Evaluation of Cannabidiol Oil’s Effects on Sedation, Behavioral Responses to Handling, and Nociceptive Thresholds in Healthy Cats
Issued Date
2025-07-01
Resource Type
eISSN
20762615
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105010530938
Journal Title
Animals
Volume
15
Issue
13
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Animals Vol.15 No.13 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Wanapinit K., Niyom S., Suriyawongpongsa P., Khathatip S., Tancharoen K., Roytrakul S., Ploypetch S. Evaluation of Cannabidiol Oil’s Effects on Sedation, Behavioral Responses to Handling, and Nociceptive Thresholds in Healthy Cats. Animals Vol.15 No.13 (2025). doi:10.3390/ani15131987 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/111300
Title
Evaluation of Cannabidiol Oil’s Effects on Sedation, Behavioral Responses to Handling, and Nociceptive Thresholds in Healthy Cats
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This study explored the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on clinically relevant parameters, including sedation, compliance, and temperament, as well as mechanical nociceptive thresholds in healthy cats. Nine client-owned cats (3.44 ± 2.35 years, mean ± standard deviation) were assessed prior to (baseline) and 30 min, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after oral administration of 8 mg/kg CBD oil via capsule. Sedation scores increased significantly 2, 4, and 8 h post administration compared to baseline (all medians = 1 vs. 0 at baseline; p < 0.001). Compliance and temperament scores were significantly reduced 2 and 4 h post dosing, with median scores decreasing from 1 at baseline to 0 after 2 and 4 h for both parameters (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). Mechanical nociceptive thresholds and sensitivity, assessed using an algometer and von Frey filaments, respectively, along with physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature), remained unchanged across timepoints. These results indicate that 8 mg/kg CBD induces mild sedation and reduces handling resistance in healthy cats without affecting nociceptive thresholds or physiological stability. Therefore, CBD may facilitate non-painful procedures requiring animal cooperation; further controlled studies are warranted to confirm these findings.