Cats and cannabinoids: past, present and future

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pharmacology
• Cannabinoid Therapeutics
• Animal Health Research

Background:

• Hemp-derived cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), are increasingly used in veterinary medicine.
• Owner inquiries focus on conditions like osteoarthritis, behavioral issues, cancer, dermatitis, and seizures.
• Existing evidence for cannabinoid efficacy is growing for dogs but remains limited for cats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of cannabinoid (CBD) research in veterinary medicine, with a focus on cats.
• To highlight emerging pharmacokinetic data and clinical evidence for CBD in feline applications.
• To identify gaps in knowledge and suggest future research directions for feline cannabinoid therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent publications on feline cannabinoid pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and clinical studies.
• Analysis of pre-clinical data with potential for clinical translation in feline conditions.
• Consideration of anecdotal evidence from owners and veterinary practitioners.

Main Results:

• Feline pharmacokinetics of CBD and cannabidiolic acid show significant variability in bioavailability.
• Formulation differences impact serum/plasma concentrations in cats.
• Limited clinical studies exist for feline pain, anxiety, and stress, alongside promising pre-clinical findings.

Conclusions:

• Favorable pharmacokinetics in cats suggest potential for CBD use, but clinical evidence is scarce.
• Further pilot investigations are needed to optimize dosing and product selection for cats.
• Future randomized, placebo-controlled studies are essential to establish efficacy across various feline morbidities.