• About Us
    • Our Team
    • Our Work
    • In The News
  • Resources
    • Curated Research Library
    • Popular Articles
    • Legal Beagle Archive
    • The Education Program
    • VCS Vet Research Program
  • Directory of Practitioners
  • Get Involved
    • Become A Sponsor
    • Join Email List
  • Contact
  • SHOP NOW
    • VCS APPAREL
    • PET & PARENT JEWELRY
  • DONATE
  • Members Dashboard
Veterinary Cannabis SocietyVeterinary Cannabis Society
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Our Work
    • In The News
  • Resources
    • Curated Research Library
    • Popular Articles
    • Legal Beagle Archive
    • The Education Program
    • VCS Vet Research Program
  • Directory of Practitioners
  • Get Involved
    • Become A Sponsor
    • Join Email List
  • Contact
  • SHOP NOW
    • VCS APPAREL
    • PET & PARENT JEWELRY
  • DONATE
  • Members Dashboard

Safety and tolerability of escalating cannabinoid doses in healthy cats

Home Safety and tolerability of escalating cannabinoid doses in healthy cats

Curated Research Library

  • Back to Curated Research Library

Safety and tolerability of escalating cannabinoid doses in healthy cats

  • By: Kulpa JE, Paulionis LJ, Eglit GM, Vaughn DM.
  • Published On: 24 December, 2021
  • Publication: pubmed
  • Tags: Feline
  • Category: Pharmacokinetics / Pharmacodynamics

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the safety and tolerability of escalating doses of orally delivered cannabis oils predominant in cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or both CBD and THC in healthy cats.

Methods: In this placebo-controlled, blinded study, 20 healthy adult cats were randomized to one of five treatment groups (n = 4 per group): two placebo groups (sunflower oil [SF] or medium-chain triglyceride oil [MCT]), or three plant-derived cannabinoid oil groups (CBD in MCT, THC in MCT or CBD/THC [1.5:1] in SF). Up to 11 escalating doses of each formulation were delivered orally via syringe to fasted subjects, with at least 3 days separating doses. Safety and tolerability were determined from clinical observations, complete blood counts (CBCs) and clinical chemistry. Plasma cannabinoids (CBD, THC) and metabolites (7-COOH-CBD, 11-OH-THC) were assessed.

Results: Titration to maximum doses of 30.5 mg/kg CBD (CBD oil), 41.5 mg/kg THC (THC oil) or 13.0:8.4 mg/kg CBD:THC (CBD/THC oil) was safely achieved in all subjects. All observed adverse events (AEs) were mild, transient and resolved without medical intervention. Gastrointestinal AEs were more common with formulations containing MCT. Constitutional (lethargy, hypothermia), neurologic (ataxia) and ocular (protrusion membrana nictitans) AEs were more common with oils containing THC (CBD/THC and THC oils). There were no clinically significant changes in CBC or clinical chemistry across treatment groups. Higher plasma levels of the cannabinoids and their metabolites following administration of the CBD/THC combination product are suggestive of a pharmacokinetic interaction.

Conclusions and relevance: This is the first feline study to explore the safety and tolerability of CBD and THC, alone and in combination, in a controlled research setting. These findings will inform veterinarians of the safety profile of cannabinoids, particularly when considering the potential therapeutic use of CBD in cats or recognizing clinical signs associated with accidental exposure to THC-containing products.

Click Here to Access Article
  • Back to Curated Research Library
Search

Our Mission is to create lasting solutions that ensure the safe use of cannabis in pets through education, advocacy, and promoting product standards.

Our Vision is an educated and empowered global veterinary medical cannabis community.

  • About Us
  • Our Work
  • Get Involved
  • Contact Us
  • Donate

Email:
Click here to email us

Florida Mailing Address
7901 4th St. North, Suite 4404
St. Petersburg, FL 33702

Veterinary Cannabis Society is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization in the United States. Tax ID #85-0986090

Veterinary Cannabis Society does not endorse any specific products.

© 2025 · Veterinary Cannabis Society

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • State Notices
  • Contact