CBD for cats is a subject that needs particular care in the UK. Consumer CBD products sold for people should not simply be given to a cat because they are available online or contain hemp-derived ingredients.
The UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) regards products containing cannabidiol that are intended for animals as veterinary medicines. There are currently no CBD products authorised for veterinary use in the UK. If you are considering CBD for your cat, the appropriate first step is to speak to your veterinary surgeon rather than choosing a retail CBD product yourself.
Do Not Give Human CBD Products To Your Cat Without Veterinary Advice
CBD oils, gummies, capsules and other products sold for human use are formulated and labelled for people, not cats. Suitability cannot be established from the CBD strength or ingredient list alone.
A veterinary surgeon can assess your cat, consider any medicines or health conditions and advise whether any treatment is appropriate. Retail content cannot make that decision.
What The UK Veterinary Position Means
In the UK, CBD products intended for animals fall within veterinary medicines regulation. The VMD states that there are currently no authorised veterinary medicines containing CBD.
In some circumstances, a veterinary surgeon may prescribe an appropriate legally obtained human CBD medicine or product under the veterinary prescribing cascade. That is a professional prescribing decision and is not the same as an owner buying a consumer CBD product and giving it to a pet independently.
What About Hemp-Based Pet Supplements?
Not every hemp-labelled pet product is the same as a CBD product. If you are looking at a non-CBD pet supplement, check the label carefully for its ingredients, intended species and usage directions. Do not assume that the words hemp, hemp seed and CBD mean the same thing.
For any supplement, your vet is the right person to ask if your cat has a medical condition, takes medication, is pregnant or nursing, or if you are uncertain about suitability.
Be Cautious With Online Claims
Avoid websites or social posts that claim CBD can treat, calm, relieve or manage a cat's medical or behavioural problems. Claims of that kind should not be used as the basis for giving a product to an animal.
Product reviews and owner anecdotes also cannot establish that a product is safe or appropriate for your own cat.
Questions To Ask Your Vet
- Is there any reason a CBD or hemp-derived product would be unsuitable for my cat?
- Could it interact with medicines my cat already receives?
- Is the product I am considering actually a CBD product, a hemp-seed product or something else?
- Is there an authorised or more appropriate veterinary option for the reason I am considering a supplement?
Final Thoughts
If you are considering CBD for a cat in the UK, speak to your veterinary surgeon before giving any product. Human CBD products should not be treated as pet supplements simply because they are easy to buy, and The CBD Hut does not recommend using consumer CBD products for cats without veterinary direction.
Information only — not veterinary advice. Speak to a veterinary surgeon for advice about your cat and any medicines or supplements.
