6 Potential Side Effects of CBD Oils for Cats: Vet-Reviewed Science & Facts

Many cat owners are turning to holistic approaches and natural supplements like CBD oils to treat their felines. As these alternative treatments keep undergoing research, it isn't much of a surprise that more pet owners are getting invested in the oils.

Although substantial research studies on these natural oils are still ongoing, the findings and the health benefits of CBD oils on humans look incredibly promising.¹

However, there haven't been official significant scientific findings on the oil's impacts on pets, even though research on humans has proven effective. So, is CBD oil safe for cats?

What Is CBD Oil?

The cannabis plant contains over a hundred active compounds that humans have been using to treat various ailments for a long time. Cannabidiol, or simply CBD, is one of the main compounds extracted from the plant to be used for medicinal purposes.

After extraction, the CBD compound is generally mixed in with oils like coconut, olive, avocado, hempseed, and palm oil. These oils act as carriers, just like essential oils, and have been used orally.

The primary purpose of the extraction of this compound from the cannabis plant is to create a high concentration of CBD, a substance with medicinal and therapeutic properties. Unlike the major active compound in cannabis—tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—CBD does not have a euphoric or psychoactive effect that may leave its users "high."

Since CBD is not mind-altering, cat enthusiasts have been using it to try and improve their pets' quality of life and treat feline issues.

How Do CBD Oils Work in Cats?

Animals such as cats and dogs have an endocannabinoid system that helps keep their bodies healthy. This system works as the body's control system and manages many functions and processes.

Since it is innate, kitties produce endocannabinoid substances known as endogenous cannabinoids. After release, these substances travel in the bloodstream and help the cat's body system maintain an internal balance known as homeostasis. This balance dictates to the body how it should respond to external events.

Therefore, when the CBD enters the body, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system to modify how it works (either by enhancing or inhibiting its function). For this reason, some people have considered using CBD oil as a gentle supplement for their felines.

However, as much as some cat parents attest to major success in managing their feline's various health concerns using these oils, you should understand that cats and humans don't process supplements the same way. For this reason, it would be best to contact a veterinarian before giving any to your kitty.

Potential Side Effects of CBD Oils for Cats

Although no research has confirmed the substance's safety and effectiveness in cats, some research on doses has found that CBD oils are generally safe for cats. However, cat owners need to stay alert and consider potential side effects after administering CBD oil to their cats.

It would be best to visit the vet or ensure that you adhere to the correct dosage to combat the effects. Check out some of the adverse effects of CBD oils on your kitty.

1. Drowsiness

Although some cat parents may use CBD oils to treat stress and anxiety in cats, the calming effect afterward can turn to drowsiness, especially with high doses.

2. Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal upset is the most common adverse reaction of CBD oils for cats, especially if it manifests as diarrhea. However, cat owners can find it hard to know whether the bowel issue's real cause is the oil or something else. Therefore, it’s important to have a veterinarian assess your cat’s diarrhea issues.

3. Vomiting

Another common side effect of giving CBD oil to your kitty is vomiting. The reason is that the CBD oil may alter the gut’s normal function (especially if overdosed), resulting in your cat vomiting.

Although some CBD products are designed to not cause vomiting or to minimize the odds of vomiting, it can take you a lot of effort and time to find the ideal one for your kitty. It is vital to determine if the vomiting is due to the oil and take appropriate actions like consulting with a vet, since excessive vomiting can dehydrate your pet and make them feel worse.

4. Potential to Interact and Inhibit Other Pet Meds

CBD substance is an inhibitor of many enzymes that metabolize drugs in the liver. The interaction has the potential to affect the metabolism of any drug that your pet might be using. Some pets may also experience a rise in their liver enzymes on regular blood testing. For this reason, cat owners need to check with their vets for recommendations and advice on which drugs to use and the ones to stop when initiating CBD oils.

5. Lowering of Blood Pressure

You can expose your kitty to a drop in blood pressure if you administer the CBD oils in high doses. Your cat may start experiencing a brief feeling of light-headedness, and they may feel sluggish and sleepy.

It would be best to check with a vet immediately and mention that you were treating them using CBD oil.

6. Dry Mouth

Saliva in a cat's mouth signals good health. It helps maintain a feline's dental hygiene. However, according to scientific research, CBD oils can decrease saliva production in cats, causing their mouths to dry.

Mouth dryness can affect a kitty's teeth and gums and cause bad breath and difficulty in swallowing. For this reason, your kitty gets thirsty faster and drinks more water than usual to make up for the lack of fluids in the mouth.

If you notice this effect in your pet, it would be best to reduce the CBD dose and seek help from a veterinarian if it does not get better.

Final Thoughts

Cat parents share an incredible bond with their pets and will always find ways to ensure their cats' health and well-being. While the efficacy of this holistic treatment is still inconclusive, there's no doubt that this versatile oil might be beneficial to your feline's well-being and happiness.

Although it may be tempting to share a dog's or human's CBD oil with your cat, only give your cat something tailor-made for them. The reason is that ingredients that may benefit humans may be harmful to your feline friend.

As always, cat owners should check with vets first before introducing these supplements to their pets.

See also:

• Best CBD Oils for Cats

• Can Cats Eat Hemp Seeds?

Featured Image Credit: Lightcube, Shutterstock