CBD for Cats
Since the dawn of civilization, cats have had a strong bond with humans, and a reputation as a low-maintenance, easy-going pet. Unlike dogs, they typically don’t require daily walks, they don’t really need housebreaking, and they’re usually fine if left alone for a while.
But just like any pet, cats can experience issues of their own, especially when it comes to stress or chronic pain, which can greatly impact mobility and overall quality of life.
Sometimes, our feline friends experience a sudden change in their environment, like a move or a new family member. In cases such as these, the stress is usually temporary. But then, there are also cases where cats experience issues like arthritis, which comes with age.
No matter the situation, we as pet owners wish to help our cats in any way possible, and in recent years, CBD for cats has become an increasingly popular option.
CBD is a natural, plant-derived product that’s helped many owners create a more comfortable space for their feline companions.
Here’s why.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is part of a group of at least 113 compounds in cannabis known as cannabinoids. And while it’s true that cannabis plants include marijuana, which is rich in the psychotropic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), this also includes the non-intoxicating, low-THC industrial hemp. When shopping for CBD oil, you can almost always expect it to come from the latter.
As a medicinal plant, hemp is nothing new; humans have been using it for centuries in foods and folk remedies. And yet, in recent years, published studies have shed some light on the benefits of CBD–not only for humans, but pets, as well.
How Does CBD Work for Cats?
While CBD’s effects haven’t been as closely observed compared to humans, it’s generally agreed that CBD affects all mammals the same way, and this has to do with the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex system of receptors, neurotransmitters, and enzymes throughout the body, and it’s believed to have a major role in a variety of functions such as digestion, mood changes, and inflammatory responses.
The ECS is handled by two major receptors, CB1 and CB2, which have been observed to respond well to CBD, especially when it comes to the management of inflammatory conditions like chronic pain.
And this can be a huge deal for cat owners, since similar to humans, many cats are prone to arthritis as they age.
Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that attacks the joints due to a decrease in cartilage in the joints, causing the bones to rub together, which can be quite painful. Arthritis can affect a cat’s ability to run, jump, and climb, impeding their ability to exercise and play.
CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties have become increasingly popular for cat owners, whether they’re looking to prevent the onset of arthritis early on, or to manage existing symptoms of arthritis, such as joint pain and discomfort.
Cat owners have also become increasingly interested in CBD for their feline friend’s anxiety and stress.
As many owners are already aware, cats are just as prone to stress and anxiety as humans, and either can occur for a number of reasons, such as drastic changes to their living space, a recurring sense of danger, isolation, health issues, or negative interactions with other cats.
When mammals overcome anxiety and stress, our bodies create the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, which helps calm down the brain, while the release of serotonin is prompted.
CBD may help positively impact serotonin production in the brain, which may in turn enhance the brain’s ability to moderate anxiety.
Will CBD Oil Make My Cat High?
When shopping for CBD for cats, a common query many customers have is: “will CBD make my cat high?”
And in short, the answer is no, CBD will not make your cat high, and you would need a fairly high dose of THC for a cat to experience an intoxicating effect.
That being said, it is not recommended to give your cat THC, as it can lead to far more adverse effects than it does in humans. That’s why we only make our CBD for cats with THC-free formulas.
Is CBD Oil for Cats Legal?
As per the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp products are legal in all 50 states, given that they’re made completely from industrial hemp, and that they contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC.
This means that CBD for cats is legal, too, but because of the often confusing technicalities surrounding hemp laws, many would-be customers become deterred from trying it.
While it’s always advised to check your state’s laws on CBD products, CBD for cats should be completely legal as long as they fit the above criteria.
How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Cat?
Since your cat will simply excrete the excess CBD in her body, it’s virtually impossible for felines to overdose on it.
Still, it’s best not to give them too much for a number of reasons, the first being cost. It’s no secret that CBD can feel like a splurge sometimes, and similar to humans, a dose higher than the individual’s optimal amount won’t necessarily increase the effects. In fact, there’s been evidence showing that too high a dosage might actually be less effective.
What’s more is that when taken in excess, CBD can potentially cause undesired side effects like drowsiness, nausea, and a change in appetite.
Because of this, the rule of thumb is to always start small with CBD, and slowly increase the dosage until you find the amount that creates the same effects.
It’s always recommended to consult your veterinarian for a more accurate dosage, but the general rule in dosing for cats is 1-5 mg for every 10 lbs of body weight, and increase by 0.5-1 mg per week until the desired effect is reached.
When dosing CBD for cats, the trick is to find that sweet spot where your cat enjoys all of the beneficial effects with none of the side effects. Discontinue and consult your vet if your cat experiences any adverse effects.
CBD Products for Cats
When choosing a CBD product for your furry friend, there’s a good chance you’re going with a CBD tincture, which is a popular go-to for pet owners everywhere.
A CBD tincture, also known as a CBD oil tincture, is a liquid form of CBD, typically suspended in an oil or glycerin, and comes with a pre-measured dropper.
You can use this dropper to portion out your cat’s CBD dosage, adding it to her meal, water, or (if she actually lets you) straight into her mouth.
For those who wish to orally administer their cat’s CBD, follow these steps:
1.) Have the dropper of your CBD oil ready, with the predetermined dosage loaded
2.) Position your cat in a way that allows you full control of her movements without fully restraining them
3.) Gently pet them with the hand holding them, while holding the CBD tincture in the other.
4.) Gently tilt your cat’s face upward and, while still petting them, insert the dropper into their mouth and administer the CBD toward the back.
5.) Sterilize your dropper before returning it to the bottle.
After giving your cat the CBD, make sure to reward her afterwards! Oral administration isn’t the most pleasant method for cats, so it’s important to associate it with something enjoyable.
But even for owners who choose to add CBD to their cat’s food, we recognize that some of the more finicky cats might smell something different, and immediately turn their noses to it.
Luckily, we thought ahead at JustPets, and made our CBD for cats with flavors your feline knows and loves, like salmon and tuna.
Alternatively, some cat owners have found success with CBD-infused cat treats.
CBD treats for cats are ideal for the choosiest of cats, and are sure to blend seamlessly into their everyday regimen. With CBD cat treats, you can easily measure your pet’s CBD dosage without fumbling around with a dropper, making them especially useful on the go.
How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Cat?
Since your cat will simply excrete the excess CBD in her body, it’s virtually impossible for felines to overdose on it.
Still, it’s best not to give them too much for a number of reasons, the first being cost. It’s no secret that CBD can feel like a splurge sometimes, and similar to humans, a dose higher than the individual’s optimal amount won’t necessarily increase the effects. In fact, there’s been evidence showing that too high a dosage might actually be less effective.
What’s more is that when taken in excess, CBD can potentially cause undesired side effects like drowsiness, nausea, and a change in appetite.
Because of this, the rule of thumb is to always start small with CBD, and slowly increase the dosage until you find the amount that creates the same effects.
It’s always recommended to consult your veterinarian for a more accurate dosage, but the general rule in dosing for cats is 1-5 mg for every 10 lbs of body weight, and increase by 0.5-1 mg per week until the desired effect is reached.
When dosing CBD for cats, the trick is to find that sweet spot where your cat enjoys all of the beneficial effects with none of the side effects. Discontinue and consult your vet if your cat experiences any adverse effects.
Try JustCBD for Pets
JustCBD is a fantastic option for giving your cat the best CBD possible without breaking the bank.
At JustPets, we are on a mission to revolutionize wellness for pets, and what it means to keep them healthy. We supervise the entire process that goes into creating our products, from cultivation to extraction to sale, ensuring that pet parents everywhere receive the best quality possible for their fur babies.
Whether it’s tinctures or treats, we’ve created our products with all-natural, effective ingredients so that you have a lifelong go-to option for that furry family member (or furry family members) in your household.
At JustCBD, we know your cat’s more than a pet; she’s a family member! And as such, we believe that she deserves the same attention to quality & detail in her own CBD.
That’s why we have all of our products tested, and we make all of our results accessible on our website. You can also view test results here.
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