CBD for Cats: Here’s What You Need to Know
CBD for cats has become the go-to supplement for cat owners seeking natural assistance for healthy mobility, relaxation, immune support, and more. CBD has few adverse effects and does not harm the body in the long run.
Cats have a relatively consistent pattern of behavior. They act on instinct, and if you own a cat, you’re well aware that each cat develops its unique personality traits and peculiarities. Some cats are loving and vocal, while others are shy and silent. Other cats may be quite entertaining and playful, while others appear to sleep a lot and are more aloof.
If your cat exhibits unusual habits such as digestive disorders, mobility difficulties, lethargy, or over-vocalization, it can be a cause for concern. A trip to the veterinarian may be necessary, but you may want to try some home cures first. This is where the advantages of CBD oil play a role.
Is CBD Safe for Cats?
CBD oil stimulates the endocannabinoid system in the body, resulting in therapeutic benefits that promote general healing and wellness. It helps in the natural regulation of the system, allowing it to maintain optimal balance and affect several internal functions such as pain, sleep, mood, and immunological function.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the high-inducing ingredient in marijuana, is found in most cannabis plants. The distinction is that most commercial CBD products have less than 0.3% THC (hemp), whereas marijuana has anything from 2.5% -25% THC. THC concentrations this low are just considered trace levels. They are completely harmless and incapable of causing a high.
CBD extracted from hemp is safe for cats. When looking for CBD gummies, it’s crucial to know where it comes from, how it’s extracted, and what kind of CBD it is.
Benefits of CBD for Cats
Research has proven CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties and its capacity to promote calmness, reduce seizure activity, and increase general well-being. CBD is safe for cats as long as it has little to no THC, in addition to its several medical benefits. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal choice for reducing the number and intensity of asthma attacks in cats.
CBD oil can alleviate painful inflammation and enable cats who are elderly, overweight or have signs of joint pain to move pain-free. Cat owners prefer all-natural CBD to steroids or NSAIDs, which have severe side effects for pain relief related to joint pain, neurological disorders, injuries, and illnesses.
Since a cat’s endocannabinoid system is similar to that of humans, and CBD is a neuroprotective agent, it helps in reducing the occurrence and intensity of seizures.
Irritable bowel disease (IBD) and pancreatitis are common gastrointestinal issues in cats. Many holistic veterinarians advocate CBD oil for cats since it is a natural anti-inflammatory. CBD may
help with IBD symptoms such as pain, discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, low appetite, and weight loss by minimizing inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract.
CBD Oil Dosage for Cats
When determining the proper dosage for cats, we recommend starting with a lower dose and slowly increasing to the recommended dose. For cats, it’s better to start with 1–5 mg to evaluate how they respond to the oil.
Whether you’re taking hemp CBD oil for anxiety or pain treatment, the optimal dose will vary depending on the situation. Therefore, you can experiment to find the right amount and frequency. Start with a dose in the center of the range and wait 30–60 minutes for results. Increase the dosage if there is no adverse effect after an hour.
Allow your veterinarian to advise you on the proper dosage for your cat, and always read the product’s instructions. Reduce the dosage if you notice any adverse reaction when you start this therapy. Also, inform your veterinarian about any new dosages you plan to try.
Is CBD Oil Legal?
There is also the problem of legality, regardless of how effectively CBD products work for cats. A cannabis product designated as “hemp” contains less than 0.3 percent THC and is not a banned substance.
CBD oil, for the most part, if not all, fulfills this definition. The complicated legal status of marijuana, on the other hand, frequently causes confusion and frustration, discouraging pet owners from using CBD oil.
What Are the Side Effects of Giving CBD Oil to Cats?
Sedation is a common side effect reported by cat owners. If the cat has a negative reaction, vomiting, nausea, appetite changes, or anxiety may develop, although these instances are rare and mild.
Furthermore, several veterinarians and cat owners have reported favorable side effects. For example, CBD helps their cat cope with joint pain and find that it also helps the cat get relief from asthma symptoms.
Final Thoughts
CBD sourced from reputable companies is safe for cats. Furthermore, to reap the maximum benefits of CBD, cat owners must follow instructions correctly. While giving CBD oil to your cat, it is advisable to measure the necessary dose on a spoon and let the cat consume the oil on its own. If the cat prefers CBD oil mixed with treats, use the same method and add a treat to the spoon.
When first introducing CBD to your cat’s diet, start with a low dose of 1 to 5 mg to see how your cat reacts to the oil before increasing the amount.
While CBD can yield several positive side effects, current research is still in its early phases. According to many recent studies, CBD appears to be an excellent holistic solution to several health issues.