Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic cannabinoid derived from Cannabis plants, is increasingly explored for its potential therapeutic applications in veterinary medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CBD oil on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane (MAC_iso) in cats. Sixteen healthy cats underwent isoflurane anesthesia, and the MAC_iso was determined using the tail-clamping technique both at baseline and 30 min after the administration of CBD oil (2 mg/kg) via a stomach tube. CBD administration resulted in a significant 11% reduction in the MAC_iso, from 1.77 ± 0.14% to 1.62 ± 0.21% (p < 0.001). Following CBD administration, heart and respiratory rates were elevated at the time of MAC_iso determination compared to baseline whereas other physiological parameters remained unchanged. Serum biochemical analysis conducted two weeks post administration revealed a significant decrease in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels while one cat exhibited a mild increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Proteomic analysis identified 12 CBD-associated proteins in feline serum 30 min post administration, with CBDA and THCA synthases demonstrating significant upregulation. These findings indicate that CBD oil reduces anesthetic requirements in cats without inducing significant physiological disturbances. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of CBD’s anesthetic-sparing effects and its implications in veterinary anesthesia.

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.