Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has gotten an incredible degree of attention in recent years for its potent therapeutic benefits. While many people think CBD is only for humans, our feline friends can also benefit from this natural aid in all the same ways.
If you’re curious about CBD oil or Cat CBD treats, you’re in the right place! Let’s explore how CBD is the purr-fect remedy for our best fur buddies.
What Is CBD?
CBD oil is a natural aid derived from the hemp plant that has a vast range of health benefits for our cats. By interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, CBD can help it better support and carry out its many regulatory roles, which include regulating appetite, mood, and immune system response.
While hemp shares a close relationship with marijuana plants, the one big thing that separates them is pretty significant. Where marijuana and products created from these plants can cause a high when ingested, hemp plants and products taken from them, like CBD oil, cannot cause a high.
This makes CBD safe to give to our pets, which includes our adorable and feisty cats. In fact, anyone with an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which includes everyone from human to fish, can benefit from CBD’s many benefits.
Top 5 Conditions CBD Cats Are Given CBD For
Thanks to CBD’s ability in lending a helping hand to the endocannabinoid system, CBD honestly has the potential to help in a seemingly endless list of ways. A mother regulatory system located in other regulatory systems, the ECS is there to balance and support them, so they can properly function for optimal health. But without getting too much into the science, let’s look at the top 5 benefits CBD has for cats.
CBD Oil for Cat Anxiety and Stress
CBD oil can be effective in helping cats deal with their anxiety and stress thanks to its calming properties. Whether it’s due to separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or other causes, our cats are no strangers to anxiety, and for many, it can negatively impact their quality of life. Chronic anxiety can result in aggression, destructive behavior, and urination and defecation outside the litter box.
CBD Oil for Cat Pain and Inflammation
CBD oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. And this is fantastic to see because inflammation and pain often go hand-in-hand. From swelling to painful and stiff joints, research shows CBD is a useful tool for managing chronic pain and inflammation along with temporary bouts of it.
This makes CBD popular for conditions such as arthritis or other conditions that cause discomfort, such as recovery from an injury or surgery.
CBD Oil for Cat Appetite and Digestion
From its ability to stimulate poor appetite to its promotion of healthy digestion, CBD is your cat’s digestive system’s new best friend. From helping gassy cats be less musical to enticing picky eaters to pick up and eat their food, CBD can be your new best friend too!
CBD Oil for Cat Seizures and Epilepsy
Research shows CBD oil is often effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in cats with epilepsy. In fact, in cases where anti-epileptic medication fails to successfully reduce seizures, CBD and other cannabis products are found to be the only thing that works. This unique anticonvulsant property is so notable, many places first legalized CBD solely to treat epilepsy.
CBD Oil for Cancer
Cats with cancer may experience a range of symptoms, including pain, inflammation, and loss of appetite. Then, on top of that, the cancer treatment itself can present additional symptoms or exacerbate previous ones. CBD oil can help manage these symptoms, providing the relief our cats deserve and need to feel better.
While CBD is named after a single compound that all cannabis plants produce, most CBD products contain hundreds of unique molecules that all come from the cannabis plant. Research has found that some of these compounds have anti-tumor properties that may help slow and even shrink cancerous tumors. However, we never recommended solely using CBD to treat cancer. Cancer is complex and often requires a complex treatment plan composed of several medications.
How Do You Choose The Best CBD For Cats?
When choosing CBD products for your cat, it’s essential to look for products that are specifically formulated for cats and have been tested for safety and efficacy. While there is no real chemical difference between your basic CBD for humans and cats, CBD for us is highly potent to account for our body weight and sometimes contains additional ingredients that may be unsafe for a cat.
1. Choose high-quality CBD products: Look for CBD products that are extracted from industrial hemp plants that were organically grown and tested for contaminants and toxins by a third-party lab. Called a certificate of analysis, this report additionally allows you to confirm the label’s accuracy.
2. Look for full-spectrum CBD: Full-spectrum CBD contains a wide range of beneficial compounds, including other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. These compounds work together to create the “entourage effect” that enhances the overall therapeutic benefits of CBD. In most cases, you want to be careful with CBD which includes non-hemp ingredients. However, you should expect to see a carrier oil. As well, catnip is a great addition.
3. Choose a product with the right delivery method: CBD products for cats come in a variety of forms, including tinctures, treats, and topicals. Tinctures are great for rapid effects, but some cats may not like the grassy hemp flavor — one of the big reasons why catnip-infused CBD is great. Treats are another great option, but digestion will slow down how fast the effects are felt.
5. Consult with your veterinarian: If your cat is on prescription medication, before giving your cat CBD, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian. They can advise you on the appropriate dosage, potential drug interactions, and any other concerns you may have.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CBD oil has shown promising results in managing a variety of health conditions in cats, including anxiety, pain, and inflammation. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of CBD oil, many pet owners have reported positive effects in their furry companions.
As with any new treatment, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before giving your cat CBD oil and to start with a low dose. With proper use and guidance, CBD oil may offer a purr-fect remedy for your cat’s health and well-being.