Last Updated on January 7, 2023 by ellen
Cats are some of the most popular pets in the world, but they can also be quite difficult to care for. Learn more about using CBD for cats to help with common issues.
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While cats may seem like independent animals, their needs are actually very similar to humans in some ways. And, they can have some of the same health concerns.
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CBD for Cats
There is a new product on the market that contains all-natural ingredients and may help with many common cat problems. This natural supplement has shown to be helpful in managing anxiety, pain, inflammation, and even seizures caused by epilepsy!
The main ingredient in these types of products is cannabidiol or CBD oil. It’s a non-psychoactive hemp product that doesn’t give the high feeling associated with THC products.
The endocannabinoid system is the body’s own biological network that responds to chemicals found in cannabis. “Endo” means within, as in within the body, so this system is literally inside us!
Is CBD ok for cats?
Studies have shown CBD to be beneficial with almost no side effects. On top of being safe for cats, it doesn’t seem to have the same issues with tolerance that humans may face when using other products containing THC.
It’s important to choose a safe brand.
What does CBD do to a cat?
CBD has been shown to help with many common cat issues. These include:
Anxiety – Cats can become anxious for reasons such as loud noises and stressful events, like moving or a new pet added to the family. CBD may be able to reduce anxiety and make them more comfortable in these situations. It’s also safe for them to use long-term without any side effects.
Pain – Cats can experience pain from arthritis, injuries, and other health concerns. CBD has been shown to help with many different types of pain and inflammation. It may also be able to help reduce the number of additional medications a cat needs to take for their pain.
Inflammation – Inflammation is a major cause of pain. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Epilepsy – This serious neurological disorder causes seizures that are not always preventable by medication. CBD has been used to successfully treat epilepsy in humans, and there is evidence to support its use in cats as well.
Skin conditions – Conditions such as allergies or dermatitis can cause skin problems. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may help reduce the inflammation associated with skin conditions and make it easier for your cat to deal with these issues.
What are the side effects of CBD oil for cats?
It is important to note that not all cats will respond positively to CBD, just as not all humans will. Some cats may have a negative reaction to it, such as diarrhea, lethargy, or an upset stomach. In order to prevent these side effects from happening, you should start with a very small amount of CBD and slowly increase the dosage over several days if needed.
Speak to your veterinarian
CBD comes in many forms, including capsules, soft chews, and liquid tinctures. There are also pet-specific products available. If you would like to try using CBD for your cat to help with anxiety or other issues, talk to a veterinarian first. Consultations will be very helpful in determining whether or not this product is right for your pet.
If the vet agrees that CBD may be able to help, follow dosage recommendations closely and make sure you are using the proper CBD product (such as one with less than 0.3% THC ). This one is a great option.
It’s also important to note that CBD products do not contain any THC and will not give your cat the same high as products with THC. No matter what, never give your pet something that contains THC without first consulting a veterinarian!
If you’re worried about giving your cat anything “weird,” just remember that they love to eat grass and plants. It’s actually healthy for them to eat these but in very small amounts. They would get the same benefits from eating healthy plants like lavender or marshmallow root as they would from using CBD products.
If you’ve tried this for your pet and had success with it, I’d love to hear about it!
More related reading
- CBD for Pets to Relieve Stress
- Can my pet use CBD oil?
- How to keep a dog calm during fireworks
- Cat joint health tips
Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.