
Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Cats: Key Differences and Uses
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Time to read 7 min
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Time to read 7 min
If you've been researching holistic options to help your cat with anxiety, inflammation, pain, or simply something to support your cat's health, then you've probably heard of hemp oil, cannabidiol (CBD) oil, or both. Both oils are derived from the cannabis plant. This is where most pet parents get confused!
This explains why, although hemp oil and CBD oil have different constituents and uses, pet owners sometimes purchase CBD oil when they in fact meant to get hemp oil or vice versa. So, what exactly is hemp seed oil, and how is it different from CBD oil? Are these oils even safe for cats?
In this comparison guide, we will discuss all you need to know about hemp oil vs CBD oil for cats. By the end of this article, you will understand the key differences and uses of each oil, as well as how to choose the right product for your feline friend. We will cover:
What is hemp oil?
Potential benefits of hemp seed oil for cats
What is CBD oil?
Potential benefits of CBD oil for cats
How to choose the right oil for your cat
Frequently asked questions
Table of contents
Hemp oil, sometimes referred to as hemp seed oil, is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. Before you get confused (seeing as we earlier mentioned that it was a derivative of the cannabis plant), let's clarify a few terms:
One, the hemp plant is a variant of the cannabis plantthat’s been specifically bred to contain very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—that’s the compound that causes the high associated with marijuana.
Two, since hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, it doesn't contain CBD. However, the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant do contain CBD, though usually in lower concentrations compared to high-CBD cannabis strains.
Three, "hemp extract" is a term used to refer to any oil extracted from other parts of the hemp plant, except for the seed.
Now that you understand these terms, let's discuss the possible benefits of hemp seed oil for your pet.
Hemp seeds contain 20-25% proteins, 25-35% carbs, a significant amount of essential fatty acids (omega-3 & omega-6), vitamins, and antioxidants. In short, hemp seed oil is a nutrient powerhouse that may offer your furry friend several health benefits. These include:
Promoting healthy skin and coat
Boosting immune function thanks to its high arginine content
Improving blood circulation and digestion
Supporting growth and healing
Enhancing brain function
CBD oil is extracted from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the hemp plant. Unlike hemp seed oil, which comes from the seeds and doesn’t contain cannabinoids, CBD oil is all about those beneficial plant compounds. CBD works by interacting with your cat’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a complex network that helps regulate physiological functions like mood, appetite, pain, and sleep.
Don’t worry—CBD oil won’t get your cat high. As long as you purchase a product like the Full-Spectrum (1,000mg) Happy-Furever™ CBD Oil - For Cats, which is THC-free or contains less than 0.3% THC (the legal limit), it will have no psychoactive effects.
However, a few studies have reported side effects with certain CBD oil formulations for cats, specifically those containing medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. So again, ensure you only purchase the best cat CBD oils for your pet.
We will discuss how to identify the right one in a bit!
The benefits of CBD oil for cats have primarily been derived from anecdotal evidence, with many pet owners reporting several wellness benefits. Additionally, there has also been some research done on the therapeutic benefits of CBD oil for cats . Here are some potential benefits of cat CBD oil:
May reduce anxiety and stress: Great for nervous kitties dealing with separation anxiety or anxiety due to vet visits, or fireworks.
May support joint health and ease pain: This is especially helpful for older cats with arthritis or mobility issues who suffer from pain and inflammation.
May help manage seizures: Some research suggests CBD can reduce seizure frequency in pets.
Be sure to choose a cat-specific, high-quality CBD oil and chat with your vet before starting anything new!
It all boils down to needs when choosing the right oil for your cat. If your pet needs nutritional support, hemp oil is a great choice. However, if your feline friend has anxiety, pain, or inflammation, CBD oil is a better option.
To ensure your pet's safety, always choose high-quality, pet-safe hemp or CBD oils that have been third-party tested. Additionally, consult a veterinarian before starting any new supplement, especially if your cat has an underlying medical condition or is on medications.
Yes, you can give your pet both hemp oil and CBD oil since they serve different purposes. However, ensure you consult your veterinarian and use high-quality oils specially formulated for pets. While hemp and CBD oils may be a well-rounded approach to enhancing your pet's health, remember that safety always comes first.
Hemp oil is packed with omega fatty acids that support coat health and general nutrition. CBD oil, on the other hand, contains cannabinoids that interact with the ECS to ease anxiety, pain, and inflammation. Therefore, if you are looking for a natural approach for your pet's anxiety, CBD oil would be your best bet.
No, hemp oil cannot make your cat high as it does not contain THC, the chemical responsible for the high people experience with marijuana use.
Possible side effects of hemp oil or CBD oil in cats include drooling, excessive licking, pacing, gagging, and increases in alanine aminotransferase (a liver enzyme). To avoid issues, start with a low dose and go slow. For topical use, do a patch test first and monitor your pet for reactions. If you notice any of these side effects in your pet, visit your veterinarian immediately.
When it comes to hemp oil vs CBD oil for cats, knowing the difference can help you make the best choice for your furry companion. Hemp oil, from the seeds of the hemp plant, is more of a wellness booster—great for supporting your cat’s skin, coat, and overall health.
CBD oil, on the other hand, is extracted from the leaves, stalks, and flowers of the hemp plant, where all the calming and therapeutic compounds are found. That’s why it’s often used to help manage issues like anxiety, pain, inflammation, and even seizures in cats.
So, if you’ve been wondering about CBD oil vs hemp oil, the bottom line is this: they’re both beneficial, just in different ways. Think of hemp oil as a daily health supplement, and CBD oil as an extra support when your cat needs help feeling their best. Of course, always talk to your vet first and stick with high-quality, pet CBD oil or hemp seed oil.
This depends on your dog. Some dog owners witness immediate results, and some owners with more anxious dogs require more time. As Happy-Furever™ is a natural solution, your dog's body requires time and consistent exposure to absorb the benefits.
Dog owners have seen their dogs enjoy better quality of sleep (healthy dogs should be sleeping most of the day), improved appetite, improved calmness, a healthier coat, and stronger mobility. Most importantly, anxiety symptoms fade away.
Some dog owners also reported their dogs becoming more energetic, social, and playful. These are all signs of vitality and your dog feeling their best. When you see these signs, know that it's your dog's way of thanking you for giving them happier days ahead!
This is a common misconception and sometimes people wonder if CBD can cause a high or if its legal. The wonderful news is when CBD is derived from hemp, it cannot cause a high, and it is legal in the United States under the 2018 Farm Bill Act and in over 40 countries worldwide.
Historical books record the use of CBD in advanced ancient civilisations, and even in Scandinavian tradition. It's only in recent years did scientific advancement help us rediscover the power of this miracle plant! Industrial Hemp Plants contain less than 0.3% THC which is what allows it to be classified as a legal substance in the United States.
Our CBD products are NOT derived from marijuana plants.
While hemp and marijuana are technically the same species of plant, cannabis Sativa, and you can harvest CBD from marijuana, hemp and marijuana have differing phytochemical makeups. What distinguishes the two plants are their CBD and THC content. Hemp has a high CBD content and must have no more than 0.3% THC. Any plant over 0.3% THC is considered a marijuana plant in the United States.
All Paw Origins' CBD products are hemp-derived, containing high levels of CBD, a diverse cannabinoid, and terpene profile with under 0.3% THC.