.
Will CBD Calm My Kitten Down?
Young cats and kittens are naturally energetic and sometimes unrestrained. CBD oil will promote sleep and relaxation but you need to be careful not to dose your kitty simply for acting like a normal young kitten. If your kitten is having issues falling asleep, CBD oil can also promote feelings of relaxation in your kitten, making it easier for them to fall asleep.
What should I Look for in CBD for Kittens?
Pet CBD oil needs to be a full-spectrum CBD oil and can be added to a kitten’s food if it comes in tincture form. CBD treats are also available. Pet owners should look for natural ingredients and ask their local pet store about the mg of CBD to determine the best product for their kitty. Pet parents should not grow their own marijuana plants to create their own CBD oil.
Lab tested. Make sure the CBD product is genuinely lab-tested to ensure that it is pure and 100% natural and doesn’t contain any hidden ingredients like soy, heavy metals, or GMO products. A vet can help kitten owners determine the best CBD oil for kittens.
Herbicides and pesticide-free: Non-GMO doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a broad-spectrum CBD oil. If it is non-GMO, then you have to be sure that the hemp plant was not treated with pesticides. Make sure it’s high-quality.
Cannabinoids. Some CBD oil products are not made from original or organic hemp plants but are chemically formulated to mimic the properties and effects of plant cannabinoids. These synthetic cannabinoids are dangerous and cause severe injuries and even death. It is important to be sure that your CBD oil comes from a real hemp plant and is not synthetic.
Concentration. Some CBD oils are sparsely concentrated and provide very little benefit for your kitten’s health and wellness. Talk to experts about how much CBD oil you need and which size bottle of pet-specific hemp-derived CBD oil you need.
Additives and preservatives: Please look out for additives and preservatives on the ingredients list of your CBD oil too.
Opt for products that contain only hemp; the fewer additives and preservatives, the more potent and better the oil would be.
Your feline friend’s quality of life will benefit from the positive effects of CBD oil. The Honest Paws Well CBD Oil for cats checks these boxes. Plus, the brand is trustworthy and reliable. Honest Paws is organic, human-grade, full-spectrum CBD for kittens that support overall health.
