CBD for Cats: Effects, Safety, and Use

What is Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis?

Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a painful condition of the oral mucosa in cats. It affects the gums (gingiva) and the mucous membrane in the mouth (stomatitis) and can lead to significant suffering and difficulties in eating for the animals. Here are some basic information about FCGS listed:

• Symptoms: Cats with FCGS often have painful gums, increased salivation, oral ulcers, difficulties in eating, weight loss, and bad breath.
• Causes: The exact cause of FCGS is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a complex autoimmune disease in which the cat's immune system mistakenly attacks its own oral tissue. Other factors such as viral infections, dental problems, or genetic predispositions may also play a role.
• Diagnosis: Diagnosis is usually made through a thorough examination of the cat's oral cavity by a veterinarian. A biopsy may be necessary to differentiate the disease from other pathologies.

What does the treatment look like?

FCGS is not easy to treat and typically requires comprehensive therapy. The following treatment options may be considered:

• Removal of teeth in the affected area (extraction).
• Administration of anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids.
• Immunosuppressive therapy to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.
• Administration of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections or even prophylactically.
• Supportive medication such as pain relievers, as well as special diets for support.
• Long-term care: Cats with FCGS usually require lifelong care, including regular veterinary visits.

What are the prognoses?

The prognosis for cats with FCGS can vary widely. Some cats respond well to treatment, while others continue to suffer. For the cannabis compound cannabidiol (CBD), which has no intoxicating effects, there are already some drug approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in human medicine. Veterinarians can also prescribe the hemp compound. For example, there are now officially approved CBD veterinary products for dogs on the European market. A recent placebo-controlled clinical study conducted by veterinarians at the University of Lisbon also demonstrates the potential of CBD in sick cats and further confirms the safety of the natural compound. A total of 22 cats were included in the study. One part was treated with an oral CBD solution v of 4 mg per cat for a period of 15 days. The second half was the placebo-controlled group. The oral administration of CBD showed significantly positive effects on the inflammatory status as well as on the quality of life in cats with FCGS. The authors concluded that the use of CBD in cats could also be applicable to other diseases due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. However, further larger-scale studies are still needed.

Clinical Studies on CBD in Cats

Regarding the safety of the compound, scientists were able to show that the intake of CBD led to no significant side effects in cats. The researchers from Portugal confirmed this through biochemical examinations of blood samples, among other things. Due to this safety profile and the properties of cannabidiol, the authors see a generally broad range of applications besides its use in FCGS. In recent years, an increasing number of scientific and clinical works and studies have been published in international journals demonstrating the efficacy of CBD. The number of publications is rising exponentially, reflecting the great interest, the need for research, and the potential. On the other hand, depending on relevant dosages, a side effect-free or nearly side effect-free natural compound is also being discussed. Therefore, it is expected that cannabidiol will increasingly be used not only in humans but also in animals as a veterinary preparation in the near future.

Source: Placebo-Controlled Trial of Daily Oral Cannabidiol as Adjunctive Treatment for Cats with Chronic Gingivostomatitis; Coelho et al, 2023; Animals (Basel). 2023 Sep; 13(17): 2716. Published online 2023 Aug 26. doi: 10.3390/ani13172716

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