The 11 Best CBD Oils for Cats with Cancer

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Dr. Linda Simon

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by Dr. Linda Simon

Dr. Linda Simon is a veterinary surgeon working with seven years of experience. She is a fellow of the British Veterinary Association and specializing in animal medicine. Also, she has been the Woman magazine resident vet for the past two years and writes a regular column for them, focusing on pets and their health.

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Updated on: 01/04/2023

Your fluff ball may mean the world to you, however, as felines get older, some of them will develop cancer. For cat parents, this can be a heart-wrenching time.

best cbd oil for cats with cancerImage by Erin Stone from Pixabay

It is difficult to see your sweetheart suffer, but CBD (Cannabidiol) oil may possibly provide some relief for some. CBD oil is not to be confused with marijuana; it is not psychoactive and does not cause the cat to ‘get high’. Many pet parents are using CBD to help relieve pain, increase appetite, and enhance the quality of life of their pets. This article explains how CBD products work and how to find the right product for your fluffy friend.

At a Glance: Our TOP-3 CBD Oils for Cats Cancer

Products

Benefits

Links

Our #1 Rated

capsules canna-pet advanced maxcbd

1. Capsules: Canna-Pet Advanced MaxCBD

Canna-Pet Advanced MaxCBD may help treat your cat’s illnesses and could improve his appetite. Canna-Pet products focus on the idea of providing felines with useful  nutrients to fuel their overall well-being.

Our #2 Rated

marys nutritional tails pet cbd tincture

2. Mary’s Nutritional Tails Pet CBD Tincture

Tincture comes in 300mg/900mg per bottle.  Comes in delicious bacon flavor your cat will like. Broad-spectrum organically grown hemp extract. Third-party lab tested for quality.

Our #3 Rated

medterra hemp cbd soft chews

3. MedTerra Hemp CBD Soft Chews

MedTerra CBD 30 soft chews help calm your pets. Comes in delicious bacon flavor. This product make you pet calm, relaxed and happy. Allows for different sized cats and dogs. 

*All ratings are formed by the article’s author based on own research and combined with customer reviews.

The Best CBD Oils for Cats Cancer Overview

To help you find the product for your feline companion, we looked through dozens of CBD oils for cats with cancer and narrowed our search down to eleven CBD products.

1. Capsules: Canna-Pet® Advanced MaxCBD

capsules canna-pet advanced maxcbd
Our #1 Rated

Canna-Pet Advanced MaxCBD comes in a bottle of 10 capsules containing hemp grown using organic farming methods. Pet owners can open up a capsule and add its contents to their food. Also, cat owners can mix it with water and place it in the feline’s mouth. It is available as a daily maintenance dose. The capsules are quite easy to use.  

Canna-Pet Advanced MaxCBD may help treat illnesses and could improve his appetite. Canna-Pet products focus on the idea of providing felines with useful  nutrients to fuel their overall well-being.

Features:

  • 240 mg.
  • A bottle of 10 capsules.
  • Comes with hemp grown using organic farming methods.

Pros

Cons

  • Claims to relieve pains and aches.
  • May improve your cat’s appetite.
  • Easy to use.
  • Acts quickly.
  • Not found.

2. Mary’s Nutritional Tails Pet CBD Tincture

marys nutritional tails pet cbd tincture
Our #2 Rated

Mary’s Nutritional Tails Pet CBD oil is ideal for both dogs and cats. The oil has a delicious bacon flavor and provides a consistent serving of broad-spectrum organically grown hemp extract. CBD and other plant-based nutrients can influence your pet’s body, mind, and spirit. You can rest assured that Mary’s products are manufactured in some of the greatest industrial hemp plants in Colorado, so your feline companion only gets the best!

Features:

  • 300 mg/900 mg per bottle.
  • Comes in delicious bacon flavor.
  • Broad-spectrum organically grown hemp extract.

Pros

Cons

  • Non-psychoactive substance.
  • Provides your cat with full CBD support.
  • Helps to stay calm and relaxed.
  • Claims to relieve pain.
  • Verified by laboratory tests.
  • Suitable for both dogs and cats.
  • Compact bottle.
  • Not found.

3. MedTerra Hemp CBD Soft Chews

medterra hemp cbd soft chews
Our #3 Rated

If you’re looking to try CBD tinctures for your cat, consider MedTerra CBD Soft Chews for Cats. This product is 100% natural, and third-party lab tested for purity and potency.

These products are composed of valerian root, chamomile, and l-tryptophan, so your fur baby gets the кшпре ingredients to feel calm, relaxed, and happy. Each chew comes with 10 mg of CBD, making it easier to dose larger pets. Pet parents can also break the capsules in half for their smaller feline friends.

Features:

  • 300 mg per bag.
  • 10 mg per chew.
  • Comes with delicious bacon flavor.
  • Features organically grown hemp.
  • Has no GMOs, chemicals, and other harmful additives.
  • No THC.

Pros

Cons

  • Helps to stay calm and relaxed.
  • Verified by laboratory tests.
  • Suitable for both dogs and cats.
  • Certified by The US Hemp Authority.
  • Not found.

4. Roxy by Hemplucid CBD Tincture for Dogs or Cats

roxy by hemplucid cbd tincture for dogs or cats

Roxy by Hemplucid has developed a CBD product for dogs and cats — fish flavor for felines and chicken for canines. The manufacturer utilizes the entire hemp plant, so this product contains a robust variety of plant-derived compounds such as phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and some other phytonutrients. Along with CBD, they create a so-called “entourage effect” to help balance the mind and body of your fur baby and potentially fight cancer.

This product is a full spectrum CBD combined with fish oil. It is a delicious and useful addition to your feline’s diet that is safe for daily use. It is also the only fish oil-based pet tincture on the market today!

Features:

  • A bottle of 300 mg.
  • Comes in fish flavor for felines and chicken flavor for canines.
  • Contains a robust variety of plant-derived compounds such as phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and some other phytonutrients.
  • Has no GMOs, chemicals or other harmful additives.

Pros

Cons

  • Helps to stay calm and relaxed.
  • Suitable for both dogs and cats.
  • 100% natural ingredients.
  • Easy to use.
  • Verified by laboratory tests.
  • Not found.

5. HolistaPet CBD Cat Treats

holistapet cbd cat treats

This product is a good treat to reward your fur baby after a long and hard day. These treats are made from real salmon.

Pet owners use this product for a myriad of reasons, including to help their furry friends suffering from anxiety, noise phobias, chronic pain, cancer and more.

These products are made with CBD extract derived from natural hemp grown exclusively in the U.S. None of Holistapet products are imported from foreign countries, where the manufacturer cannot properly control the quality. The treats are tested in a third-party laboratory to ensure the purity and potency of the product. 

Features:

  • 150 mg per bag.
  • 75 treats per package.
  • Comes in delicious salmon flavor.
  • Broad-spectrum organically grown hemp extract.
  • Has no GMOs, chemicals or other harmful additives.

Pros

Cons

  • Non-psychoactive substance.
  • Provides your cat with full CBD support.
  • Helps to stay calm and relaxed.
  • Relieves pain.
  • Verified by laboratory tests.
  • Not found.

6. HolistaPet CBD Tincture for Dogs & Cats

holistapet cbd tincture

HolistaPet CBD Tincture is a good way to provide your cat with CBD. The oil is crafted with organically grown hemp and broad-spectrum CBD oil. Broad Spectrum means that all the compounds found in the hemp plant are saved in the oil.

HolistaPet believes that cats deserve high-quality ingredients. They use the non-GMO, THC-free CBD, sourced from U.S. organic hemp.

Features:

  • A bottle of 300 mg.
  • Broad-spectrum organically grown hemp.
  •  No harmful additives.
  • GMO-free.

Pros

Cons

  • Claims to  relieve pain.
  • May help to overcome anxiety.
  • Composition verified by laboratory tests.
  • Suitable for both dogs and cats.
  • Easy to use.
  • Not found.

7. Heal Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract (CBD) For Cats

heal full-spectrum hemp extract (cbd) for cats

Introduce your fur baby to the right treatment possible with the CBD tincture from Heal. This product is formulated to promote health and well-being while potentially helping in the management of medical conditions, including cancer, seizures, tumors, dementia, and more.

Heal prides itself on offering safe and potent CBD tincture for cats. When pet owners buy Heal products, they know that they are giving their fluffy friends exactly what is meant for them.

Features:

  • A bottle of 1100 mg.
  • Suitable for daily use.
  • Organic full-spectrum hemp oil.
  • Has no GMOs, chemicals or other harmful additives.

Pros

Cons

  • May help to ease their aches and pains.
  • High quality.
  • Easy to use.
  • Verified by laboratory tests.
  • Not found.

8. Wellness Coconut Oil for Cats

wellness coconut oil for cats

You may already know that coconut oil is beneficial human health, but did you know that coconut oil is good for cats’ health too?

Coconut oil is reputed to reinforce the immune system, help with brain health, nourish the skin, and keep a coat shiny and healthy. These potential benefits become especially valuable to our pets as they age.

And now, with this product, your fur baby can get all the benefits of coconut oil and organically grown hemp from one single product.

Features:

  • A jar of 120 mg.
  • Made from organically grown hemp.
  • Includes coconut oil.
  • GMO-free.
  • Has no toxic pesticide residues or other harmful additives.
  • Suitable for daily use.
  • Verified by laboratory tests.
  • U.S. grown.

Pros

Cons

  • High quality.
  • May help with chronic pain.
  • May bolster the immune system.
  • Nourishes the skin and keeps a coat shiny and healthy.
  • Easy to use.
  • Not found.

9. Royal CBD Pet Oil

royal cbd pet oil

Tried using CBD oils for your fluffy friend, but it came to bought? This product is created to unlock the potential to thrive, using a delicious flavor — bacon.

Royal CBD Pet Oil improves your pet’s health in many ways. The tincture can help relieve separation stress and calm your pet. It can also stop aggressive behavior and hyperactivity in your four-legged friend, and if he is suffering from aging-related issues, CBD oil can increase his vitality. Let your kitty enjoy long years of healthy life thanks to broad-spectrum CBD oil.

Features:

  • A bottle of 125/250/500 mg.
  • Broad-spectrum organically grown hemp.
  • Bacon flavor.
  •  No harmful additives.
  • GMO-free.

Pros

Cons

  • Relieves pain.
  • Boosts energy.
  • Helps to overcome anxiety.
  • Suitable for both dogs and cats.
  • Easy to use.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Not found.

10. ​Soul Pet CBD Oil

soul cbd oil for pets

Cats can also get stressed. Soul Pet CBD Oil is specifically formulated to eliminate the anxiety in your feline companion and relieve pain while receiving chemotherapy. The pet tincture is safe, effective, and has a delicious bacon flavor.

This oil is formulated to the highest quality standards. It contains organic hemp and no GMOs, chemicals, or other harmful additives.

Features:

  • A bottle of 250 mg.
  • Comes with delicious bacon flavor.
  • Broad-spectrum has organically grown hemp extract.
  • Has no GMOs, chemicals, and other harmful additives.

Pros

Cons

  • Helps to stay calm and relaxed.
  • Relieves pain.
  • Not found.

11. Procana Vet Formula Softgels

procana vet formula softgels

Vet Formula Softgels come with premium hemp-derived CBD. Safe for daily use, they could help regulate the endocannabinoid system. This product is a good option if you have a fluffy friend with chronic pain. Of course, it is always important to discuss the more traditional treatment options with their vets, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and opioid pain relief.

Vet Formula Softgels are formulated to the highest quality standards, contain organically grown hemp, and have no GMOs, chemicals, or other harmful additives. You can rest assured that this product is clean because it is tested for purity by a third-party laboratory.

Features:

  • 240 mg.
  • A bottle of 30 soft gels.
  • Comes with organically grown hemp.
  • Has no GMOs, chemicals, or other harmful additives.
  • Suitable for daily use.

Pros

Cons

  • Helps balance the endocannabinoid system.
  • Verified by laboratory tests.
  • Safe for human consumption.
  • Not found.

Owners Guide

Types of Cancer in Cats

Just like humans, cats can get cancer at any time in their lives. Many types of cancer threaten the health and well-being of cats. Although there are more than four types of feline cancer, we will go through some of the most common cancer types in cats, including leukemia, lymphoma, feline squamous cell carcinoma, and mammary cancer.

1. Leukemia And Lymphoma

Leukemia and lymphoma in pets can stem from the feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and it can spread from one feline to another, mainly through mutual grooming and sharing of food bowls. That is why infected cats should not be in contact with healthy pets.

Both leukemia and lymphoma are life-threatening blood cancers, and they can typically be diagnosed with a physical exam, blood test, and/or diagnostic imaging.

2. Feline Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is skin cancer. Cancerous growths spread in the squamous epithelium, the outermost layer of the feline’s epidermis. They can move from one layer of the skin to another, which means they can metastasize (spread throughout the body) over time, especially if it goes unnoticed and untreated.

3. Mammary cancer

Both male and female cats can develop mammary cancer as they both have mammary glands. Sadly, the vast majority of feline mammary cancers are malignant, so finding and treating them early is essential.

best cbd oils for cancer in catsImage by Natasha Dmay from Pixabay

Potential Benefits of CBD Oil for Cats with Cancer

It may offer a whole host of benefits to your feline companion. However, it is crucial to understand that many of these benefits are anecdotal and clinical trials are extremely limited in veterinary medicine.

It has been proposed that CBD oil:

  • Relieves inflammation.
  • Eliminates digestive problems.
  • Relieves nausea.
  • Reduces pain and aches.
  • Helps overcome stress.
  • Reduces seizure frequency.
  • Helps with epilepsy symptoms.
  • Fights disease-causing viruses.
  • Blocks the growth of cancer cells.

Be aware that CBD is not yet established as a treatment for cancer and should not be relied upon for this function. Certainly, it is thought it may help ease the discomfort and nausea associated with some cancers, and there is the potential for cancer-fighting properties.

Possible Side Effects of CBD in Cats

BBefore introducing a cat to this product, pet parents need to understand its possible side effects to prepare them for potential consequences. While research has shown that CBD appears to be relatively well tolerated within the feline population, each cat can have a different reaction, and it is especially tricky to predict the response of chronically and seriously unwell patients.[6]

The likelihood of any side effects may be higher if CBD is misused. Pet parents who notice negative changes in their pet’s behavior should always consult with their veterinarian.

One possible side effect of consuming CBD hemp products is sleepiness. In general, unwell cats display sleepy behavior, sometimes making this reaction challenging to detect.

Aggression, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and appetite changes are other potential side effects. Although these symptoms are rare, pet parents should stop giving CBD to their pets and immediately schedule a visit with their vet.

READ MORE: How to Care for Senior Cat

benefits of cbd oil for cat cancerPhoto by Engin Akyurt from Pexels

FAQ

How does CBD oil help with cancer in cats?

Research is currently limited both in the human and veterinary world but it is hoped that CBS has many benefits to offer. It is being looked in to as a standalone cancer treatment as well as a medicine to be used adjunctively in those patients suffering from side effects such as nausea and appetite loss.

1. May Help Eliminate Malignant Cells

In 2011, scientists studied how CBD would interact with malignant mammary cells. They learned that CBD can help eliminate malignant cells without causing much harm to healthy cells. Since cancer leads to abnormal cell growth, the results of this study may indicate that CBD can induce programmed death on the malignant cells and regulate cell growth.

2. May Help Stop Tumor Growth

In another study, conducted on mice, it was deduced that CBD may help slow down the growth of malignant mammary cells in these rodents. Also, the scientists found that it can reduce the development of secondary malignancies.

In 2003, a further showed that cannabinoid receptors are present in healthy and malignant skin cells of mice. The scientists found that by activating ECS ​​with CBD, the compounds promoted cell death, helping to slow down the spread of skin cancer.[1][8]

Is CBD oil good for cats with cancer?

These products are not a treatment for feline cancer. However, it may alleviate many of the side effects associated with cancer treatments.

Three common treatment options for feline cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. While it is impressive to have these options to fight cancer in cats, these treatments may have some negative effects.

Below you can find the undesirable effects that CBD can help provide relief for when treating feline cancer:

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea is a common symptom in cats that receive chemotherapy and radiation therapy to control the growth and spread of malignant cells. During this treatment, the cells lining the stomach may be affected, resulting in nausea and vomiting.

There is encouraging evidence showing how CBD can eliminate these gastrointestinal issues.

In 2011, research showed that a lot of animals can benefit from the anti-emetic effect of CBD. Additional evidence also suggests that it may be helpful in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea.

Chronic pain

Malignant tumors in any part of a feline’s body can cause pain. Similarly, those who undergo surgery can experience pain, especially in the period just after the procedure.

As an example, Tramadol is a common pain reliever given to felines with cancer. However, its effectiveness in treating pain is doubtful, and its non-opioid mechanism may not work on cats.

In 2018, canines with osteoarthritis were given CBD to see the pain-relieving effects it had on dogs. The final evaluation showed the dogs had much less pain after the CBD treatment and became more playful and active. This study also showed that there were no negative side effects observed.

Inflammation

In 2000, research showed that these products potentially have strong anti-inflammatory properties. The same study shows the effectiveness of CBD on mice suffering from collagen-induced arthritis and reveals that it may improve the overall condition of these animals. CBD’s products are proved to produce pro-inflammatory mediators, indicating their usefulness as a new anti-inflammatory product.[2]

Can CBD Oil Treat Cancer in Cats?

There is no solid evidence, yet, as yet, that we can use CBD as a cancer treatment.    

We know that cancer often significantly impairs the quality of cats’ life. Symptoms such as lameness, bleeding, aches, and lowered appetite are common in felines with cancer. CBD may help to ease digestive issues, reduce aches, relieve nausea and more. However, owners should also be aware of the more traditional tried and tested medicines available, such as potent anti-emetics and corticosteroids.

When it comes to cancer treatment, the mainstay remains chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery where it is an option.

How quickly does CBD oil work in cats with cancer?

It takes approximately 30 minutes to achieve the full effect and lasts for about 5 hours, depending on the cat’s breed, overall health, activity level, and their metabolism. [4]

Is CBD legal for cats?

It is not only safe for pets, but it is also legal. CBD for felines is derived from hemp, which means the oils are extracted from hemp plants, not marijuana. Hemp plants naturally contain less than 0.3% THC, making them safe for felines.

There is a misconception that these products should have absolutely no THC. Your fluffy friend can consume CBD, which includes a THC concentration of no more than 0.3%, so your cat will not get high.[5]

Keep a close eye on the amount of THC in CBD tincture before introducing your cat to a new product. Make sure the bottle has a label that says ‘CBD oil is suitable for cats’.

Article Sources:

  1. “4 Types of Cat Cancer and Their Common Symptoms.” Rau Animal Hospital, 12 Dec. 2018, rauanimalhospital.com/resources/blog/cats/4-types-cat-cancer-and-their-common-symptoms.
  2. Gamble, Lauri-Jo, et al. “Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs.” Frontiers, 25 Feb. 2018, frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full.
  3. Kogan, Lori R., et al. “Consumer’s Perceptions of Hemp Products for Animals.” American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, ahvma.org/wp-content/uploads/AHVMA-2016-V42-Hemp-Article.pdf.
  4. Llera, Ryan. “Feeding Your Cat During Cancer Treatment.” VCA Hospitalsvcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-the-feline-cancer-patient.
  5. Rancilio, Nicholas, et al. “Strategies for Managing Cancer Pain in Dogs and Cats, Part 2: Definitive and Palliative Management of Cancer Pain.” Today’s Veterinary Practicetodaysveterinarypractice.com/elements-oncologystrategies-managing-cancer-pain-dogs-catspart-2-definitive-palliative-management-cancer-pain/.
  6. Deabold, Kelly. “Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats.” PubMed Central (PMC), 1 Oct. 2019, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826847/.
  7. Shrivastava, Ashutosh. “Cannabidiol Induces Programmed Cell Death in Breast Cancer Cells by Coordinating the Cross-Talk between Apoptosis and Autophagy — PubMed.” PubMed, 12 May 2011, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21566064/.
  8. Casanova, M. “Inhibition of Skin Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis in Vivo by Activation of Cannabinoid Receptors — PubMed.” PubMed, 1 Jan. 2003, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12511587/.