Fun fact. You and your cat both have an internal cannabinoid
system. And that system is triggered by CBD. Known as cannabidiol, CBD’s
therapeutic qualities can help your cat more than you might know.
In this post, we’ll cover the benefits of CBD oil for cats
and specific dosages and conditions to which CBD may be applied. If your cat
suffers from a disease or wants to improve its immune response, keep reading
below to learn more.
Benefits of CBD Oil for Cats
Science is still limited when it comes to CBD for cat related issues. Most
studies have been conducted on humans and test mice. Despite this, the potential benefits are outstanding, prompting veterinarians and
researchers too look more closely at CBD for cats and dogs. In the first study
published in 2019, researchers found that CBD is well-tolerated in both cats
and dogs.
Eight cats were given 2mg of CBD orally twice a day for
twelve weeks in the study. In healthy cats, they found that CBD-rich hemp
supplements were not detrimental and didn’t affect their biochemistry. After
administration, researchers determined that cats' metabolites suggested a
pharmacokinetic interaction.
How Does CBD Oil Help Cats?
When it comes to CBD oil cats and humans are not so different. Both you and your cat share an ECS, or Endocannabinoid
System. Every animal has an ECS. A physiological system that regulates
inflammation and many brain functions, such as anxiety and depression, the ECS
is still not 100% understood.
Once CBD is ingested, it interacts with two receptors in the
ECS, known as CB1 and CB2. After administration, these two receptors send
signals to your brain and body to provide therapeutic relief. Even though we’re
still in the early stages of research, what scientists know about CBD is
impressive.
Common Conditions CBD Can Help With
CBD, especially a full-spectrum variety, can help bridge the
gap between your cat’s ECS system and overall health. Once taken, you might
notice changes in your cat’s brain-behavior, coat, or other physical diseases,
including the following.
CBD Oil for Cats Aggression
If your feline is sick or adjusting to a new environment, it
may show signs of aggression. Some symptoms include hissing, upright ears or
tail, and fur raised on their bottom. They can even lash out by striking with
their paws.
Because CBD modulates brain activity, your cat may feel much
calmer after administration. In studies conducted on PTSD patients, CBD
diminished unpleasant thoughts and nightmares.
CBD Oil for Cat Joint Pain
Joint pain is a common condition afflicting older cats and dogs.
Researchers applied transdermal CBD to test mice to see if
their arthritis symptoms improved in one animal study. After only four days,
researchers determined that CBD showed therapeutic potential for arthritis and
joint pain without side effects.
CBD Oil for Cats with Arthritis
Unfortunately, cats suffer from high rates of osteoarthritis. As they age, mobility decreases and can affect their overall well-being. The National Institute of Health determined that over 80% of cats over fourteen have arthritis. Many pet owners seek natural solutions and are finding that the best option is CBD for cats arthritis.
CBD Oil for Cats with Anxiety
Studies have shown, conclusively, that CBD helps relieve
symptoms associated with several anxiety disorders,
such as GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and PTSD. If your cat is withdrawn
or acting differently, it may be suffering from anxiety.
Shelter cats, in particular, need time to adjust to new
homes. CBD is an all-natural remedy that may help ease their transition. You
can use it short-term or long-term, with little concern for adverse side
effects.
CBD Oil for Cat Skin Allergies
CBD specifically targets our immune system - the root cause
of most diseases, including allergies.
Regarding cats, allergies come in many forms that differ from ours. Pollen may
be a culprit, but cats also may have food allergies or flea and tick bite
allergies.
If your cat has a skin allergy, topical CBD may be the best
bet for delivery. You can also try CBD pet treats and CBD oil if they can
handle droppers. Once ingested, your cat’s immune system will work with its ECS
to help relieve inflammation and allergy response.
CBD for Cushing's in Cats
Cushing’s is an adrenal gland disease that affects cats and
dogs and is characterized by extreme thirst and hair loss. It can be
challenging to diagnose, which makes treatment difficult. Once your
veterinarian determines your cat has Cushing’s syndrome, they’ll decide which
medication is best.
After treatment options, consider giving your cat a good,
well-rounded CBD oil to minimize symptoms. Once they’ve recovered,
supplementation with fish oil, for example, is highly recommended. Because CBD
lowers cortisol, as indicated in a 1993 study on humans, CBD
may be an excellent pre and post-Cushing regimen.
CBD Oil for Cats with Cancer
If your cat has cancer, CBD may help alleviate their
suffering. Some of the symptoms CBD may help with include:
- Nausea
- Appetite Loss
- Insomnia
- Neuropathic Pain
If you're looking for the best cbd oil for cats with cancer, a reputable online retailer such as Eden's Herbals will be your best bet. The quality of the CBD oil is guaranteed and we will ship the product right to your doorstep.
CBD Oil for Cats with Kidney Disease
Around one-third of cats develop chronic kidney disease
(CKD). While CKD is irreversible, CBD may help treat symptoms associated with
the disease, thereby minimizing its effects. Some signs of kidney disease
include extreme thirst, anxiety, and decreased urination.
CBD helps alleviate your cats suffering by:
- Lowering inflammation
- Helping with pain
- Provides calming effect
- Kills bacteria
Pros and Cons of CBD Oil for Cats
Because of its safety profile, there’s little reason to
worry about giving your cat CBD. As discussed, the benefits outweigh the
negatives. CBD itself contains no THC. You can, and should, purchase THC-free CBD products for your pet.
Although the data is still limited, some of the pros and cons
of using CBD include:
Pros
- Your cat has an Endocannabinoid System, serving as a bridge
between CBD application and overall health.
- CBD shows the ability to decrease inflammation - the number
one cause of most diseases.
- According to The World Health Organization (WHO), CBD is
safe and well-tolerated.
- As of 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
reported no death or injury incidents in animal use of CBD or cannabis.
Cons
- Lack of specific cat studies. Most studies on CBD have been
conducted on humans or rodents.
- High doses may cause lethargy.
- May cause an upset stomach.
- Have unregulated manufacturers, such as ones that
don’t provide proper labeling or a lab certificate ensuring quality and
potency.
How Much CBD Oil Can I Give My Cat?
Before deciding on the dosage, try to see if your cat is
receptive to an oral dropper. You can start by putting some fish oil in the
dropper and use it as a treat. As oral administration with a dropper is the
most potent delivery form. This method better preps your cat for future dosing.
Depending on their condition, use once or twice daily. For Eden's Herbals CBD Oil for cats, use
the following CBD dosage for cats:
Administer via CBD oil dropper or CBD treat
One dropper = 1mL (5mg CBD)
Large Cat (10 to 20 pounds): 1 Full Dropper
Small to Medium Cat (Under 10 pounds): 1/2 Dropper
Where To Get CBD Oil for Cats
Choosing CBD for cats can be confusing to choose the right
product. The first thing you’ll want to consider is if the CBD is sourced from
organic hemp, free of harmful pesticides. In order to ensure you are getting what you paid for, buy from a company
that has a lab certificate analysis on their website.
A third party lab analysis ensures that the product is safe, free from toxins or heavy metals, and contains the correct about of cannabinoids.
Final Word
Keeping our feline buddies healthy is made easier with CBD
supplementation. Choose high-quality CBD from a trust-worthy retailer to attain the best results. Many companies use hemp oil or coconut oil as a
carrier oil, adding more therapeutic qualities your cat will benefit from. If you have a cat who is suffering from any of the conditions covered above, it might be time to try CBD oil for cats.