CBD Paste Reduced Arthritis Pain in Cats, but Many Refused to Eat It | Research

The takeaway

A crossover RCT in cats with osteoarthritis found CBD/CBDA paste reduced pain scores significantly after 6 weeks, but nearly half the cats dropped out because they refused the paste.

Veterinarians treating feline OA, cat owners exploring CBD, veterinary product developers

CBD reduced cat OA pain significantly, but 46% dropout due to palatability issues

What the researchers found

Among 26 cats with OA, 14 completed the crossover study. CBD/CBDA paste significantly reduced pain scores on both veterinary-assessed (TRiP) and owner-assessed (DORFOP) measures after 6 weeks, with owner-reported improvements starting at 2 weeks. No changes in clinical biochemistry were observed.

Why it matters

This is one of the few controlled studies of CBD in cats. While the pain reduction is promising, the high dropout rate reveals a practical barrier that any feline CBD product must overcome.

The numbers in context

26 cats enrolled, 12 dropped out (mainly refusing paste/vomiting), 14 completed. Significant reduction in TRiP and DORFOP pain scores. Owner improvements by week 2. No biochemistry changes.

How the study worked

Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study in 26 client-owned cats with osteoarthritis, using standardized pain assessments and blood work over 6-week treatment periods.

What this study cannot tell us

Very high dropout rate (46%) limits statistical power and may bias results toward cats who tolerated the paste. Small final sample. Single formulation tested. No long-term follow-up.

How to read the evidence

Gold-standard crossover RCT design, but very high dropout and small completion sample limit conclusions.

When this study was published

2025 veterinary RCT providing some of the first controlled CBD evidence in cats.

The bigger picture

Cat owners are increasingly using CBD products, often without veterinary guidance. This study provides the controlled evidence needed, while also revealing that palatability is a critical formulation challenge.

Questions still open

Can more palatable CBD formulations improve compliance in cats? What is the optimal dose for feline OA? Would liquid or treat-based formulations reduce dropout?

Common questions

Does CBD help with arthritis pain in cats?

In the 14 cats that completed this study, CBD/CBDA paste significantly reduced pain scores within 2-6 weeks. However, nearly half the enrolled cats refused to eat the paste or vomited, so finding a palatable formulation is critical.

Is CBD safe for cats?

In the cats that tolerated the paste, no changes in blood chemistry were observed after 6 weeks. However, some cats experienced vomiting, and more research on feline-specific safety is needed.

Read the original research

Field safety and efficacy study with a cannabidiol/cannabidiol acid-rich hemp paste in cats with osteoarthritic pain.

Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 27(10), 1098612X251367629

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Mulder, Liza M; Deterd Oude Weme, Jeanine; Blees, Niels R; Wakshlag, Joseph J; Hughes, Daniel; Corbee, Ronald Jan. (2025). Field safety and efficacy study with a cannabidiol/cannabidiol acid-rich hemp paste in cats with osteoarthritic pain.. Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 27(10), 1098612X251367629. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X251367629