Humans, dogs, horses… kitties? Over the last few years the popularity of CBD has grown, especially for animals. The thing is, dogs and horses seem to get all the attention, and thus all the benefits.
But what about CBD oil for cats? We know it’s just as good for animals as it is for humans, and our cats are animals, so… is it an option for helping deal with common issues and ailments?
Is CBD Oil for Cats Safe?
CBD oil is a non-intoxicating compound found in the hemp plant. It’s one of over 100 active compounds identified in the plant and it works by interacting with your cat’s endocannabinoid system.
Yes, just like all animals, your cat has an endocannabinoid system (ES). This system plays a major role in keeping him healthy. It’s found in his brain, major organs, bones, and all throughout his central nervous system. And its overall goal is to maintain balance within the body.
The body naturally produces endocannabinoids. These travel the bloodstream, interacting with cells throughout the body to deliver messages and signals about what’s going on and how the body should react. By giving your cat CBD, you are increasing those natural cannabinoids and giving the body a boost.
Ok, but is it safe to give your cat CBD? Yes, numerous reports show that CBD is safe, and that cats are fine to take it.
So why give it to your furry friend? The benefits of CBD oil for cats include:
- Ease anxiety
- Relieve pain and arthritis
- Reduce Inflammation
- Combat seizures/epilepsy
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Promote urinary tract health
How to Give Your Cat CBD
For humans, the best method of administration is sublingual. That means dropping the CBD under tongue so it’s absorbed but the mucous membranes and right into the bloodstream.
However, for cats (and often for dogs as well), this route doesn’t always work. Most cats won’t just let you open up those jaws and let you drop it into their mouth. In fact they’ll probably hate it and you’ll end up covered in scratches. So, we’ve found the best way to give CBD oil for cats is by simply adding it to his food. When you take/give CBD this way, it has to pass through the digestive tract. This just means it’ll take a little longer to work, and it may reduce the concentration of the oil a little. But it will still do its job.
And, make sure to mix it in well. Cats can be picky, so a new or different smell in that food bowl might turn him off, so give it a good stir, and feed with something that’s pretty aromatic (ex. sardines).
And speaking of how, let’s talk about how much. Dosage should be based on body weight, and since our cats are small, he won’t need a lot. Research shows that cats tend to be more sensitive to CBD than dogs, and so it’s important to start small and gradually increase the amount slowly.Start with a low mg CBD and perhaps start with half the recommended dose to see how he reacts. Give it time to work, and once you find the sweet spot for your kitty, stick with it.
**Keep in mind that studies based on CBD for cats specifically are very limited, and most research is based on humans or dogs. That said, as mentioned, your cat’s system is very similar to your own, so the science remains largely the same.
How to Choose the Right Product for your Furry Friend
When looking for a good CBD oil for cats, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Is it organic? You want to make sure that the product you choose uses plants grown without the use of pesticides.
- How is it extracted? Some extraction methods use harsh chemicals like butane or propane, and these can leave residues that eventually make their way into your cat’s system.
- Is there a Certificate of Analysis? Make sure the company you choose tests their product for things like total CBD and THC concentration, heavy metals, and solvents. And make sure they share that Certificate willingly with customers.
- What are the other ingredients? Make sure you know what other ingredients are present. Some companies add a carrier oil, like coconut or hemp oil, to increase the bioavailability. Others include flavor enhancers to mask the taste of the oil. Make sure those are safe for your cat.
- Are there other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes in it? We’re big fans of full spectrum oil because it gives your cat the “full spectrum” of beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavaonoids, not just CBD.
If your feline friend is suffering from any of the conditions CBD is traditionally used to treat, it can’t hurt to give to a try. CBD oil for cats is a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals, and has been shown as a safe, effective treatment for several different conditions.
The Veterinarious team is made up of pet owners, pet lovers, and pet experts from around the globe! We’ve banded together to create a community of like-minded pet people to give you the latest research and health advice for your beloved beast!