CBD Oil for Cats: What New Research Reveals

If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably noticed the growing interest in CBD for pets. People are using it to support everything from stress and behaviour to general wellbeing. And while dogs receive most of the attention, cat owners are now asking the same questions: Could CBD help my cat feel calmer? Is it safe? What does the science actually say?

A new 2025 study gives us one of the clearest pictures yet of how healthy cats respond to CBD. It followed nine adult cats for 24 hours after a single oral dose of CBD oil, observing everything from behaviour to physical reactions.

In this article, we break down the findings, what it may mean for your cat, and where science still needs more answers.

Why Interest in CBD for Cats Is Growing

Modern cat ownership comes with its own challenges. Even well-adjusted cats can struggle with stress, whether from car journeys, vet visits, loud noises, grooming, or changes at home. And because cats mask discomfort so well, owners often look for gentle ways to support their wellbeing.

CBD has become a popular option because it is plant-based, non-psychoactive, and interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, stress responses, sleep, and overall balance. Many owners say their pets appear calmer or less reactive after CBD, but scientific evidence in cats is limited.

This new study helps fill that gap by offering controlled data about how cats respond to CBD.

The Study in Simple Terms

The study observed nine healthy, client-owned cats between one and seven years old. Each cat received a single oral capsule containing 8mg per kg of their body weight in CBD oil - a rather large single dose. Researchers then monitored them for 24 hours, assessing:

• Calmness and any signs of sedation

• How they reacted to gentle handling

• General behaviour and temperament

• Heart rate, breathing rate, and body temperature

• Sensitivity to mild pressure

• Any side effects

• Levels of CBD-related compounds in the blood

The goal was not to treat anxiety or illness, but to understand how CBD affects healthy cats.

This type of research is important because it gives us a baseline for how cats might react in everyday scenarios.

What the Study Found: CBD’s Calming Effects

The most notable finding is that many cats showed mild calming effects after taking CBD.

A window of increased relaxation

Between two and eight hours after taking CBD, several cats appeared more relaxed. They weren’t heavily sedated; they simply showed behaviours associated with drowsiness or reduced alertness, such as slower movement or less interest in external stimuli. For everyday readers, this is best described as a “gentle calmness”.

Improved handling tolerance

During this same period, the cats were also easier to handle. They were more cooperative during assessments, showing less resistance when touched or gently restrained.

This may be relevant for stressful but non-painful situations such as grooming, claw clipping, or routine examinations. The study does not claim CBD treats anxiety, but it does suggest CBD may temporarily help cats feel more settled.

Individual differences

Not all cats reacted in the same way. One cat experienced deeper sedation that lasted longer, while others displayed only subtle changes. This variation reflects what many owners already know: cats are individuals, and their responses can differ.

What Didn’t Change: Pain Sensitivity and Vital Signs

The researchers also looked at whether CBD altered the cats’ sensitivity to touch or mild pressure. Using standard tools, they measured how quickly the cats reacted to gentle mechanical stimulation.

CBD did not significantly change these responses. The cats were not more sensitive, nor were they less sensitive. This helps separate calmness from numbness: the cats were relaxed, not dulled.

Their physiological measurements also remained stable:

• Heart rate stayed within normal ranges

• Breathing rate did not show meaningful changes

• Body temperature stayed steady

This suggests that CBD did not place noticeable stress on the cats’ cardiovascular or respiratory systems.

Potential Side Effects to Be Aware Of

Even natural supplements can cause side effects, and CBD is no exception. In this study, the side effects were mild and temporary but worth noting.

Possible reactions observed:

• Drowsiness or increased sleepiness

• Hypersalivation (drooling) immediately after the capsule

• A single episode of vomiting in two cats

• Slight redness of the ears in one cat

• A temporary increase in one liver enzyme (AST), which returned to normal later

These effects were generally short-lived, but they highlight that cats can be sensitive. For example, the taste or texture of CBD oil may contribute to drooling or vomiting in some cats.

Cats with pre-existing liver disease should be monitored more closely, as liver enzymes can respond to new supplements.

What This Means for Cat Owners

Although this was a small study, it offers useful insights into how CBD may affect cats in a real-world setting.

A natural support during stressful moments

The most relevant takeaway is the two-to-eight-hour window where calmer behaviour was observed. This might make CBD a helpful supportive option during challenging events such as:

• Car rides

• Vet or grooming appointments

• Moving to a new home

• Introducing new pets or guests

• Busy or noisy periods

CBD is not a cure for behavioural issues, but it may help reduce the intensity of a cat’s stress response in specific moments.

A gentle effect rather than a strong sedative

Owners often worry that CBD might make their cat “out of it”. This study suggests that when cats do become calmer, the effect is mild rather than heavy or disorienting.

Important Limitations to Keep in Mind

This study offers valuable insights, but more research is needed. A few limitations include:

• Only nine cats were involved

• There was no placebo group

• All cats were healthy

• Only one dose was administered, and it was rather large

• Long-term effects were not evaluated

• The unfamiliar environment may have influenced behaviour

These factors don’t invalidate the findings, but they do mean we should look at them as a starting point rather than definitive conclusions.

Using This Information Responsibly

If you’re curious about trying CBD for your cat, here are a few guidance points based on the evidence we have:

Speak to your vet first

Especially if your cat has health issues or takes other medication. CBD can interact with certain drugs.

Choose pet-specific CBD products

Human CBD products may contain ingredients or carrier oils that are not suitable for cats. Look for options that are:

• Clearly labelled

• THC-free

• Batch-tested

• Transparent about ingredients

Introduce slowly

Starting gradually allows you to observe your cat’s individual response without overwhelming their system.

Monitor behaviour and appetite

Every cat is different. Pay attention to how yours reacts, especially during the first few uses.

Conclusion: A Promising Step Towards Understanding CBD for Cats

This new study helps bring clarity to an area where pet owners have long relied on anecdotal evidence. It suggests that CBD may help healthy cats feel calmer and more cooperative for a few hours without affecting vital signs or touch sensitivity. The side effects observed were mostly mild and temporary.

While more research is needed, especially in anxious or unwell cats, these findings offer reassurance to owners who are considering CBD as a natural way to support their cat’s wellbeing. As always, working with your vet and choosing high-quality products is key.

With thoughtful use, CBD may offer gentle support for modern cats facing everyday stressors, helping them navigate challenging moments with a little more ease.

Curious to learn more? Reach out with any questions - our team is here to help!

Sources

[1] Wanapinit K, Niyom S, Suriyawongpongsa P, Khathatip S, Tancharoen K, Roytrakul S, Ploypetch S. Evaluation of Cannabidiol Oil's Effects on Sedation, Behavioral Responses to Handling, and Nociceptive Thresholds in Healthy Cats. Animals (Basel). 2025 Jul 6;15(13):1987.