By now, most people have heard about CBD. Many people are discovering that adding CBD to their wellness routine can help with various issues and are using CBD for anxiety, pain, inflammation, and stress relief, to name a few. But what about CBD for cats? Is CBD for cats safe? Can a cat benefit from CBD?
After enjoying the health benefits that come with using CBD, pet owners want to know if there is any way for their four-legged friends to benefit from adding CBD to their diet. Any pet owner can tell you that fur babies have arthritis, joint pain, and anxiety, much the same as their human counterparts.
CBD dog treats have become very popular recently as an easy and convenient way to add CBD to a dog’s wellness and health. Dog owners have seen their dogs acting like puppies again after taking joint pain, and dogs that were scared of storms are calmer after taking CBD for anxiety.
Anyone considering introducing CBD to their cats should keep reading to find out the benefits of CBD for cats and if CBD poses any health risks to cats.
Does CBD Work on Cats?
All mammals have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This system regulates several essential bodily functions, such as memory, appetite, pain, sleep, and temperature, to name a few.
The ECS consists of three main components:
- Cannabinoid receptors on the cell’s surface
- Endocannabinoids, which is a chemical produced by the body
- Enzymes that break down the endocannabinoids when their function is complete.
The primary purpose of the ECS is to keep all functions of the body in a state of homeostasis. However, sometimes there are deficiencies in the ECS, leading to inflammation, chronic pain, insomnia, and many other ailments.
Some researchers have discovered that cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, such as CBD, work with the ECS to bring the body’s regulating functions back into balance. Many of the researchers compare it to a “lock and key system.”
Cats, like humans, have this ECS system. Therefore, if a cat’s ECS system is out of balance, CBD might improve its overall wellness and address any issues such as joint pain and anxiety.
Research on CBD for cats is still in the early stages; however, there are promising results in CBD use in other animals. Due to the controversy surrounding the use of cannabis, research was slow but has started picking up in recent years. People are beginning to have a better understanding of all the therapeutic benefits that CBD can offer.
What Are the Benefits of CBD for Cats?
Cats can benefit from CBD in a variety of ways. Here are just a few of the ways that CBD can help your feline friend:
Arthritic Pain
Just like their owners, as cats get older, they can start to feel the aches and pains associated with arthritis and swollen joints. CBD works with ECS receptors to reduce the inflammation associated with the chronic pain experienced by those who suffer from arthritis. CBD can help cats who suffer from arthritis and joint pain to move easier and be more comfortable.
Stress Relief
Pet owners sometimes forget that certain situations can cause stress and anxiety in their cats. Changes in their environment, such as home remodeling or moving, new people in their lives, or introducing another pet into the household, can cause a cat to feel stress. Evidence of stress can be seen by poor appetites, excessive grooming, or changes in behavior.
CBD can help feelings of stress in cats. The cannabinoids work with ECS receptors to help regulate serotonin levels in the brain, leaving the cat in a calmer state of being.
Dementia
If a cat starts howling for no reason, it may be a symptom of dementia. As cats age, they may begin to experience distress or disorientation due to the effects of degeneration of neurons in their brain. There has been some research in humans that show CBD can help form new connections between brain cells. More research is needed, but it could similarly help cats.
Skin and Coat
CBD oil comes in topical products that can be applied directly to your cat’s skin and fur to improve their shine and give relief from itchy skin caused by dry skin or allergies.
Seizures
Cats can have seizures due to brain damage, brain tumors, or epilepsy. CBD has shown to be an effective treatment for reducing the number of episodes in children suffering from severe forms of epilepsy. There have also been promising results for using CBD to reduce epileptic seizures in felines as well.
General Health
Just like many people have started enjoying better health by adding CBD to their daily routine, pets can also feel better, much like they did during their younger years. Add a few drops of CBD oil to their food every day for your cat’s optimum health.
How Much CBD Should You Give to Your Cat?
Pet owners should do their research before administering CBD oil to their cats. Working alongside a holistic veterinarian can help determine if CBD is an appropriate treatment for your cat’s condition.
It’s essential to read all the instructions that come with your CBD product. When giving CBD to your cat, it’s best to start with the lowest recommended dosage. Monitor your cat’s reactions to see how well it tolerates the CBD. Closely monitor their eating patterns and behaviors. If the cat doesn’t have any adverse reactions, you can gradually increase the dosage while observing any changes until you see the desired effects.
CBD cat treats are an easy and tasty way to get CBD into cats. Each treat is infused with an exact amount of CBD, ensuring that your cat won’t have too much CBD and making it easier for you to monitor the effects.
Will CBD Make Your Cat High?
CBD is a compound extracted from the cannabis plant. There are two types of cannabis plants that are used for the production of CBD. One of them is the marijuana plant. CBD oil from the marijuana plant typically has higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis that gives users the feeling of euphoria. Marijuana also has low levels of CBD.
The other type of cannabis plant is hemp. The oil extracted from hemp has high levels of CBD and lower levels of THC. Therefore, CBD from hemp plants is the best choice for cats. They will get all the powerful benefits from CBD without the psychoactive effects of THC.
Are There Any Risks?
Most adverse reactions in cats come from too large of an initial dosage. Following correct dosage instructions will help eliminate those risks. Some side effects may be vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
Many veterinarians feel that giving your cat CBD is entirely harmless. However, it’s important to note that every cat is different and may have different experiences, just like humans.
In addition, research on the effects of CBD in felines is still in its early stages. Much more is needed to see the long-term impact. Furthermore, as a supplement, the CBD industry isn’t regulated by the FDA. It’s essential to research companies and show due diligence in purchasing CBD from legitimate sources. Most companies have their products tested for safety and effectiveness by a third-party, independent lab. They will post their results for consumers to view.
Is CBD legal is a question that many pet owners ask. As stated earlier, most CBD is derived from hemp, which is legal in all 50 states as long as it contains less than 0.3 percent of THC. However, it’s important to know state laws because some states regulate that any levels of THC are illegal.
Final Thoughts
Many pet owners will say that their cats are more than just a pet. They consider their cats to be their fur babies, four-legged friends, or their feline companions. Most humans want to feel their best without suffering from pain, anxiety, stress, or insomnia. And, they want their cats to enjoy the same health benefits.
CBD can help cats deal with everyday issues, such as joint aches and pains, poor appetite, behavior issues, and anxiety. Or, they just want their cats to enjoy the overall wellness associated with adding CBD to their daily routine.
If your cat is having issues, it’s essential to talk with your vet for a complete check-up and bloodwork. While most holistic veterinarians will agree that giving CBD to cats is harmless, it’s always best to work alongside them to address underlying conditions and ensure correct CBD dosages if they determine that is an appropriate route.
This article is for informational purposes. It’s always best to consult with a professional before making any changes to your cat’s daily diet and routine.
