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Home » How Long Does CBD Take To Work On Cats?

How Long Does CBD Take To Work On Cats?

April 12, 2023

So you’ve taken the plunge and purchased CBD for your cats. And you’ve read up on how to administer it to them. And now you’re asking yourself, how long will the cat CBD oil take to work? 

Typically, the effects of CBD will begin in the first 15 minutes. For the next half hour it will proceed to reach full effect, and you can expect that dosage to last the next four to six hours. 

Remember that CBD is non psychoactive, so your cat won’t be getting “high”. But there’s a lot of effects that CBD can help your cat with. 

How Does CBD Work In Cats?

If you would like to understand how does CBD oil help to relieve ailments in cats, you must first understand the endocannabinoid system. CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which can help to control a cats mood or their appetite. CBD has been shown to improve how this complex system works, and can help ease cats with a variety of ailments including anxiety, aggression, seizures, chronic pain and could even be beneficial for cats with cancer. 

It’s important to understand that CBD still requires more extensive testing. While it is not harmful to cats, do not substitute modern medicine for CBD unless directed by a veterinarian. 

Benefits Of CBD For Cats

There are many health benefits of CBD oil for cats, as the primary benefit has to do with regulation of the endocannabinoid system. This system regulates many aspects of a cats well being, which we have already discussed above. Without repeating the specifics, there are a huge amount of benefits in CBD for cats, and the speed at which it activates in their system is a primary benefit. 

CBD Dosage For Cats

Getting the proper CBD dosage can be tricky at first, but once you get it figured out, you're all set. There's a few factors that go into the proper CBD dose for a cat, mainly the condition you intend to treat and the cat's weight. We've built a handy little calculator to find optimal CBD doses for your cat to make things a bit easier.

In short, take their body weight and ailment. For every 10 pounds, shoot for between one and three milligrams. If your feline friend has separation anxiety, aim for the lower end of the dosage. If they have chronic pain, aim for the upper end.

At the end of the day, the correct dosage depends on you and your cat. As responsible pet parents, you will learn how to give your cat CBD in the best way possible.

The chance for an overdose or eliciting psychoactive effects in cats very low, primarily because cats have fewer cannabinoid receptors than dogs. So be sure to start slow, but don't be afraid to up the dose.

How Long Does CBD Take To Work On Cats?

Moments after your cat digests the CBD it will begin to take effect, maturing somewhere between 15 and 45 minutes later. 

It’s best to administer the CBD products in cats on an empty stomach to allow the body to digest it faster. It’s safe to assume that a cat consuming CBD oil on an empty stomach will feel the effects on the shorter band - near the 15 minute mark. 

Conversely, a cat eating CBD treats with their meal will have a greater digestion process, normally resulting in a delayed full effect, probably closer to the 45 minute mark. 

How Long Will CBD Be Effective On Cats?

While CBD is relatively quick in how it affects the cat, the duration of the effects are still long. A standard range of effectiveness for CBD is between 4 and 6 hours. 

It’s important to note that while your cat may not always be feeling the effects of CBD, a little “down” time is good for them. In our case, we administer CBD to Pima in the mornings, usually around 7am with his breakfast, and before bed, usually around 11pm. 

This sort of schedule allows him to sleep comfortably at night and have a relaxing morning. By the late afternoon the CBD effects are gone and he is in his “natural” state. This works out well because we can gauge his pain levels better, and we still have a solution to help him if he becomes angry (giving him an additional dose). 

Choosing The Best CBD For Cats

The best CBD for cats is one that works for you. It’s cheeky to say, but each cat is different and each cat responds differently. Some cats much prefer a flavored oil on top of their food, while others will go crazy for the CBD treats. 

CBD cat treats work great for many pet parents as it provides greater flexibility in when it's administered. Many pet owners still prefer the oil as it's generally stronger and a better value for the money. We recommend working with both, as it provides the greatest amount of flexibility for when and how it's administered. Just remember, hemp derived CBD should be THC free unless you are trying to get your cat high, which we do not recommend.

Find the type that works best for your cat and stick to it. Cats love routines and consistency, so once you have a product that works, keep using it, your cats will thank you. 

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