If you’ve landed on this page because your beloved animal is suffering from cancer and you want to bring them some pain relief, our hearts are with you. While CBD oil has become somewhat of a breakout solution for pain in humans and even in animals, it isn’t consistently regulated by the FDA, and the lack of regulations can be a safety concern for cat owners interested in using natural products like this.
Fortunately, there are several alternatives to CBD oils. Hemp oil, or hemp seed oil, is the most common one. Both CBD oil and hemp oil come from the cannabis plant, but they’re different products.
Hemp oil is mostly an extraction from hemp seeds and contains little to no cannabidiol (CBD). Meanwhile, CBD oil is an extraction from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the cannabis plant.
If you have a cat already experiencing the effects of cancer, the last thing you want to do is introduce something that can produce more adverse side effects. Therefore, it can be safer to try other natural products that have more regulations on them.
We have reviews of some of the best hemp oil for cats and other CBD oil alternatives. Make sure to read through each one to find one that can help manage your cat’s symptoms.
A Glance at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Naturvet Hemp Liquid Supplement
Alleviates joint pain
Boosts immune system
Helps reduce inflammation
Check Price
Best Value
Zesty Paws Hemp Elements
High in omega-3 and omega-6
Uses premium Wild Alaskan Salmon oil
Can help with anxiety
Check Price
Premium Choice
Pet Wellbeing Herbal Pain Supplement
No synthetic ingredients
Good alternative to CBD and hemp oil
Formulated specifically for pain
Check Price
Hemp Well Liquid Cat Supplement
Organic and GMO-free
Reduces stress and inflammation
Long shelf life
Check Price
Vitality Science Immune Restoration
Designed specifically for cancer
All-natural ingredients
No fillers
Check Price
The 10 Best CBD Oil Alternatives for Cats
NaturVet Hemp Liquid Supplement for Cats & Dogs is a great supplement that supports various parts of a cat’s health. Along with the benefits of hemp seed oil, this supplement also contains krill oil and salmon oil.
Volume: 8 fluid ounces
Active Ingredients: Hemp oil, krill oil, salmon oil
Check Price on Chewy
The hemp seed oil in this supplement can help with reducing inflammation, which is a known factor that can contribute to cancer. Krill oil is high in omega-3s and astaxanthin and can help boost a cat’s immune system. Salmon oil can nourish a cat’s skin and coat and also help with alleviating joint pain.
A team of veterinarians formulated this supplement, and it now gets manufactured in an FDA-approved facility that’s in line with Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations. Therefore, you can feel confident in knowing that you’re giving your cat safe ingredients.
Be forewarned that this oil tends to have a strong smell, but it’s a smell that can actually attract your cats. With its all-around benefits, NaturVet Hemp Liquid Supplement is the best overall CBD oil alternative for cats with cancer.
Pros
Alleviates joint pain
Boosts immune system
Helps reduce inflammation
Cons
Strong, fishy scent
The Zesty Paws Hemp Elements Salmon Oil combines with premium Wild Alaskan Salmon oil to produce a highly nutritious formula that boosts the immune system. Along with helping your cats fight off infection, this supplement also moisturizes and restores a cat’s skin health. Some cat owners also noticed that it helped calm down their anxious cats.
Alleviates joint pain
Boosts immune system
Helps reduce inflammation
- Alleviates joint pain
- Boosts immune system
- Helps reduce inflammation
Strong, fishy scent
- Strong, fishy scent
Volume: 16 fluid ounces and 32 fluid ounces
Active Ingredients: Hemp oil, Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
Another benefit of this supplement is that it tends to be a more affordable option compared to other hemp oil products. So, it’s one of the best CBD oil alternatives for cats with cancer for the money you pay.
The oil does have a strong smell that deterred some cats. If you have particularly picky cats, make sure to introduce this oil in small, unnoticeable increments for a better chance of getting them to eat it.
Pros
High in omega-3 and omega-6
Uses premium Wild Alaskan Salmon oil
Can help with anxiety
Cons
Strong smell
If you don’t see your cat experiencing the benefits of hemp oil, you can try using other natural products that help alleviate pain. Pet Wellbeing Comfort GOLD Natural Herbal Supplement for Pain combines five active natural ingredients to specifically address pain.
High in omega-3 and omega-6
Uses premium Wild Alaskan Salmon oil
Can help with anxiety
- High in omega-3 and omega-6
- Uses premium Wild Alaskan Salmon oil
- Can help with anxiety
Strong smell
- Strong smell
Volume: 2 fluid ounces
Active Ingredients: Corydalis tuber, fresh turmeric rhizome, blue vervain herb, ginger rhizome, rosemary herb
Veterinarians formulated this combination of ingredients, and they’re ethically sourced. The formula doesn’t contain any preservatives, GMOs, or synthetic ingredients. It’s also gentle on the stomach, so it’s a great option for cats having difficulty ingesting foods due to cancer.
You might have to get a little creative with getting your cat to eat this supplement because it has unfamiliar smells. However, it comes with a convenient dropper so you can put a discrete amount in their food or favorite treats.
Overall, we love this supplement because it directly addresses pain management and can help your cat move and walk around more easily.
Pros
No synthetic ingredients
Good alternative to CBD and hemp oil
Formulated specifically for pain
Easy to administer
Cons
Cats might not like flavor
Unfortunately, there are rare cases where kittens can have cancer. Since kittens are still in their developmental stages, it’s extremely important to make sure that they only consume the safest ingredients.
No synthetic ingredients
Good alternative to CBD and hemp oil
Formulated specifically for pain
Easy to administer
- No synthetic ingredients
- Good alternative to CBD and hemp oil
- Formulated specifically for pain
- Easy to administer
Cats might not like flavor
- Cats might not like flavor
Volume: 2 fluid ounces, 16 fluid ounces, 1 gallon
Active Ingredients: Hemp oil, omega-3, omega-6
Hemp Well Omegas Liquid Cat & Dog Supplement is GMO-free and only uses organic ingredients. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help boost your kitten’s immune system and reduce inflammation. The hemp oil also helps with reducing stress to keep your kitten calm.
We also love that this supplement has a long shelf-life compared to other oils that have omega fatty acids, such as flaxseed oils. These supplements can barely last a year, but Hemp Well’s supplement is effective for up to two years. It also doesn’t contain any strong smells, so your kitten will barely notice it.
The only downside that we can find to this supplement is the packaging. The 16-ounce bottle tends to leak, so you might have to put it in another bottle to reduce waste. Other than that, this effective formula is one of the safest hemp oil options for kittens.
Pros
Organic and GMO-free
Reduces stress and inflammation
Long shelf life
No strong smells
Cons
16-ounce bottle can leak
Vitality Science Advanced Immune Restoration Program is a three-step holistic supplement designed with cats with cancer in mind. The three components of this set target inflammation and work to boost the immune system. It also helps to heal the gastrointestinal tract, making it a good option for cats experiencing symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Organic and GMO-free
Reduces stress and inflammation
Long shelf life
No strong smells
- Organic and GMO-free
- Reduces stress and inflammation
- Long shelf life
- No strong smells
16-ounce bottle can leak
- 16-ounce bottle can leak
Volume: 1 ounces (celloquent), 4 ounces (vital pet lipids), 2 ounces (herbal anti tincture)
Active Ingredients: Enzymes, probiotics, omega-3, omega-6, phospholipids
Although this set tends to be more expensive than other options, it doesn’t contain any artificial coloring, flowing agents, or fillers. So, your cat will consume nutrient-rich doses.
This set of supplements can accompany common cancer treatments without interference, and it can be good additional support for cats experiencing pain after cancer treatment.
Pros
Designed specifically for cancer
All-natural ingredients
No fillers
Cons
Relatively expensive
CHARLIE & BUDDY Pet Hemp Oil has a fast-acting formula that can provide quick relief to your cat’s symptoms and comfort to feelings of stress. It’s a powerful formula packed with organic hemp and omega fatty acids to help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
Designed specifically for cancer
All-natural ingredients
No fillers
- Designed specifically for cancer
- All-natural ingredients
- No fillers
Relatively expensive
- Relatively expensive
Volume: 1 fluid ounce
Active Ingredients: Organic hemp oil
Along with alleviating pain, this hemp oil has calming effects that can help cats fall into a deeper and more restful sleep. This formula is great for soothing and healing dry skin. It can also stimulate appetites for some cats, so it can be a great option if you’ve noticed weight loss in your cat.
However, a good number of cat owners have difficulty getting their cats to ingest this hemp oil because of the smell. It also comes in a small 1-ounce bottle, so it can be a relatively expensive option.
Pros
Alleviates pain and stress
Provides restful sleep
Stimulates appetite
Cons
Small bottle
Smell deters cats
The Billion Pets Hemp Oil for Dogs and Cats contains high-quality organic hemp oil infused with additional omega fatty acids. It also has a superior potency when compared to its competitors, so a little goes a long way. Add a small amount of this supplement to your pets’ diet, and they’ll experience reduced stress, hip and joint support, and healthier skin and coats.
Alleviates pain and stress
Provides restful sleep
Stimulates appetite
- Alleviates pain and stress
- Provides restful sleep
- Stimulates appetite
Small bottle
Smell deters cats
- Small bottle
- Smell deters cats
Volume: 1 fluid ounce
Active Ingredients: Organic hemp oil, omega fatty acids
This hemp oil supplement also helps stimulate your pets’ appetites. So, they can have an easier time eating if they’re experiencing less pain and an increased appetite.
Just keep in mind that since this supplement has a powerful formula, it’s extremely important to stick to recommended dosages. Overdosing can lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Pros
Potent formula
Stimulates appetite
Reduces stress
Cons
Easy to overdose
8. MaxHemp High Potency Hemp Oil for Dog & Cat
Check Latest Price
Volume: 1 fluid ounce
Active Ingredients: Organic hemp oil
MaxHemp High Potency Hemp Oil for Dog & Cat is another great supplement for post-surgery. It can boost your cat’s immune system to protect them as they recover. It also alleviates pain and inflammation so that your cat can experience more peaceful rest.
Potent formula
Stimulates appetite
Reduces stress
- Potent formula
- Stimulates appetite
- Reduces stress
Easy to overdose
- Easy to overdose
All the hemp formulas use certified Colorado hemp and get lab-tested before distribution. Therefore, it’s one of the most potent yet safest options in the market, as long as your cat receives the proper dosage. The hemp is also organic, and it’s safe to use on kittens and young cats.
Several pet owners have noted that their pets don’t like the taste of this formula. Fortunately, it comes bottled with a dropper, so it’s easy to directly administer the oil in your cats’ mouths instead of dropping it on their food.
Pros
Uses certified Colorado hemp
Safe for cats of all ages
Easy to administer
Boosts immune system
Cons
Not tasty
Must be cautious about overdosing
All Natural Paws Pet Hemp Seed Oil also has cod liver oil and omega-3 fatty acids infused in it. This combination provides relief for inflammation and also helps alleviate stress and agitation.
Uses certified Colorado hemp
Safe for cats of all ages
Easy to administer
Boosts immune system
- Uses certified Colorado hemp
- Safe for cats of all ages
- Easy to administer
- Boosts immune system
Not tasty
Must be cautious about overdosing
- Not tasty
- Must be cautious about overdosing
Volume: 2 fluid ounces
Active Ingredients: Organic hemp oil, cod liver oil
We also love how you can administer this formula in several ways so that you don’t have to just rely on having your cat eat it with meals. Along with sprinkling it on food and treats, you can just administer it orally or topically.
This formula is also safe for cats of all ages, so kittens and older cats can use it. It mainly targets inflammation and anxiety and distress. Therefore, if your cat has other symptoms, such as nausea, this product may not be the best option for them.
The formula is also very strong, so it’s important to give the correct dosage to your cat. Unfortunately, the label has very small print, so if you want a clear reading of the instructions, you have to read the online copy.
Pros
Effective for inflammation and stress
Different ways to administer
Safe for cats of all ages
Cons
Only targets specific symptoms
Difficult to read instructions
iVitamins Hemp Oil for Pets uses high-quality, certified Colorado hemp and a proprietary extraction method to get the most out of their hemp seeds. Therefore, you have one of the purest forms of hemp oil.
Effective for inflammation and stress
Different ways to administer
Safe for cats of all ages
- Effective for inflammation and stress
- Different ways to administer
- Safe for cats of all ages
Only targets specific symptoms
Difficult to read instructions
- Only targets specific symptoms
- Difficult to read instructions
Volume: 4 fluid ounces
Active Ingredients: Hemp oil
This hemp oil is exceptional for post-surgery recovery because it alleviates pain, reduces inflammation and swelling, and promotes calming rest and sleep. It can also help with resolving digestion issues, such as nausea, reduced appetite, and gastrointestinal swelling. It’s unflavored, so it has a greater chance of going unnoticed by picky eaters.
You can also use this all-natural and organic hemp oil with other medications without having to worry about any interference. Therefore, it’s a great supplement to other treatments that your veterinarian recommends.
iVitamin’s hemp oil is premium and tends to be more expensive than other options. It uses high-quality organic hemp, but you can also find other organic products that don’t cost as much. It also only contains hemp oil. Other competitive hemp oil supplements infuse nutritious oils, such as cod liver oil or salmon oil, to provide additional nutrients.
Pros
Uses certified Colorado hemp
Promotes rest and sleep
Unflavored
No interference with other treatments
Cons
Relatively expensive
Doesn’t contain other infusions
- See also: Are Cats in Pain When in Heat? What You Need To Know!
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best CBD Oil Alternative for Cats with Cancer
When you’re shopping for natural pain supplements for your cat, it’s important to find the right blend or formula because some ingredients can interfere with any ongoing cancer treatments. Cats with cancer may also have sensitive stomachs and weak immune systems, so they need supplements that won’t further irritate them or make them feel sick.
Uses certified Colorado hemp
Promotes rest and sleep
Unflavored
No interference with other treatments
- Uses certified Colorado hemp
- Promotes rest and sleep
- Unflavored
- No interference with other treatments
Relatively expensive
Doesn’t contain other infusions
- Relatively expensive
- Doesn’t contain other infusions
Here are some things to consider while shopping for CBD oil alternatives for cats.
Active Ingredients
Pain supplements usually contain several active ingredients. These ingredients can help alleviate pain, boost the immune system or soothe upset stomachs. Common active ingredients include the following:
Hemp Oil
Fish Oil
Turmeric
Omega fatty acids
Chamomile (in small doses)
Glucosamine and chondroitin
Traumeel
Some of these ingredients can help with pain management by alleviating stress and producing a calming effect. Others have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce pain and irritation. Most cats don’t have allergies to these ingredients.
Hemp Oil
Fish Oil
Turmeric
Omega fatty acids
Chamomile (in small doses)
Glucosamine and chondroitin
Traumeel
- Hemp Oil
- Fish Oil
- Turmeric
- Omega fatty acids
- Chamomile (in small doses)
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- Traumeel
However, if you have a cat with cancer, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to make sure that they’re safe for them to use. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
High-Quality Ingredients
Cats with cancer can have weakened immune systems and sensitive digestive tracts, so it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. Try to look for formulas that contain organic and non-GMO ingredients. Avoid artificial flavoring and preservatives because these can further irritate your cat. When applicable, try to verify if a supplement uses human-grade food.
If you’re interested in using hemp oil, try to look for food-grade hemp oil to ensure that it’s safe for consumption and not just topical treatment.
Simple Blend
Some ingredients can interfere with the efficacy of certain medications. Therefore, it’s important to have good communication with your vet when you want to introduce a new supplement to your cat’s existing regimen.
As a general rule of thumb, the simpler the supplement, the better. Therefore, before you buy a supplement, try to identify the exact issue your cat experiences. For example, if your cat has an upset stomach, find a supplement that specifically treats that symptom. The last thing you want to do is overmedicate or complicate your cat’s medication and treatments.
A simple blend without any fluff will also help you identify culprits quickly if your cat starts to exhibit new symptoms. Therefore, when it comes to cats with cancer, oils, and liquid supplements will be a safer choice. Chews usually contain fillers and binders to keep each piece intact. Some of these binders, such as sugars and potato starch, can cause an upset stomach for sensitive cats.
Conclusion
Out of all our reviews, Naturvet Hemp Liquid Supplement is our favorite choice. It combines nutritious active ingredients with hemp oil to provide both comfort and nourishment for cats. Pet Wellbeing Comfort GOLD Natural Herbal Supplement for Pain is our favorite runner-up because it uses all-natural ingredients that also don’t irritate the stomach.
Overall, natural supplements can help alleviate pain for cats with cancer. Make sure to work with your veterinarian to find a blend that addresses their pain without interfering with other treatments.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
