CBD Reduced Fear-Related Urination in Cats Exposed to Simulated Thunderstorms | Research

The takeaway

Cats given CBD for two weeks showed significantly less fear-induced urination during thunderstorm simulations compared to placebo, suggesting CBD may help treat noise-induced fear in animals.

Pet owners, veterinarians, and anyone interested in CBD for anxiety across species.

Significant reduction in fear-related behavior after 2 weeks of CBD

What the researchers found

After two weeks of CBD administration (4.0 mg/kg/day), cats exposed to a simulated thunderstorm showed significantly reduced fear-related urination compared to their initial test. No such improvement was seen in the placebo group receiving sunflower oil.

Why it matters

Noise phobia is one of the most common behavioral problems in companion animals. This small but controlled study adds to the growing evidence that CBD may have anxiolytic effects across species, using a practical and clinically relevant fear stimulus.

The numbers in context

N = 40 cats (20 per group). CBD dose: 4.0 mg/kg/day for 14 days. Significant reduction in fear-related urination in CBD group only. Placebo group showed no change.

How the study worked

Randomized placebo-controlled study with 40 cats naive to the testing protocol. Cats were assigned to CBD (4.0 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks) or placebo (sunflower oil). Each group was exposed to a thunderstorm simulation test before and after the 2-week administration period. Fear-related urination was the primary behavioral outcome.

What this study cannot tell us

Small sample size. Only one behavioral measure (urination) was reported as significant. The study did not assess other fear behaviors like hiding, freezing, or vocalization in detail. Two weeks of administration makes it unclear whether shorter or longer treatment would differ.

How to read the evidence

Small randomized controlled trial with a relevant fear stimulus. Preliminary evidence limited by sample size and single behavioral measure.

When this study was published

Published in 2025.

The bigger picture

While this is a veterinary study, it contributes to the broader evidence base for CBD as an anxiolytic. Animal studies with naturally occurring fear behaviors (rather than artificially induced anxiety) may better reflect the real-world potential of CBD for anxiety management.

Questions still open

Would CBD help with other types of animal anxiety beyond noise phobia? Does the effect persist after CBD administration stops?

Common questions

Is CBD safe for cats?

This study used a specific dose (4.0 mg/kg/day) and did not report safety concerns. However, CBD metabolism differs between species, and pet owners should consult a veterinarian before administering CBD to animals.

Would this work for dogs with noise phobia?

The study was conducted in cats only. While CBD has shown anxiolytic effects in dogs in other studies, the specific dose and protocol would need to be validated separately for canines.

Read the original research

Possible Anxiolytic Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) Administration on Feline Responses to a Fear Response Test.

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 15(11)

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Masataka, Nobuo. (2025). Possible Anxiolytic Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) Administration on Feline Responses to a Fear Response Test.. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 15(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15111642