Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by admin
Hemp treats for cats are widely sold, but no hemp or CBD product is FDA-approved for use in cats, and the evidence that they help cats is limited. The FDA says it cannot ensure these products are safe or effective and advises owners to talk with a veterinarian first. If you are considering one, ask your vet before you buy.
For more detail on related products, see CBD oil for cats: safety, evidence and how to choose.
What are hemp treats for cats?
“Hemp treat” can mean two very different things, and labels do not always make it clear.
| Label wording | What it usually means | CBD content |
|---|---|---|
| Hemp seed, hemp seed oil, hemp hearts | Made from the seeds of the plant | Little or none |
| Hemp extract, full-spectrum hemp, broad-spectrum hemp | Made from the flowers and leaves | Usually contains CBD and other cannabinoids |
| CBD treats, cannabidiol | Contains CBD as an active ingredient | Yes |
| “Calming” treats with hemp | Varies; often blended with other herbs | Check the label or certificate of analysis |
Under the 2018 Farm Bill, “hemp” is cannabis with no more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC by dry weight, according to the FDA. Hemp-derived products are legal to grow and sell under that law, but that is not the same as being approved or proven safe for pets.
Are hemp treats safe for cats?
Nobody can say for sure, which is the honest answer. Here is what the main authorities say:
- FDA: The agency “has not approved cannabis for any use in animals” and “cannot ensure the safety or effectiveness of these products.” It cautions pet owners against using them and recommends talking with your veterinarian about treatment options. The FDA also states it is a prohibited act to sell animal food with added CBD or THC across state lines, and that no hemp-derived ingredient is currently defined for use in animal food.
- AVMA: The American Veterinary Medical Association says CBD appears to hold therapeutic promise for conditions such as epilepsy and osteoarthritis pain, but evidence in animals is limited. It also notes that lab analyses have found many products on the market are mislabeled for the identity and amount of active ingredient.
- ASPCA: Marijuana is listed as toxic to cats, with THC as the toxic principle. A hemp product that contains more THC than its label says can therefore cause poisoning signs.
Most of the published research on CBD in pets has been done in dogs. Cats process many drugs differently from dogs, so results from dog studies cannot simply be applied to cats.
Do hemp treats work for cats?
Marketing often promises calmer cats, pain relief, better sleep or fewer seizures. Those claims have not been proven in cats to the standard required for FDA approval. A treat that seems to help may also coincide with other changes, such as a quieter home or a cat that is simply getting used to a new situation.
If your cat is anxious, in pain or having seizures, the underlying problem needs a diagnosis. Treating it with a supplement alone can delay care that works. See can CBD help a cat with anxiety for questions to raise with your vet.
Hemp treats for cats with anxiety or pain
These are the most common reasons owners look at hemp treats. Your vet has treatment options for both that have been tested in cats, including behavior changes, pheromone products, prescription anxiety medications and pain relievers made for cats. If your cat has kidney, liver or heart disease or takes any medication, ask before adding any supplement, because interactions in cats are not well studied. Our guide to CBD and cats with kidney disease covers this in more detail.
Dosing
There is no veterinary-approved dosing chart for hemp or CBD treats in cats, and product strength varies widely. Do not work out a dose from a dog product, a human product or an online calculator. If your vet agrees a product is worth trying, follow their instructions. Read why in CBD oil for cat anxiety: no safe dosing chart.
If you still want to try one: what to check
- Talk to your vet first. Bring the product or its label to the appointment.
- Made for cats. Never give a dog treat or human edible to a cat.
- Certificate of analysis (COA). A recent, batch-specific lab report from an independent lab should show cannabinoid content, THC level and tests for contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides and solvents. Check that the batch number matches your package.
- No medical claims. Products that claim to treat or cure disease are making claims the FDA has not approved.
- Short ingredient list. Avoid treats with added herbs you do not recognize, and never use anything with essential oils, chocolate, xylitol, raisins or grapes.
Possible side effects and signs of THC poisoning
The FDA lists signs of adverse effects from cannabis in pets as lethargy, depression, heavy drooling, vomiting, agitation, tremors and convulsions. The ASPCA adds incoordination, dilated pupils, low blood pressure and low body temperature. Even a product sold as low THC can cause these signs if it is mislabeled or if your cat eats the whole bag.
When to call your vet
- Your cat ate a large amount of any hemp or CBD product, or any human cannabis edible
- Your cat is wobbly, very sleepy, drooling, dribbling urine, vomiting or trembling
- Your cat has a seizure or cannot stand
- Your cat stops eating or seems unwell after starting any new supplement
For urgent advice, call your vet, an emergency clinic, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply). Tell them the product name, how much was eaten and when.
FAQ
Are hemp treats safe for cats?
Their safety has not been established. No hemp or CBD product is FDA-approved for cats, product labels are often inaccurate, and THC is toxic to cats. Ask your vet before using one.
Is hemp the same as CBD for cats?
No. Hemp seed products contain little or no CBD, while hemp extract and CBD products do. Read the ingredient list and lab report to see which you are buying.
Can cats get high from hemp treats?
Hemp products are supposed to contain only trace THC, but mislabeled products or eating a large amount can cause THC poisoning signs such as wobbliness, drooling and lethargy. Call your vet if you see these.
Can I give my cat hemp treats made for dogs?
No. Dog products are sized for dogs, may be much stronger per piece, and can contain ingredients that are not safe for cats.