Having a cat with kidney disease can be devastating and frightening. No one likes to see their feline companion suffering, and pet parents will do whatever they can to make their kitties comfortable. Kidney disease is common in aging felines, but there is hope to make them comfortable and not suffer.
CBD oil has become increasingly popular amongst humans who use it to alleviate the symptoms of a range of health conditions, including cancer, neurological disorders, mental health issues, and pain. You can also buy CBD oil for pets with certain health issues, specifically kidney disease. But does it work?
Unfortunately, the best answer we can give is ‘Maybe’.
Lack of scientific research combined with the fact that supplements are not subject to rigorous testing or certification standards means that, although there are indications that products containing CBD oil may be beneficial to cats with kidney disease, there isn’t enough evidence to prove its effectiveness…yet.
We’re going to take a closer look at the potential benefits of CBD oil for cats with renal disease, including what to look for and what to avoid.
What Is CBD Oil?
Let’s start with the basics. CBD oil comes from cannabidiol, an active compound found in the marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa. CBD oil is distinct from the other active compound called tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is responsible for the “high.” THC is also toxic for pets and should be avoided. You never want to buy CBD oil that has THC in it for your cat. Any reputable CBD oil company will omit THC for pets, but it’s wise to be aware of this.
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How Does CBD Oil Help Cats With Kidney Disease?
There is currently no evidence that CBD oil can treat, reverse, or cure kidney disease in cats. However, there has been substantial research into the therapeutic effects of this substance on humans, with studies showing that the oil can help with some of the clinical signs associated with the condition, such as vomiting, diarrhea, dry coat, and urine health. It does this by acting on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates critical bodily functions, such as pain control, thermoregulation, appetite, and inflammatory and immune responses in almost all animals.
CBD oil has therapeutic effects when they interact with neurotransmitters from the ECS system. The ECS system has two receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 is the primary receptor that modulates the central nervous system and the brain, while the CB2 receptors affect the immune system. CB1 is responsible for subduing pain, and the CB2 receptors provide anti-inflammatory responses that protect tissues.
Although the specific effects of CBD on feline renal disease have not been scientifically proven, studies have shown that CBD oil is well tolerated in cats.1,2 Much of the data and information about the benefits of CBD oil on cats are anecdotal and likely reflect its effects on the pain and nausea caused by kidney disease, rather than the underlying disease itself.
Does the FDA Regulate CBD Oil for Pets?
Unfortunately, the FDA does not regulate CBD oil for pets. This means that the onus is on you, the pet’s guardian, to research products and decide whether the contents of their product and the information they provide are acceptable. Sadly, some companies will use inferior ingredients or make unsubstantiated claims about the effectiveness of their products, so it’s important to know what to look for.
As a general rule, veterinarians don’t typically recommend, endorse, or prescribe supplements containing CBD because of the lack of scientific data to support its efficacy. However, as more studies reveal the safety of CBD for pets, this may eventually change. For now, you may want to look around for vets who are more familiar with these sorts of products so that they can help guide you.
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What to Look for in CBD Oil for My Cat
First and foremost, ensure that the product contains no THC, as this is toxic to cats and dogs. The easiest way to do this is to only choose products designed specifically for pets.
Many products that claim to contain CBD, or even call themselves CBD oil, actually only contain hemp oil. Hemp oil or hemp seed oil comes from the cold-pressing of hemp seeds, and contains no CBD. It can provide some benefits to skin, coat, and joints, but does not have the same effects on the endocannabinoid system as CBD.
Many products contain extremely low levels of CBD, likely due to the lack of safety data available. However, recent studies have established a safe tolerable dose for cats of 4mg/kg, so effective products should aim for CBD concentrations approaching this figure.
Lastly, a reputable brand will have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) on the website. A COA is a document that shows third-party lab testing results that ensure the product is free from contaminants. It will also show the product’s full chemical profile.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, CBD oil for cats is still something of a gray area, but more research is happening every day. Current research indicates that CBD oil is safely tolerated by cats, and there are known benefits of this chemical on pain pathways, digestion, and inflammation. Whilst there is no evidence that CBD has direct therapeutic effects on kidney function, it is believed to help alleviate several consequences of kidney disease, particularly nausea, pain, and urine health.
Whilst most vets will not prescribe CBD oil for your cat, they can help you decide if this supplement is right for your pet.
We hope this article sheds some light on the issue and helps you make the best decision for your cat.
Karyn originally hails from Queensland, Australia, and has lived in the UK for the past 10 years. She graduated from The University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science in 2010, and also has a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology. She is dedicated to using evidence, experience, and owner collaboration to deliver optimal solutions for pets and their owners, and is committed to ensuring that reliable animal health information is available to everyone. Her household includes 5 cats, 4 dogs, and her husband. Outside of her work as a veterinary surgeon, she enjoys writing, gardening, and managing the endless amount of pet hair.
