Cat walking through the grassPeople with older cats, listen up - we have good news for you and your furry friends! CBD quickly emerges as a well-studied, inflammation-fighting supplement beneficial to animals and humans alike. Although we may think of ourselves as different than cats, we both have an ECS or Endocannabinoid System.

Many studies conducted on CBD’s effectiveness have been evaluated using animal models. So, without further ado, we’ll say - Yes, CBD helps with your cat’s arthritis and inflammation! As an essential and often neglected follow-up, we’ll delve into why CBD works for arthritis and the following topics.

  • What Is CBD
  • ECS and Cats
  • How CBD Helps With Arthritic Cats
  • How CBD Fights Off Inflammation
  • CBD and Pain
  • Dosage Recommendations
  • Where to Buy

What Is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of over 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant. The two primary compounds in cannabis are CBD and THC (Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol). Unlike THC, CBD won’t make your cat high or lethargic. Although Full-Spectrum CBD contains a small amount of THC (0.3%), it’s not enough to make your cat high at the recommended dosage. 

Until recently, the only way for your cat to receive any benefit of cannabis would be to feed them perhaps a little bit of cannabis or contact with marijuana smoke - not ideal. But because of modern technology, such as cutting-edge CO2 extraction machinery employed at Eden’s Herbals, your cat can enjoy CBD with few side effects, such as inhaling smoke or getting high.

Do Cats Also Have an ECS?

cat sitting at the window looking outsideAll animals, including cats, dogs, and humans, possess an ECS. The ECS is a complex physiological system that regulates most biological functions. The ECS regulates everything from mood to inflammation to sleep. When cannabis enters your pet’s bloodstream, they respond favorably to it like us. 

The ECS is a bridge between your cat’s brain and body. But, how do we know that? Many studies conducted on the ECS and the role cannabis plays have been performed on animals. Researchers have shown that the two primary receptors in the ECS, CB1, and CB2, bind with CBD after ingestion to provide several therapeutic benefits, including arthritis relief.

How Does CBD Help With Arthritic Cats?

In animal studies, test rats with arthritis were given a CBD gel. After four weeks, researchers observed the animals had less knee pain and better spontaneous pain reaction. Scientists concluded, “Outcomes of this study indicate that topical application of CBD gel is an effective treatment for reducing inflammation and hypersensitivity associated with the rodent adjuvant-induced monoarthritis model.”

In 2018, researchers determined that transdermal CBD administration had “long-lasting therapeutic effects.” Even better, they reported that there were no psychoactive side effects. Because of the amount of jumping and running, cats may be even more prone than humans to have this debilitating disease, making CBD a valuable supplement.

How CBD Fights Off Cat Inflammation

One of the critical indicators for most diseases, including arthritis, is inflammation. CBD may inhibit oxidative stress and cortisol levels, as shown in one study conducted in 2020. CBD is an antioxidant, similar to other natural antioxidants, like blueberries. 

CBD interrupts free radicals and “scrubs” or oxidizes them out of your cat’s body when ingested. Also known as the free-radical process, CBD’s antioxidant effect is characterized by its ability to bind with the ECS.

CBD and Other Symptoms Associated with Arthritis

Eden's Herbals THC free CBD oilWhile we can’t talk directly to our cats, many of us know what they’re feeling and thinking just by looking at them.

Whether they are moving a little slower, or having a hard time jumping up and down, that is generally a sign in older cats suffering with arthritis.

If you suffer from arthritis, you know many symptoms accompany it, including the following:

Neuropathic Pain

Every drug now wants to eliminate one of the most common symptoms, especially for arthritis patients - chronic pain or neuropathic pain. In 2012, researchers showed that CBD suppresses “inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting a3 glycine receptors”.

Unlike other drugs, like opioids, there’s also little chance of becoming addicted or suffering withdrawal symptoms after taking CBD. In fact, according to The World Health Organization (WHO), CBD is safe and well-tolerated and poses little risk to your pet.

Fibromyalgia

Another symptom that might accompany arthritis is fibromyalgia. A nerve disease characterized by pain throughout your body, some may confuse it with arthritis. But because fibromyalgia is caused by excessive inflammation, you may also feel it in your bones.

A 2019 study showed that a 5mg CBD/CBN combination reduced fibromyalgia symptoms. When conducted on animal test subjects, the results also showed analgesic relief for chronic pain and temporomandibular disorders with little to no significant side effects.

What Else Does CBD Help With Besides Arthritis?

black and white cat laying downAs your cat ages, specific symptoms may appear with their arthritis. Fortunately, CBD doesn’t just help with arthritis and associated symptoms, including the following.

  • Seizures: The FDA recently approved a CBD-based drug to treat epilepsy.
  • Allergies: CBD proved an effective treatment in one study in patients with airway inflammation.
  • Nausea: CBD may help with nausea and increase hunger.
  • Kidney Disease: CBD may help with an ordinary cat ailment - chronic kidney disease.
  • PTSD: Works great for shelter or rescue cats.

How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Cat for Arthritis?

While humans respond best to a full dropper (1mg), it’s best to give your cat no more than 1/4 mg a day, broken up into segments. For example, you can mix in 1/8 mg in their morning and dinner meals. 

Where to Buy My Cat’s CBD Oil?

Look for CBD oil that is free of added chemicals. Our CBD oil is tested for impurities and is sourced from American-grown, organic hemp. It’s also dairy-free and gluten-free, as well as vegan.

Final Word: CBD Oil for Cat’s Arthritis

Eden's Herbals CBD isolate powderNone of us want to see our pets suffer, finding the best and safest option is our first priority. You can go a long way in ensuring they get their needs met by incorporating CBD oil into their daily routine. Mix some in their food, observe how they react, and watch how they bounce and pounce!

If you’re concerned about THC, you can also buy our THC-Free CBD Oil or CBD Isolate. Although there’s not much concern for your cat getting high at the recommended dose, some are more cautious, especially first-time users. CBD Isolate is popular because it’s tasteless and odorless and is super simple to mix into your cat’s food.

If you want to learn more about CBD oil for cats with arthritis, contact Eden’s Herbals at [email protected] today!

*These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness. Medical advice should be taken from a medical professional.

All of the articles on this site are written by 3rd party content providers, expert bloggers, or doctors not directly affiliated with Eden’s Herbals.

Individuals should learn the risks and side effects prior to taking CBD. Make sure to always check with a medical professional before starting any new CBD treatment or medication that is not FDA approved.