CBD has caught too many eyes as a supplement for human beings and now even for animals because of its possible therapeutic benefits. CBD is a compound that is derived from hemp or cannabis – a plant that is popular for its connection with the endocannabinoid system. It plays a major role in regulating a number of physiological processes in the human and animal body. CBD oil for cats and dogs is an extremely beneficial source of relaxation.
While a lot of scientific studies, particularly on the use of CBD oil for cats, are limited, there is an increasing interest in exploring the potential applications to manage multiple health issues, including anxiety, pain, inflammation, or behavioral issues.
If you want to know if CBD oil is a good option for your little furry friend, stay with us till the end of this article to find out all the details on CBD oil for cats.
What Is CBD?
Before we try to understand if CBD oil is a good supplement for cats, it is important that you understand properly what CBD actually is. Some people tend to confuse between marijuana and CBD. Certainly, they are not the same. The core distinction between marijuana and CBD lies in the THC concentration and their psychoactive effects. CBD is the short-term cannabidiol.
While marijuana is rich in THC and induces a great level of high, CBD is non-intoxicating. It is derived from hemp plants that have a very low level of THC content.
How Does CBD Oil For Cats Work?
CBD interacts with a cat’s endocannabinoid system. It is the same as how it works on dogs or humans. This system plays a very important role in regulating psychological functions, including pain perception, mood, and even responses to the immune system.
CBD for cats has the potential to reduce pain and anxiety and improve their overall well-being. These therapeutic advantages make CBD a very promising natural option to address a number of health problems in cats, like pain management, stress, and joint mobility.
Is CBD Oil For Cats Safe?
CBD can usually be considered safe when you administer it properly and in proper dosages, as per your cat’s veterinarian. However, there is still a lot to learn about its effects in the long term and its potential interaction with other medicines.
Here are certain considerations that you need to keep an eye out for if you plan to use CBD oil for your cat:
Quality Control
Make sure that you are using the best quality CBD products that are particularly formulated for pets. Look for the ones that are made from the most organic hemp and go through third-party testing for potency and purity. Do not use the CBD oil that is made for humans. Those products might have traces of other ingredients that are considered highly toxic to animals.
THC Content
Make sure that the CBD oil you are using for your cat only has CBD in it. Any content of THC in it might turn out to be highly toxic for your cat. It is preferable to go for the ones that have no THC content. However, if it at all has some, make sure it is as good as zero.
Adverse Reactions
Some cats might experience adverse effects after interacting with CBD oils or any CBD products. In that case, it is preferable to cease any further interaction to keep your cat safe.
Drug Interactions
CBD might potentially interact with a number of medicines. It is necessary that you keep your vet informed about every single medication or supplement that your cat takes to avoid any possible interactions.
Individual Sensitivity
Cats might differ in their sensitivity to CBD. So, you need to closely monitor their response if you introduce CBD in their daily routine. Observing if there is any change in their behavior, appetite, or overall well-being is important when it comes to CBD.
NOTE: You need to keep in mind that CBD is not a substitute for veterinary treatments. If your cat is suffering from any underlying behavioral issues or health conditions, it is important that you address them with a vet who can give you a comprehensive plan for treatment.
Benefits Of CBD Oil For Cats
CBD has gained popularity among pet owners and humans because of its potential to back a number of common health problems. Kudos to the way it interacts with the multi-system regulating endocannabinoid system. While it is important to talk with your vet before you start any CBD regimen, here is how you can benefit from it:
Stress And Anxiety
Cats may experience stress or anxiety because of a number of factors like changes in their environment, separation from their owners, loud noise, etc. CBD has calming properties that help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of comfort and relaxation in your little feline friend.
Pain And Inflammation
Injuries, arthritis, or age-related issues might cause a lot of pain and discomfort in cats. CBD is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and might assist in managing pain, enhance mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life of your cat.
Sleep And Relaxation
Cats, just like humans, can go through sleep disturbances. The relaxing properties of CBD help promote a better sleep pattern, making sure that your cat gets its well-deserved rest for optimal health.
Overall Wellness
CBD supports the endocannabinoid system’s function in your cat, which controls multiple bodily processes that can help the cat maintain homeostasis throughout a number of bodily systems.
NOTE: However convincing the benefits may be, no one really knows your cat more than you. While the benefits might differ from one cat to the other, as the owner, it is your responsibility to observe your cat to find the correct dosage depending on your cat’s particular needs.
How To Start CBD Oil For Cats?
Finally, we have arrived at one of the most crucial sections of this article. Regardless of how much you know about CBD or how good it is for your feline friend if you are unsure about how to give CBD oils to your cat, things might take a different turn.
So, here are the steps you need to take care of if you are just starting to give CBD oils to your cats:
A Beginner’s CBD Dose For Cats
If you have never given CBD oil or CBD product to your cat before, it is better to go for 3 milligrams of CBD per 10 lbs of body weight each day.
Remember that every cat is different. And you know your cat the best. So, doing a little trial and error before sticking to the right dosage is important.
However, if you already know about the health benefits that CBD oil for cats brings to the table, or if you have introduced CBD treats or oil to your cat before, it is better to stick with the same dosage quantity for best results. You can always alter the dose depending on how your cat reacts to it.
Administering CBD For Cats
To get the maximum benefits of CBD for your cat, it is preferable to stick to a consistent routine every day that suits their schedule. Some cat owners choose to give CBD in the morning so that the day starts calmly. On the other hand, some prefer to spend time in the evening relaxing and getting a good night’s sleep. Cats usually respond within thirty minutes, based on their metabolism and if they have eaten anything.
For the best results, give them CBD in a dish at least 15 minutes before their meal or just directly in their mouth if they are willing to do it. This is something that you would have to come to a common ground with, depending on what works best for your feline friend.
CBD works pretty well with almost all healthy diets and mixes easily into just a bit of your cat’s wet food. In most cases, cats do not even notice.
In the case of extremely picky cats, you might have to mix a very small quantity into your cat’s food and eventually increase it over the course of time so that the change remains subtle.
We know that it is difficult to trick the picky ones, but we suggest you give your best shot to support your cat’s health. From joint pain to their immune system, hemp oil has the potential to enhance the overall quality of life of your cat.
How Often To Give CBD Oil For Cats?
CBD does not form a habit of consumption, and there is no way that your cat is going to overdose on CBD oil. So, you get the option to administer it once or twice during the day or as needed, based on the requirements of your cat, body weight, and definitely your schedule.
For some cats, a daily routine offers consistent support for their overall well-being. In other cases, they might benefit as per their needs. It’s mainly during stressful times or when particular health problems come up.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the needs of your cat might evolve over time. What’s effective today might not be effective tomorrow. So, you need to alter the dosage with the change in needs of your feline friend.
Top CBD Oil For Cats
The market is flooded with multiple CBD oils that claim to be the best for your cat’s needs. While some of them are actually as good as they claim to be, all are not.
To solve this problem, here is a list of the top CBD oil for cats that can help your feline live a healthy life:
King Kanine King Kalm CBD
- Full spectrum CBD oil
- Includes Kill Oil, Copibara, and DHA to build joint health
- Syringe for hygienic use and precise dosing
- Slightly on the expensive side
Neurogan CBD Pet Tincture
- CO2 extracted
- Human grade ingredients
- Full spectrum CBD oil
- $0.03 per gram, which is quite affordable
NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Pet Oil
- High potency CBD oil for cats
- Full spectrum CBD oil
- $0.05 per milligram of CBD
Petly CBD Pet Hemp Cbd Oil For Cats
- Organic hemp that is grown in Colorado
- Salmon flavor, especially for the picky cats
- Experts in pet CBD products
- The best CBd oil for cats that require lower doses
- A bit expensive for a low CBD potency
Greed Roads Isolate CBD Oil For Small Pets
- CBD isolate oil
- Formulated by pharmacists
- Low potency
- $0.03 per milligram of CBD
cbdMD Pet CBD Oil Tincture
- Two cat CBD potencies are found
- Full spectrum CBD oil
- Catnip and natural flavor
- Expensive cost for each milligram of CBD
Side Effects Of CBD Oil For Cats?
While CBD is usually considered safe for felines, it’s better to be aware of the potential side effects. While none of these might happen in the majority, here are some of the side effects of CBD oil that you need to look out for in your cats:
- Lethargy: One of the most generic side effects of CBD oil is lethargy in cats or too much sleepiness. If your cat appears too tired or unresponsive, it might be a reaction of CBD oil.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Some cats tend to experience digestive problems like diarrhea or a change in their appetite after CBD oil intake.
- Changes in Behavior: Look for any major changes in your cat’s mood or behavior. Increased nervousness or irritability or an increase or decrease in appetite are side effects of CBD.
- Physical Coordination: In certain cases, cats might have problems with balance or coordination.
If you have introduced too much CBD oil, the very first step is to stay calm. Try to give them a calm and safe environment for the effects to wear off. Keep a very close eye on the cat for any signs of distress. And give them enough water to ensure hydration.
If the symptoms get severe, it is best to take them to the vet immediately. They can give you some advice and, if needed, medical intervention.
The Bottom Line
As we wrap things up, it is pretty clear that CBD oil for cats is indeed a valuable addition to your feline pet’s wellness routine. However, the key here is to choose the right CBD oil for them. Quality needs to be your top priority, and administration is the second.
Look for oils that are particularly formulated for cats and are from reputed brands. These products must have clear labels, with third party test results, and free of any harmful additions.
Cats have different sensitivities and needs than dogs or humans. Hence, choosing a product that is crafted for cats is important. This includes appropriate flavors and potency levels that cats will easily accept.
By selecting a high quality CBD oil for cats, with the consultation of your vet, you can make a proper decision that adds a positive contribution to your cat’s happiness and health.
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