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How Long Does CBD Stay in a Cat’s System? Is It Safe?

CBD oil has been growing more and more popular in recent years. It has many benefits for humans, such as managing anxiety and relieving pain, but it can also help cats. It is believed that CBD oil can help cats with anxiety, arthritis, and appetite stimulation, making it a useful supplement.

If you give your cat CBD oil, you should know how long the oil will be in their system. Typically, a CBD oil dosage does not need to be repeated in cats for another 8-12 hours, meaning the oil stays in their system for about that long. But how much should you give your cat, and how long does it take for the effects to settle in?

You should always consult your vet regarding specialized health questions, but we can help provide you with some general guidance.

cat face divider 2 How Much CBD Should I Give to My Cat?

At the moment, there are almost no FDA-approved CBD products.  Since federal regulations are lacking for CBD oil, there is no approved standard dosage for cats. Because of this, you should speak to your veterinarian before giving any CBD products to your cat.

There are a few elements to consider when determining an appropriate dosage for your cat. These include your pet’s weight and the concentration of the CBD oil product. The recommended dosage is 0.2 to 0.25 milligrams (mg) of CBD oil per pound of your cat’s weight.

pet owner giving CBD oil
Image Credit: Pixabay

General CBD Dosage Chart for Cats

Since there is not a standard CBD oil dosage for cats, it is recommended that you give your cat less than you think they may need rather than more. An overdose of CBD oil can lead to significant health issues for your cat.

CBD Dosage Chart

Pet Weight Regular Dosage (0.25 mg X 1 lb bodyweight) Strong Dosage (0.5 mg X 1 lb bodyweight)
2 lbs 0.5 mg of CBD = 0.1 capsules 1.0 mg of CBD = 0.2 capsules
4 lbs 1.0 mg of CBD = 0.2 capsules 2.0 mg of CBD = 0.4 capsules
6 lbs 1.5 mg of CBD = 0.3 capsules 3.0 mg of CBD = 0.6 capsules
8 lbs 2.0 mg of CBD = 0.4 capsules 4.0 mg of CBD = 0.8 capsules
10 lbs 2.5 mg of CBD = 0.5 capsules (1/2 capsule) 5.0 mg of CBD = 1.0 capsules (1 full capsule)
12 lbs 3.0 mg of CBD = 0.6 capsules 6.0 mg of CBD = 1.2 capsules
14 lbs 3.5 mg of CBD = 0.7 capsules 7.0 mg of CBD = 1.4 capsules
16 lbs 4.0 mg of CBD = 0.8 capsules 8.0 mg of CBD = 1.6 capsules
18 lbs 4.5 mg of CBD = 0.9 capsules 9.0 mg of CBD = 1.8 capsules
20 lbs 5.0 mg of CBD = 1.0 capsules (1 full capsule) 10 mg of CBD = 2.0 capsules (2 full capsules)

How Long Does It Take for CBD To Take Effect?

Although it can differ depending on your cat’s weight, you may start to notice effects after 15 minutes. However, the full effects take longer to kick in. It generally takes 1-2 hours for the effects of CBD oil to settle in.

giving cat cbd oil
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

Is CBD Oil Safe for Cats?

CBD oil is believed to be safe for cats when given the correct dosage.  However, the lack of CBD product regulation can be a cause for concern. A study has shown that some CBD products have more or less CBD than they advertise on the bottle, and others have no CBD at all.

Other studies have shown that harmful contaminants can be found in some CBD products. With that in mind, it is essential to do proper research to determine the safest CBD oil product for your pet.

cat face divider 2 Conclusion

CBD oil can have benefits for your cat if used properly. Knowing how long CBD will remain in your cat’s system is an integral part of dosing your cat to ensure they have the healthiest experience with CBD oil. CBD can be a great tool to supplement your cat’s health, so don’t shy away from trying it!

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Featured Image Credit: Erin Stone, Pixabay

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