With the relaxation of cannabis regulations, more pet owners and veterinarians are turning to CBD oil to relieve gastrointestinal problems, anxiety, pain, and seizures in cats and dogs. But is CBD oil safe for your feline friend?
When it comes to CBD oil for cats, there is a lot of information online, and it can be challenging to determine what is factual and what is exaggerated. Let’s see what CBD oil does for cats and whether there are any safety issues you need to be aware of.
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Benefits of CBD for Cats
CBD might be a fantastic holistic solution to help your cat feel better if she’s having difficulty eating, coping with anxiety, or suffering from arthritis. Also a superb neuroprotector, CBD is effective in treating neurological conditions including epilepsy and seizures.
Cats can also benefit from CBD by using it to help with:
- Inflammation
- Chronic pain
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Urinary tract issues
- Overall health and wellness
Is There Research on CBD for Cats?
Since there are currently no published scientific studies on the use of CBD for cats, we must analyze research findings in humans and dogs, as well as testimonials from vets and pet owners, to try to decide whether to provide CBD to felines is a good idea.
The primary benefit of CBD is its capacity to reduce inflammation and, consequently, chronic discomfort in mammals. Cornell University researchers discovered that CBD oil is quite effective at relieving pain because it targets the TRPV1 receptor and prevents it from turning on.
According to recent studies, CBD can assist canines with osteoarthritis to feel less pain and be more active, and it can also help reduce the frequency of seizures in dogs with severe epilepsy.
Some other frequent uses of CBD for which there’s at least some scientific evidence (in humans or animal non-feline subjects) include pain, anxiety, nausea, and asthma.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Cats?
Despite the fact that there haven’t been any scientific studies explicitly looking at how cannabis affects cats, CBD seems to be fairly safe for cats. Giving your kitty CBD oil, however, may have some adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal distress and mild drowsiness, which can be relieved by stopping the usage of the oil.
The most crucial thing is to make sure that your feline friend receives the proper dosage. This is the only way to ensure that the CBD oil is working as intended and that you aren’t unintentionally overdosing.
Because the FDA does not regulate the CBD products that are on the market and consumers cannot be certain that they are giving their pets the right dosage, it is best to start with very small doses and watch your cat for a reaction. If there’s no negative reaction, increase the dose gradually.
What Are the Risks of Treating Your Cat with CBD?
The advantages and risks of CBD use in felines have not yet been investigated. The US Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved the use of CBD for pets or a dosage regimen.
All cats are different, just like people, and like pharmaceutical drugs, not all plants are suitable for all cats, so there may occasionally be an allergic reaction. Changes in appetite, weariness, and diarrhea are adverse effects of excessive CBD use or a sensitivity to the hemp plant.
These symptoms normally go away in a few hours, but if they don’t, consult a veterinarian right away because your cat probably has an allergy to hemp.
As far as the Sisters’ experience goes, we use CBD frequently on our farms. We give it freely to the dogs and cats, and the neighbors use the medication for their livestock and horses.
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How to Choose the Right CBD Oil for Cats
CBD can be administered to your cat in several different forms, but droppers – like our proprietary, scent-free, essential oil-free recipe – are the best choice because they are the easiest to dose.
Cat parents looking to give their pets CBD oil are advised to do their due diligence before buying a CBD product. Numerous CBD products have entered the market recently, but due to a lack of regulations, their overall effectiveness or safety is in question.
In a 2019 study, scientists examined 13 CBD oils made for animals and found that their label information did not match the compounds present in the products. ConsumerLab investigations and a Journal of the American Medical Association research both found that many CBD products on the market contain different cannabinoids than what is listed on the label.
It’s also important to keep in mind that while CBD oil is generally safe for cats, the full spectrum of cannabinoids in the raw plant are not necessarily safe. Although intoxication occurs more frequently in dogs than in cats, it is nevertheless possible. The same is true for CBD edible products made for humans. THC concentrations are frequently higher in CBD edibles, and if your cat consumes a large quantity of them, severe poisoning is possible.
Ultimately, the best CBD oil for your cat will be one that is suggested by your veterinarian. Before administering your cat CBD oil, make sure to consult your veterinarian because, as was previously mentioned, while it is generally safe for cats, it might not be safe for all of them. The veterinarian can assist you in figuring out the ideal CBD dosage for your pet. The majority of them recommend 1–5 mg per 10 pounds of body weight.
The Bottom Line
With all this in mind, we believe that giving CBD products to your cat is a good idea, particularly if they are sick or in pain.
Just a few drops will make your cat’s life less painful and stressful. And, who knows, maybe her renewed zest for life might encourage you to experiment with CBD for yourself!
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