CBD Oil for Cats in 2023: A Purrfect Solution for the Health and Well-being of Your Feline Friend

As much as we adore our cats, it can be heartbreaking to see them struggling with anxiety.

Presented by Originated Media What’s This? February 15, 2023

As much as we adore our cats, it can be heartbreaking to see them struggling with anxiety, pain or a loss of appetite. But did you know that there's a natural solution that could potentially alleviate these symptoms?

That's where CBD, also known as cannabidiol, comes in. CBD is derived from hemp flowers and is becoming increasingly popular among cat owners as a natural, low-risk option for promoting overall health and well-being in their feline friends.

Whether you're looking to administer CBD oil to your cat daily or just keep it on hand for those moments of stress or discomfort, it's important to choose the right brand.

That's why we've done the research for you. After reviewing many popular brands, we're excited to present our top five recommendations for the best CBD oil for cats. Trust us, your kitty will thank you!

Top 5 CBD Oil for Cats Options

Best Overall: CBDfx Pet Tincture
Best for Arthritis: Penelope’s Bloom
Best for Allergy-Prone Cats: Zatural Broad Spectrum CBD Oil for Cats
Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Green Roads Pet CBD Oil
Best for Large Cats: The Anxious Pet Relax & Roll Hemp Oil

We've carefully selected the best of the best in the world of CBD oil for cats, including an overall winner and four category winners.

Our top pick is a CBD oil that will provide benefits to most felines. In addition, the four other category winners are designed for cats with specific needs, such as those dealing with allergies or arthritis pain.

1. Best Overall: CBDfx Pet Tincture

CBDfx Pet Tincture is a standout product that we love for its enticing bacon flavor, high potency and human-grade ingredients. What’s more, its vegan and non-GMO formula speaks to the overt quality of the CBD oil and the company’s emphasis on sustainability.

Pros

Potent 250 mg CBD per 30 mL bottle
Made with human-grade, organic ingredients
Contains broad-spectrum CBD oil
Enticing bacon flavor and scent

Cons

Difficult to measure very small doses

With 250 mg broad-spectrum CBD in a 30 mL bottle, CBDfx Pet Tincture is more potent than many CBD oils for cats. This makes it a good choice for cats with more serious pain or intense anxiety. The high potency also means giving your cat a smaller volume of CBD oil, which makes dosing easier, especially for picky cats.

CBDfx Pet Tincture is medically reviewed by veterinarians, which gives us even more confidence in its potency and safety. Plus, the company has it tested for CBD content and impurities in an independent laboratory.

Customer Reviews

CBDfx Pet Tincture is a customer favorite, particularly among those with aging cats. Many rave about its ability to alleviate joint pain and provide comfort, allowing their felines to move more freely and enjoy activities like climbing stairs and jumping into bed. Those reviewers often note that this effect builds over time with regular use of CBD oil.

Another common use for this CBD oil is to calm kitties down during big life transitions. We saw reviews from people who administered CBDfx Pet Tincture before bringing home a second cat and from owners who give their kitties this oil before moving to a new apartment.

Owners of picky cats praise this CBD oil for its bacon flavor. Cats who won’t eat natural, hemp-flavored CBD oil often eat this one willingly.

About the Company

CBDfx is one of the pioneers in the CBD industry. They approach every step of the CBD manufacturing process with precision. They only buy organic hemp from U.S. farms. They use a specialized CO2 extraction method to isolate the CBD, which increases purity.

Their products are all medically reviewed by veterinarians or specialists in human medicine. And to ensure customers are always happy, they offer a 60-day guarantee — one of the best in the industry.

Specs

CBDfx Pet Tincture comes in a 30 mL (1-ounce) bottle with a dropper lid.
Each bottle contains 250 mg CBD.
One 1 mL dropper is a single dose, but CBDfx recommends starting with a smaller amount and working your way up.

2. Best for Arthritis: Penelope’s Bloom

Penelope’s Bloom offers both topical and oral products made with potent full-spectrum CBD oil, which is why we recommend this brand as the best CBD oil for cats with arthritis. The terpenes and cannabinoids in these full-spectrum formulas are designed to enhance pain and inflammation relief.

Pros

Made with full-spectrum CBD oil containing beneficial terpenes
Topical and oral CBD products are available
Potent formulas for pain and inflammation relief
Oral CBD oil has a natural salmon flavor

Cons

Some customers find the strong salmon scent off-putting

Penelope’s Bloom Cat CBD Oil is a delicious, salmon-flavored liquid that contains 150 mg CBD per bottle. It contains wild Alaskan salmon oil, which is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, and DHA for joint support.

Penelope’s Bloom also uses MCT oil in this product, which makes it easy to digest. The dropper included with the bottle is easy to use and measures 1 mL of CBD oil.

Penelope’s Bloom Pet CBD Balm is recommended for cats and dogs. It’s a full-spectrum product that comes in 150 mg and 300 mg formulas. The shea butter cream is soothing on the skin, and essential oils, like lavender and jojoba oils, make this product even more relaxing. Not only can it help soothe joint pain, but it can also moisturize dry paw pads, noses, and elbows.

Oral and topical CBD products give cat owners the best of both worlds. The CBD tincture is a versatile solution for pain relief and comfort, while the CBD balm targets common skin issues like dermatitis and dry skin.

Review Summary

Customers rave about the flavor of Penelope’s Bloom Cat CBD Oil. The salmon flavor entices cats who usually turn up their nose at CBD remedies. Some reviewers report that their arthritic cats seem happier and more mobile after a single dose of this CBD oil.

Penelope’s Bloom Pet CBD Balm is also well-liked by owners of arthritic cats. Many prefer the stronger 300 mg potency for cats with chronic joint pain. They find it starts working within a few minutes, and the effects build with regular use.

Cats who are hesitant to have the balm applied often become more willing after a few applications — once they realize the balm makes them feel better.

About the Company

Penelope’s Bloom focuses specifically on making CBD products for pets. They aim to create formulas that are effective for dogs and cats, and also easy for pet owners to use and apply.

The company contracts with an independent lab for all necessary testing. You can check out the lab reports on their website. They often offer discounts for customers who buy more than one product per order.

Specs

Penelope’s Bloom Cat CBD Oil comes in a 30 mL bottle containing 150 mg CBD.
The company recommends using 1 mL oil per dose, either squeezed into the cat’s mouth or mixed into food.
Penelope’s Bloom Pet CBD Balm comes in a 28-gram jar. Choose between 150 mg and 30 mg strengths.
The company recommends using your fingers or a soft cloth to apply a small amount of balm to the sore or painful areas as needed.

3. Best for Allergy-Prone Cats: Zatural Broad Spectrum CBD Oil for Cats

For feline friends with allergies, we recommend Zatural Broad Spectrum CBD Oil for Cats as the best CBD oil option. This product contains only two simple yet powerful ingredients: organic, non-GMO broad-spectrum CBD oil and sativa hemp seed oil.

Pros

Contains only 2 simple, organic, non-GMO ingredients
Comes in a convenient dropper bottle
Tested and confirmed free from pesticide residue
High in anti-inflammatory fatty acids

Cons

Zatural does not ship to Idaho

If your cat is prone to allergies, you should try using limited-ingredient products, as the fewer ingredients a product has, the lower the likelihood of their pet experiencing an allergic reaction. Zatural's straightforward formula is a great choice for cats with allergies.

Zatural Broad Spectrum CBD Oil for Cats is also a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation related to allergies. We also appreciate that it’s been tested in a third-party lab and verified to be free from potential contaminants.

Customer Review

Customers use this hemp CBD oil for many different purposes. Some find it effective in relieving the itching their cats experience during dry weather or at the peak of pollen season. Others say it helps combat irritability and itchiness after a cat has had fleas.

Zatural Broad Spectrum CBD Oil does have a distinct hemp scent. However, many cats have no problem ingesting it when mixed with highly aromatic food, such as tuna or salmon.

Reviewers with smaller cats also appreciate this oil's moderate 75 mg potency. They can give their cats a smaller dose of CBD oil without having to measure out an unusually tiny volume.

About the Company

The story of Zatural began with a naturopathic doctor who saw the potential of natural remedies, including CBD. Starting with products for human use, the company quickly expanded their offerings to include options for our furry friends.

Their commitment to high-quality CBD oil and organic ingredients has earned them several awards, including the 2013 Nutra Award for Best New Ingredient.

The company is dedicated to using only organic ingredients, ensuring the highest quality products for their customers. In addition, they offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on all of their offerings, giving you peace of mind when making a purchase.

Specs

Zatural Broad Spectrum CBD Oil for Cats comes in a 1-ounce bottle containing 75 mg CBD.
The instructions recommend giving your cat 1 - 2 mL per day.
This oil can be fed directly, mixed into cat food, or applied to a treat.

4. Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Green Roads Pet CBD Oil

If you're looking for a CBD oil that can help soothe your cat's sensitive stomach, consider giving Green Roads Pet CBD Oil a try.

Pros

Formulated with MCT oil for easy absorption and digestion
Does not contain any artificial colors or flavorings
Designed by pharmacists
2 mg/mL formula can be given to cats and also small dogs

Cons

Some find the “push to open” bottle lid hard to operate

Formulated by pharmacists with fast absorption in mind, this CBD oil is free from any artificial flavors or colors that could irritate a cat's digestive system. It’s also made with MCT oil, a type of oil generally well-tolerated by cats.

This combination of quality ingredients and expert formulation makes Green Roads Pet CBD Oil the perfect choice for cats with sensitive stomachs prone to nausea or digestive upset.

Green Roads Pet CBD Oil comes in three strengths, but the lowest potency of 2 mg per mL is recommended for cats and small dogs. This oil has been tested in a third-party lab, and you can review the lab reports on the company’s website.

Green Roads recommends using this hemp-derived CBD oil to calm cats during stressful situations, such as before a visit to the vet. It may also have anti-aging benefits, such as arthritis pain relief and improved skin health.

Customer Reviews

Several customers give their cats this hemp-derived CBD oil before a change in routine like introducing a new cat to the household. They find it helps ease stress symptoms, such as excessive licking or aggression.

Green Roads CBD oil for cats appears to be well tolerated by cats with sensitive stomachs. Reviewers whose cats experienced nausea with other brands often find this one leads to less nausea and vomiting. Some give their cats half the recommended dose — just ½ dropper — to ease nausea further.

About the Company

Green Roads is a well-known CBD company that was founded by pharmacists. All of their products are formulated by pharmacists using American-grown hemp. Their manufacturing facilities are registered with the FDA, and their goal is to help people and pets by offering innovative products and excellent customer care.

Specs

Green Roads Pet CBD Oil comes in a 30 mL bottle containing 60 mg CBD
Each 1 mL dropper provides 2 mg of CBD. This oil is available in higher strengths: 7 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL. These stronger oils are recommended for dogs, not cats.
Green Roads recommends using 1 dropper of oil once per day and adjusting the dose as needed.

5. Most Potent Formula: The Anxious Pet Relax & Roll Hemp Oil

If you're looking for a potent formula for your larger cat, look no further than The Anxious Pet Relax & Roll Hemp Oil. Its high concentration of CBD, combined with the potency and entourage effect, makes it the perfect choice for cats who need that extra boost.

Pros

Strong, 400 mg CBD per bottle formula
Simple and effective — contains only 2 natural ingredients
Tested by an independent lab
Comes with a weight and age-based dosing chart

Cons

May be hard to measure a small-enough dose for a small or sensitive cat

This CBD oil for cats (and small dogs, too) stands out because of its impressive strength, with 400 mg or 800 mg of CBD per bottle. Even a few drops are enough to provide your furry friend with long-lasting relief.

Anxious Pets includes a dosing chart that takes into consideration your cat's weight and age, making it easier for you to select the perfect dose for your furry friend.

One of the key benefits of this oil is that it's a full-spectrum CBD oil product. This means it contains all of the various compounds found in the original hemp plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. This combination contributes to what is known as the "entourage effect," which essentially means that these compounds potentiate each other to provide the best results.

Anxious Pet Relax & Roll Hemp Oil contains just organic CBD oil and fractionated coconut oil. This simple formula makes it a good choice of CBD oil for cats with allergies and sensitive tummies.

The company recommends this oil to promote calmness, reduce inflammation and skin irritation, support healthy brain function, and enhance the immune system.

Customer Reviews

Reviewers enjoy giving their cats only a few drops of this oil because of its high potency. Many put it on cat treats or a tiny piece of chicken, which reportedly works well for picky cats.

We saw lots of reviews praising this oil’s anti-inflammatory benefits. Whether your cat is dealing with itchy skin or persistent sneezing, this oil can be a lifesaver.

Additionally, several reviewers have noted that it can effectively ease the pain of arthritis in older cats, helping them to get back to playing and moving around more easily. One customer even reported that her senior cat started engaging in play for the first time in years after only a few days on this powerful hemp oil.

About the Company

The Anxious Pet is a small company dedicated to helping pets and their owners live calmer, more peaceful lives. Their products are formulated by veterinarians and informed by proper research and lab testing. They source their ingredients carefully and avoid using harsh chemicals and fillers. All of their products are backed by a 60-day risk-free guarantee.

Specs

The Anxious Pet Relax + Roll Hemp Oil comes in a 30 mL dropper bottle containing 400 mg CBD.
They recommend giving this oil with food to increase the absorption of the cannabinoids.

How We Made This List

We thoroughly researched and tested various popular brands to find the best CBD oil for cats. Here are the key factors we considered to select the top five deserving recognition.

Lab Testing

Lab testing is the only reliable way to verify that a bottle of CBD oil contains as much CBD as it claims and that it’s free from pesticides and other impurities. We only featured CBD oil that has been tested by third-party laboratories with reports made publicly available.

Simple, Pure Formulas

We stayed away from really complicated formulas with a lot of preservatives and fillers. Instead, we chose simple CBD oils made with ingredients that cats tolerate well. The best CBD oil for cats usually contains hemp seed oil or human-grade MCT oil for easy digestion.

Responsible Ingredient Sourcing

All the brands featured here source their hemp from within the United States. This is an important step to ensure the quality and potency of the hemp.

We also preferred companies that use organic ingredients, with some companies going one step further to use only non-GMO and vegan ingredients.

Great Reviews

To determine the best brands of CBD oil for cats, we monitored our own cats' reactions and analyzed customer reviews. Our selection includes brands that received positive feedback and were reportedly well-tolerated by cats of various ages and breeds.

Company Policies

The best CBD companies treat their customers well. Each of the brands featured here offers an industry-leading guarantee on their products. They also have responsive customer service teams to answer your questions.

Our featured companies work with vets and animal health experts to create their CBD oil for cats, ensuring these products are safe and effective.

How to Choose the Right CBD Oil for Your Cat

With so many excellent brands of CBD oil for cats available on the market, it can be challenging to determine the best fit for your furry companion. To help make your decision, consider these important factors as you shop.

Strength or Potency

The potency of CBD oil for cats varies between brands. For instance, a 30 mL bottle from one brand may contain 100 mg CBD, while another may have 200 mg CBD in a similar bottle.

The ideal potency for your cat will depend on their size, eating habits, and the specific health issue you hope to address with CBD. The larger the cat, the more CBD they generally need.

If your cat is really picky, consider looking for a CBD oil on the stronger side. This means you’ll only have to give them a few drops of oil to deliver the needed dose.

Cats with more serious arthritis pain, severe anxiety, or aggressive behaviors may also need more CBD. It may be easier to supply the preferred dose with a stronger oil.

Flavor

Some CBD oils for cats are not flavored — they just taste like hemp oil. Others do contain added flavoring ingredients, such as salmon oil or artificial bacon flavoring.

If your cat is picky or if you’ve had trouble getting them to take CBD in the past, a flavored oil is likely your best bet. However, some customers find the strong scents of these oils unappealing and prefer to mix unflavored CBD oil into their cats’ regular food.

Added Ingredients

For cats with allergies or food sensitivities, consider CBD oils with a minimalistic formula consisting of only hemp oil and a carrier oil such as MCT oil. The fewer ingredients a product has, the lower the chance of an adverse reaction from your feline companion.

In general, you want to focus on products with few to no fillers, preservatives, or added colors. If a CBD oil does contain more than hemp oil and a carrier oil, research the additional ingredients and learn more about them.

Some added ingredients can actually be beneficial. For example, salmon oil is often added to flavor CBD oil for cats, but it’s also healthy for them. It can help reduce inflammation and improve brain function.

Lab Reports

For the most reliable results, choose CBD oils from companies that have their products tested by independent labs. These labs evaluate the CBD concentration and check for any presence of contaminants such as pesticides, ensuring the product's purity and quality.

Look for a copy of the lab reports to review. They are usually available on the company’s website.

Reviewer Notes

What a company says about their own CBD oil for cats is one thing. What reviewers say can be quite another. Read at least a few reviews before picking a CBD product.

In particular, search for reviews from customers whose cats struggle with the same issues as your own. For instance, if you are using CBD to manage your cat’s arthritis, pick a product that other reviewers praise for its arthritis pain relief. If you’re using CBD to ease your cat’s anxiety, look for one that’s well-liked by owners of other anxious cats.

Benefits of CBD Oil for Cats

There are a few benefits of CBD oil for cats when compared to other medications and remedies:

CBD oil is natural and derived from plants.
CBD oil is generally safe when sourced responsibly.
Most cats suffer few or no side effects from CBD oil.
CBD for cats offers good value and is widely available.
There are many reputable, lab-tested CBD oils made specifically for cats.
You can easily adjust your cat’s CBD dose to meet their needs.
For easier dosing you can also consider CBD cat treats

CBD oil for cats can be used to manage various health issues and is a versatile solution for many common health concerns. The following are some of the most common reasons cat owners give their pets CBD.

Inflammation Relief

CBD is thought to interact with various neural and hormonal pathways to trigger an anti-inflammatory response. As such, CBD is a common remedy for cats with inflammatory conditions, including arthritis and allergies.

Pain

Pet owners also report that their pets experience relief from pain after being given CBD. Some use it to relieve pain from arthritis or joint ailments. Others use it for pain related to cancer or other serious diagnoses.

Anxiety

Cats with anxiety can display a complex range of symptoms. They may flick their tail, freeze in place, act aggressively, or experience dilated pupils. Cats may become anxious when separated from their owners, when riding in the car, or when a new cat is introduced to the household.

CBD can help prevent or ease your cat’s anxiety. In doing so, it can also help ease anxiety-related behaviors such as excessive meowing or scratching on furniture.

How Much CBD Oil You Should You Give to Your Cat

Finding the ideal dose of CBD for your cat can take some trial and error as every feline reacts differently to the supplement.

Generally, a good starting point is to give your cat 1 mg CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight for mild symptoms. Use up to 3 mg CBD per 10 pounds of body weight for moderate symptoms. You can give up to 5 mg CBD per 10 pounds of body weight for severe symptoms.

You’ll need to know the concentration of CBD in your CBD oil to determine how much CBD oil to give your cat. For example, if you have a 30 mL bottle of oil that contains 90 mg CBD, this oil contains 3 mg CBD per mL. Divide 90 mg by 30 mL to get 3 mg/mL. For a 3 mg dose, you would give your cat 1 mL of the oil. For a 1.5 mg dose, you’d give them 0.5 mL.

Most CBD oils come with dosing instructions. Check these for reference. It’s often best to start your cat on less than the full recommended dose of CBD oil. This gives them time to adapt to the flavor.

It also gives you time to watch for side effects such as lethargy and nausea. If your cat does not show any side effects and eats the CBD willingly, you can increase their dose after a few days.

If you're looking for a more convenient way to administer CBD to your feline friend, consider using CBD cat treats. These treats come pre-measured with a specific dose of CBD, making it easier to ensure that your cat receives the right amount each time.

How to Give Your Cat CBD Oil

If your cat is not very picky, you can give them CBD oil straight out of the dropper. Simply hold the dropper in front of them and let them lick the CBD oil as you squeeze. This tends to work best with flavored oils.

You can also mix CBD oil into your cat’s food. Picky cats like it best in really smelly foods, such as salmon or tuna formulas.

Finally, try giving your cat some CBD oil on top of a treat. Squeeze it onto your cat’s favorite moist cat food or even onto a tempting piece of chicken.

Side Effects of CBD for Cats

Most cats do not experience any side effects when given CBD for cats. Occasionally, a cat will develop nausea, diarrhea, or lethargy after ingesting CBD oil. Such cases don’t typically require vet care. The symptoms should pass once the CBD wears off.

If your cat experiences side effects with CBD, try reducing their dose. You can also try switching to a CBD oil with a simpler formula. Your cat may be reacting to an inactive ingredient in the CBD oil rather than the CBD itself.

FAQs

What does CBD stand for?

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It’s one of several compounds in hemp flowers that have been found to have therapeutic properties. Other cannabinoids include CBN (cannabinol) and CBG (cannabigerol).

Does CBD make your cat feel high?

No, while CBD can help your cat feel relaxed and less anxious, it does not make them feel high. CBD is a non-psychotropic substance. It’s sometimes confused with THC, which is also found in some strains of cannabis.

THC does have psychoactive effects, but it is not safe for cats and can cause serious side effects like loss of coordination, urinary incontinence and a decrease in body temperature.

Is CBD oil safe for cats?

The safety of CBD oil for cats is still under investigation and more research is needed. However, it is generally considered safe for cats to consume in moderate doses under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Not all CBD products are created equal and some may contain harmful additives. It's recommended to use a high-quality, veterinary-recommended CBD oil for your furry companion.

How common is CBD oil for cats?

CBD oil is generally to help manage cats’ symptoms and support their overall health. One study conducted in 2021 found that 50% of pet owners reported using CBD for their cat or dog. Interestingly, 74% of those who gave their pets CBD were likely or very likely to recommend other pet owners do the same.

What if your cat doesn’t show an improvement while on CBD oil?

If you give your pet some CBD oil for cats and do not see an improvement in symptoms, be patient. Sometimes, it takes a few doses for CBD to have the desired effect. This is especially the case when using CBD to treat pain or inflammation.

You can also try increasing your cat’s dose of CBD. For example, if you have been giving them 2 mg of CBD, try giving them 3 mg instead. Some cats need more CBD than others to experience relief.

Conclusion

Any caring cat parent knows how important it is to keep their furry friends feeling their best. CBD oil can do just that. With its powerful anti-inflammatory properties and ability to manage a variety of health concerns, it's no wonder more and more cat owners are turning to this natural solution.

The best CBD oil for cats should be a quality product made by a company that works with animal health experts and conducts independent lab testing. And remember, finding the right dose for your cat may take trial and error, but seeing the positive results will be worth it.