Will CBD Help My Cat With Seizures & Epilepsy? What You Should Know (Vet-Reviewed)

Like humans, cats can be affected by seizures and epilepsy. During a seizure, your cat’s body will convulse uncontrollably.  This causes the body to twitch, tremor, or shake. When a cat has repeated seizures, they are typically considered to have epilepsy. Some forms of seizures are caused by brain disease or tumors. For other forms, the causes are unknown.

Your veterinarian may recommend various treatments, depending on what is causing your cat’s seizures and epilepsy. There are also natural remedies that you can try, which may not treat the seizures but may anecdotally help improve your cat’s overall condition. One such option is CBD. But does CBD help with seizures and epilepsy in cats? Current research on the effectiveness of CBD for cats experiencing seizures or epilepsy isn’t conclusive. Let’s discuss the topic here.

What Exactly Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, more commonly referred to as CBD, is an active ingredient found in the cannabis plant. CBD can be harvested from the hemp plant or artificially manufactured. CBD does not contain much THC if any at all, so it does not produce any psychoactive effects and will not make your kitty feel "high" like marijuana.

The Different Types of CBD

There are three types of CBD available on the market and in prescription form. The first is full-spectrum CBD, which is extracted from multiple compounds found in the cannabis plant. This type of CBD may contain minuscule amounts of THC.

The second type of CBD is referred to as broad spectrum, which goes through an extra extraction process that the full spectrum does not to ensure that absolutely no THC is left behind. Finally, there is CBD isolate, which is pure CBD, as every other compound is extracted.

Please note that there are currently no FDA-approved CBD products for pets. In the US, CBD is legal on a government level; however, individual state laws may vary and regulation over CBD products intended for pets might not be stringent. Therefore, it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian to determine which type of CBD would be the best option for your cat.

How Can CBD Help Your Cat With Seizures and Epilepsy?

The use of CBD for seizures and epilepsy in dogs is well studied. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for cats at this point, and existing research suggests that more investigation is needed with regards to the use of CBD in cats ¹.

The way CBD works is that it uses the body’s cannabinoid receptors to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system plays a role in the sleep cycle and motor regulation. When CBD is introduced to the ECS, it helps inhibit a pain receptor thought to be at least partly responsible for seizures. The FDA has approved a specific form of CBD for a prescription to treat seizures and epilepsy in humans. However, as there are no FDA-approved CBD products for cats, it cannot be definitively said that CBD will help a cat who suffers from seizures or epilepsy.

In Conclusion

While CBD can be beneficial to cats that suffer from seizures and epilepsy, it is important to talk to your veterinarian before administering any form of the compound to your kitty. Take the time to research other potential treatment options that could be paired with CBD for optimal results. As research for felines is not as extensive as that of canines, it’s important to tread cautiously before deciding to use CBD for your pet.

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