The purpose of our CBD dosage guide for your cat is to give you tips and a place to start that will help your fury friend. There is no official dosage guidelines from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or veterinarian bodies. Finding the amount of CBD to achieve the best results for your cat varies depending on the individual cat.
The average ideal weight for cats is about 10 pounds according to Pet WebMD but it does vary by breed. A Siamese cat may weigh as few as 5 pounds, while a Maine Coon can be 25 pounds and healthy. It is now more common for indoor cats to be overweight and obese.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Cats?
The general answer is yes with more research is needed. Research has shown that all animals, including vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish) and invertebrates (sea urchins, leeches, mussels, nematodes, and others) have been found to have endocannabinoid systems.
The endocannabinoid system is universal to all animal’s species besides insects and produces the same interactions regardless of the species. CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system which supports and promotes balance within the body.
Basic Dosing Rules for Cats
Rule #1: Start Low
It is best to start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over time until you find the optimal dose for your cat. Having patience is essential during the process as your cat might not immediately get results. It could take several days or even weeks before achieving the desired results.
Rule #2: No One Size Fits All
Not every cat is going to be the same. Factors that affect optimal dosage are weight, genetics, physical condition and body chemistry. Finding the optimal dose for your cat will involve some experimentation and possibly will need to be adjusted over time.
Rule #3: Find the Right Dose
It is important to find the right dose for your cat to achieve success. Many cat owners don’t take the time to find the optimal dose and declare that CBD doesn’t work for their cat.
Finding the Optimal CBD Dosage for Your Cat
The amount of CBD your cat will need can depend on a few factors including the animal’s age, body weight, diet, and health condition. The first step is choosing a starting dose or serving size in milligrams of CBD. It is important to start with a low amount, especially if your cat is taking CBD for the first time. CBD Oil can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to take effect.
For Minor Conditions:
A general guideline is to start out by giving your cat 0.5 milligrams of CBD per 10 pounds of weight at minimal twice a day. Ideally, once in the morning and once in the evening.
For Mild Conditions:
A general guideline is to start out by giving your cat 1.5 milligrams of CBD per 10 pounds of weight at minimal twice a day. Ideally, once in the morning and once in the evening.
For Severe Conditions:
A general guideline is to start out by giving your cat 2.5 milligrams of CBD per 10 pounds of weight at minimal twice a day. Ideally, once in the morning and once in the evening.
If your cat is not experiencing the benefits CBD has to offer after 3-4 days, then increase the amount slightly by adding 1 drop each time you give the CBD oil. Keep slowly increasing the dose every 3-4 days until the desired effects are achieved. This will be the optimal dose for your cat.
Best Way to Give CBD Oil to Your Cat
Method #1
Directly feed your cat, pet tinctures come with a dropper that makes it easy to give your cat. This can be the simplest way to give your cat CBD oil if your cat likes the taste. There are great tasting flavors out there like catnip that will get your cat excited. Place a drop at the end of the dropper near your cat’s mouth and nose. Hopefully, your cat will lick the dropper.
Method #2
You might have to be assertive, wrap you cat in a towel for comfort and hold your cat. At this point it is helpful to pet your cat and have the dropper handy. Now, slightly lift your cats head by the jaw and hold in place. Place the dropper in its mouth and slowly squeeze the dropper giving the desired dose. It is important not to overwhelm your cat by giving a large dose too fast. Allow your cat time to intake the oil and swallow.
Method #3
Add the CBD oil to treats or food. Place the CBD oil onto a treat or food by evenly spreading the dose and give to your cat.
Method #4
Some cats are just picky and there is no way they are going to put anything in their mouth that doesn’t taste like a treat. Bake your own cat treats with CBD oil in them.
Affordable CBD for Cat
Leaftonics offers CBD products that are among the highest quality, all natural, 100% organic, USA grown hemp and most affordable CBD options available for your cat. Offered in three potencies 200mg, 400mg and 1,000mg. There are five different flavors to choose from: bacon, catnip, chicken, fish and peanut butter. Click here to shop our CBD oil for pets.
