CBD has been one of the most remarkable developments in alternative health scenes in the past few decades. Many people use CBD to treat various issues, including pain, anxiety, depression, and brain fog. Not only is CBD popular with humans, but many people use CBD for their pets, too, including cats.
So today, the team here at The Other Path is here to talk about the best CBD oil for cats. We will talk about how CBD can work for cats and the best ways for pets to ingest CBD. We will also talk about the health benefits of your pets taking CBD.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol ((CBD) is a type of cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. CBD and THC are two of the main active ingredients in the marijuana and hemp plants. CBD has exploded in popularity in the past decade, and there is a $1 billion market for CBD products in the US.
Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce a psychoactive response, i.e., a “high.” CBD has also shown promise for treating a wide variety of systemic health conditions. Research indicates that CBD may effectively treat anxiety, depression, pain, and other physical and mental conditions.
CBD interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid (EC) system. This system of receptors plays a role in various homeostatic processes in the body. Scientists believe that CBD can regulate the EC system and relieve common systemic medical conditions.
Can My Cat Take CBD?
Pets are a lot more like humans than you may realize. Many mammals, such as cats, also have an EC system that regulates processes in the body. Because of this, CBD can exert similar effects when given to your pets.
Many cats (and dogs!) suffer from anxiety. Common symptoms of anxiety in cats include:
- Â Â Â Shivering
- Â Â Â Panting and pacing
- Â Â Â Destroying furniture
- Â Â Â Howling when alone
- Â Â Â Self-harm (e.g., excessive cleaning, scratching, etc.)
- Â Â Â Hiding under furniture
- Â Â Â Loss of appetite
- Â Â Â Digging
Some of these behaviors are normal in small amounts, so it’s essential to notice if your cat’s behavior has recently changed.
Additionally, owners use CBD to help their cats with seizures and other neurological problems. Lastly, cats can take CBD to manage pain from surgery or other physical injuries. In other words, you can give your cat CBD to manage the same kind of issues it eases in humans.
Benefits of CBD Oils for Cats
Many pet owners attest that CBD has helped their cats with several conditions.
Manages Anxiety from Stressful Events
Many cats are perfectly happy at home with their owners but experience significant stress in unfamiliar situations. For example, many cats experience high stress when leaving the house or going to the vet or groomer.
Before these events, giving your cat CBD can help them relax and manage their stress. CBD calms your cat without using sedation or prescription medications. We recommend giving your cat CBD oil at least 30 minutes before potentially stressful situations.
Multi-cat Households
Many cats are comfortable on their own but experience significant stress when other cats are present. If you have a cat with difficulties around other pets, CBD oil might be a solution. CBD will calm your cat’s nerves so they can get along better with your other pets.
Specifically, CBD may be helpful when introducing a new cat to your home. You can give CBD to both the old cat and new cat to calm their nerves as they get acclimated to one another. You can also use CBD to help dogs and cats coexist peacefully.
Manage Seizures
One of the most common uses of CBD oil for cats is managing seizures. Seizures occur when neurons in the brain start overreacting. CBD can modulate neural firing to prevent seizures and other symptoms of epilepsy in cats.
A large body of evidence shows CBD can significantly reduce the likelihood of epileptic seizures. Rodent studies indicate CBD has anticonvulsant properties, and the FDA has approved a CBD-based medicine called Epidiolex to treat epilepsy.
Reduce Pain
CBD interacts with intercellular signaling in the nerves to reduce inflammation and pain. If your cat has undergone surgery or has sustained an injury, CBD can help them remain relaxed and calm during recovery. It is difficult to gauge a cat’s pain on your own, so make sure to talk to your vet about CBD options for pain management.
CBD Oils for Cats
The Other Path has tons of CBD treats for cats and other pets. Below are some of our most popular and effective CBD products for cats.
Boss Crew Organic Coconut Oil
Our full-spectrum 100% hemp oil is the perfect answer for larger pets. We make all our products with natural organic ingredients and do not add additives or fillers. Our boss crew organic coconut oil goes through third-party testing in a lab and comes with an eyedropper for measuring and administering doses.
Our Boss Crew Organic Coconut Oil does not contain any THC and is non-psychoactive. You can use Boss Crew oils for both cats and dogs.
R + R Medicinals 1.5 mg Cat Chew
If your cat has trouble ingesting oils, then you can try our R+R Medicinal.s CBD cat chews. These cat chews contain 1.5 mg of CBD per chew, and each bottle comes with 100 chews. Your cat will love the chicken and trout flavorings. You can add the chews to their food bowl or give them separately as treats.
Medterra Pets CBD Bacon Calming Chews
Our Medterra Pets CBD bacon chews combine quality CBD made from organic hemp with ingredients healthy for digestion. Each chew contains 10 mg of CBD and also contains tryptophan to promote further relaxation. These bacon chews are great for both cats and dogs.
Contact us online if you have any questions about our CBD products or would like to learn more about our CBD oil for cats! You can get 15% off your first purchase when you use our welcome code!
CBD Oil for Cats FAQ
Is CBD safe for pets?
Yes, CBD oil is safe for pets and is not associated with any adverse health conditions. Unlike THC, CBD is not toxic for animals. Most CBD oils contain a minimal amount of THC that is not enough to produce psychoactive effects. So, CBD is safe for your cats to take and will not get them high.
How much CBD should I give my cat?
The exact amount depends on your cat’s weight and genetics. Ideally, we recommend starting with between two and four mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. The average weight for a cat is around nine pounds, so most cats should take at most four mg of CBD per serving.
When should I give my cat CBD oil?
We recommend giving your cat CBD at least once every eight hours to manage pain and anxiety. You should also give your cat CBD about 30 minutes before a stressful event (e.g., leaving the house, fireworks, going to a crowded space, etc.). Alternatively, you can give your cat CBD once or twice per day as symptoms present.
How should I give CBD oil to my cat?
The best way to give your cat CBD oil is to mix it with their daily food. By mixing it in the food, you can ensure that your cat will ingest the entire dosage. Additionally, CBD oil works better when your cat has food in its stomach. You can also orally inject CBD directly into their mouth with an eyedropper or similar application tool. Most cats like the taste of CBD oil, so you shouldn’t have much trouble getting them to eat.
Is CBD legal?
CBD oil that contains less than 0.3% THC by concentration is 100% legal in all 50 states. Different states have regulations surrounding CBD oil blends that contain more than 0.3% THC by concentration. Make sure you understand CBD regulations in your state before buying.
Does CBD oil for cats have any side effects?
Like any kind of treatment, CBD for cats has some side effects. The most common side effects of CBD in cats are:
- Â Â Â Lethargy
- Â Â Â Vomiting
- Â Â Â Diarrhea
- Â Â Â Loss of appetite
- Â Â Â Ataxia
If your cat starts to experience any of these side effects after taking CBD, stop the dosage and take them to the vet. You should also talk to your vet before giving CBD if your cat takes other medications.
Can I give my cat CBD oil for humans?
Generally speaking, yes, you can give CBD oil for humans to cats. CBD oils for humans do not contain anything unsafe for cats. The only thing to watch out for is dosage and THC. Human CBD oil typically has higher concentrations, which may not be ideal for cats. Additionally, THC can be toxic to cats in high doses. As long as you modify dosages for pets and avoid THC, you should not have any problems giving your cat CBD oil for humans.
Hopefully, this answers any questions you have about CBD oil for cats. To find more info or shop for CBD oil to help your cat, visit our website or call us at (818) 825-2739!