Watching your cat go through a seizure can be a terrifying experience. There isn’t a cure for seizures, so many cat owners are looking for additional support in their toolkit for a rounded approach to care. Some of these owners are turning to CBD oil as a natural-based support tool for that comprehensive plan. But does it actually help?
Understanding Seizures in Cats
Seizures in cats are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain that lead to involuntary movements, twitching, or even loss of consciousness. They can be triggered by epilepsy, brain injury or trauma, toxins, infections, or even metabolic disorders.
Seizures can last a few seconds to several minutes, and can be isolated or chronic. Because they affect brain function, they’re often managed with anti-seizure medications — but these drugs can come with side effects like drowsiness, appetite loss, or liver issues.
Can CBD Help with Cat Seizures?
CBD may support the nervous system by interacting with the cat’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors that helps regulate brain function, immune responses, and more. While there is limited information on CBD for seizures in cats, it’s effects on the ECS seem promising.
How CBD Might Help with Seizures in Cats
We need to be very clear: CBD is not a cure or treatment for seizures in felines. It’s more of an additional support to a vet prescribed treatment plan. Here’s how CBD may help your cats:
- May help balance brain signaling activity
- Support GABA function, a calming neurotransmitte.
- Studied for its potential effects on inflammation in the brain, a known seizure trigger [1]
Research in cats is limited. However, studies in dogs and humans with epilepsy show promising results for CBD in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures when used alongside conventional treatments [1].
How Long Does It Take to Work?
CBD’s potential support for seizures isn't usually instant. While some pet parents report visible improvements within a few days, others notice changes over 2–4 weeks with consistent dosing alongside the vet’s seizure treatment plan.
You may begin to see:
- Less post-seizure disorientation
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Better overall mood and energy
We strongly advise you to speak with your vet before giving your cat CBD. Most cat-safe CBD oils work best when given twice daily. Always start low and increase gradually, monitoring your cat’s response.
What Type of CBD to Use for Cat Seizures?
CBD oil is considered the most practical format for cats. It allows for fast absorption, especially when applied directly to the gums or mixed into food. Oils also offer more precise dosing control and typically contain fewer additives compared to treats or chews.
It’s important to avoid any CBD products that contain THC, as THC is toxic to cats. Instead, look for broad spectrum hemp CBD that’s third-party tested for purity. Products specifically formulated for cats are ideal, as they’re usually made with lower doses for feline safety and needs in mind.
Best CBD for Cats with Seizures
Here are three of the best CBD oils for cats with seizures, based on quality, safety, and effectiveness:
1. Neurogan Broad Spectrum CBD Cat Oil
Our Broad Spectrum CBD Cat Oil is a THC-free hemp extract designed specifically for feline companions. Each 60ml bottle contains 1000 mg of CBD, delivering approximately 8.3mg per 0.5ml serving. The oil is infused with a fish flavor, hoping to make administration more palatable for cats. You can mix it into food or add the drops directly into their mouths, if they let you.
While there is limited scientific research on CBD use in cats, some pet owners have reported positive experiences. For instance, a reviewer mentioned that their 14-year-old cat experienced a reduction in seizure activity after starting this CBD oil. However, please note that individual responses can vary.
2. Bailey’s CBD Oil for Cats
Bailey’s CBD Oil for Cats is a broad-spectrum, THC-free hemp oil made in the U.S. and marketed as a daily wellness supplement for feline companions. It comes in a salmon-flavored formula, which some cats may enjoy — but picky eaters might be harder to convince.
The product contains lower CBD concentrations than some competitors, which may be a plus for beginners or smaller pets but less ideal for those needing more noticeable support. While it’s third-party tested and vet-formulated, the limited transparency around specific cannabinoid content might be a drawback for more ingredient-conscious pet owners.
3. Suzie’s CBD Bites for Cats
Suzie’s CBD Bites for Cats is a convenient way to introduce CBD into your feline’s routine via a treat. Made with broad-spectrum hemp and organic ingredients, these bites are a solid option for pet owners who prefer working with treats over an oil.
Each treat has a relatively low dose of CBD, which might be suitable for mild, everyday use but may not provide noticeable effects for cats with more specific concerns. The texture can also be hit or miss — some cats enjoy them, while others may not be so excited.
So Can CBD Help Your Cat’s Seizures?
While CBD does not cure cat seizures, it’s showing real potential to support seizure-prone cats by calming neurological activity, maintaining healthy inflammation, and improving overall quality of life. Many pet parents have turned to CBD oil for cats with seizures as a complementary option — especially when traditional medications alone don’t fully manage symptoms.
“We started CBD on our 13-year-old cat with epilepsy and the difference was amazing. Fewer seizures, less disoriented after. Still using it 6 months later.” – Reddit
“My 14 year old cat recently started having seizures. My dad told me, she had read that CBD can help with that. I ordered him some Neurogan's CBD and it hasn't had one since he's been on it.” – Neurogan product review
As always, talk to your vet before starting CBD, especially if your cat is on seizure medications. But with the right product and dose, CBD might be just the gentle support your cat needs.
References
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Pamplona, F. A., Da Silva, L. R., & Coan, A. C. (2018). Potential clinical benefits of CBD-rich cannabis extracts over purified CBD in treatment-resistant epilepsy: observational data meta-analysis. Frontiers in neurology, 9, 392084.