Pet parents have turned to CBD oil for ailments like pain, anxiety, and inflammation. If you’re just starting out using CBD oil for your pet, you might be wondering if you can give your cat too much and what the consequences would be if you did.
Like many substances, too much of something, even something useful, can have side effects. CBD oil is no different, and it is possible to give your cat too much. The side effects your cat can experience range from minor to more severe.
The 5 Tips for Cat CBD Dosages
Regarding CBD oil, there are a few rules you can follow that will ensure you establish an appropriate routine for your pet.
1. Always Start Small
Use CBD oil designed for animals and not humans because their dosage will differ from ours. Stick to the smallest dosage recommended by the product, which will be based on your pet’s weight. It’s easy enough to increase a dose, but you can’t remove it from your pet once it’s been ingested. Starting small will reduce the risk of side effects.
2. Be Consistent
It can take time to notice the benefits of CBD oil, so be patient. With consistent use, CBD builds up over time, and it’s important to give your cat’s body time to adjust. Aim for a minimum of 30 days before you make changes.
Once you notice the benefits, don’t change the amount your pet takes. If you give your pet the correct dose, they won’t build up a tolerance, and there is no need to change anything.
3. Take Dosage Into Account When Combining Products
CBD is sold in different forms, from oil and tincture to treats. You can split the daily amount of CBD treatment between different products. This is especially useful if your cat is difficult about taking it one way; there is always another you can try.
4. Every Cat Is Different
Just because one cat requires a certain amount of CBD doesn’t mean the same is true for another cat, even if they are the same size. Just like humans, cats are unique, and so are their needs. We recommend taking it slowly and starting small, so you can react to your cat’s responses.
5. Make Sure the Product Is THC-Free
Always do your research and get your CBD products from a reputable source. A reliable product will provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) which proves the ingredients used are trustworthy and accurate. In most cases, you’ll find that CBD oil doesn’t contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gives marijuana the psychoactive properties that get users “high.” CBD products for animals should be hemp-derived and THC-free.
Potential Side Effects of Too Much CBD Oil
If you make the mistake of giving your cat too much CBD oil, they may experience a few symptoms:
- Dry mouth (which presents as drinking more)
- Lethargy/drowsiness
- Low blood pressure/dizziness
- Vomiting or diarrhea
If your cat experiences any of these symptoms, generally, there won’t be any treatment required. If it’s a large dose, especially where THC is present, symptoms might be more severe. This would include, but is not limited to:
- Ataxia (coordination and balance is affected)
- Hyperesthesia (excessive physical sensitivity)
- Incontinence
You might need to confine your pet to a safe space to prevent injury. Your cat may also require IV fluids and anti-nausea medication. If you are ever concerned about your cat, contact your vet immediately.
Final Thoughts
When used correctly, CBD oil can be a beneficial resource for helping ailments like anxiety. However, to avoid side effects, make sure you always follow the instructions carefully to ensure your cat is getting the right amount. Ensure you use a high-quality CBD product, and if your pet ever experiences adverse side effects, stop using the product immediately and contact your vet.
Featured Image Credit: Velement, Shutterstock
