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CBD for Cats: Benefits, Uses & Tips

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We all want our pets to be happy and healthy and happy. One of the best ways to put our pet’s health first is understanding which supplements and foods will support their optimum wellbeing. Using CBD for cats is one of the best ways to handle conditions from pain management to anxiety in your feline friend.

A 2019 report on the endocannabinoid system of animals by Dr. Robert Silver, has opened the door for innovative approaches to many of the most common ailments that plague our fuzzy loved ones. The endocannabinoid system works to preserve homeostasis between the nervous, immune, and digestive systems. 

CBD oil is an accessible way to help maintain your pet’s health and wellness because the supplement can support many immune functions regulated by the endocannabinoid system.

Benefits of CBD For Your Cat

During your cat’s lifetime, it may deal with various health concerns. CBD oil is an all-natural solution to give your cat a longer, happier life from occasional anxiety to chronic issues. Here are some of the conditions pet owners can treat with CBD: 

• pain management  
• stress management
• anti-inflammatory 
• neurological diseases
• urinary tract problems

According to a study published in PubMed, all animals have an endocannabinoid system. The “native” molecules that you and your cat produce naturally are called endogenous cannabinoids. The Cannabis Sativa plant produces a different kind of cannabinoid, but it has been discovered in recent years that this plant naturally creates a particularly pliable cannabinoid mix that is used to alleviate various health conditions. 

Nevertheless, while CBD is great at alleviating symptoms, it’s essential to understand it is not a cure, and you should still seek additional treatment from your vet. Let’s look at two of the main conditions CBD can alleviate in cats. 

Anxiety in Cats

Anything from a new baby at home to a plane flight to visit family for the holidays can give your cat anxiety. If you’ve ever experienced this, you know it could mean your cat spends hours pacing, hiding, panting, or other unusual behaviors.

It can be distressing to watch your cat feel this way. Luckily, CBD reduces the stress hormone cortisol and provides a calming effect. 

Arthritis in Cats

As your cat ages, arthritis can creep into your cat’s bones. You may notice your furry friend moves slower, jumps less, and generally experiences mobility issues.

Because CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, it can alleviate any pain your cat may feel from arthritis. Likewise, CBD engages the brain’s vanilloid receptor, decreasing pain perception, increasing your cat’s energy, reducing chronic pain, and restoring mobility. 

CBD for Cats: Is it Safe?

The main difference between CBD for human beings and CBD for cats is the inclusion of terpenes and flavoring. In the USA, companies that sell consumables must indicate whether they are intended for human use or for pets. The Food and Drug Administration ensures that supplements like those sold by The Hemp Philosophy abide by strict quality controls, whether for animal or human consumption. 

When you buy CBD pet products from The Hemp Philosophy, 2% of all pet sales are donated to North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization.

CBD For Cats vs. Dogs

Because of their rate of absorption and rapid elimination, cats need about double as much CBD as dogs. Cats also have fewer cannabinoid receptors than dogs. Therefore, dosing should be different between your canine and feline pets. 

The length of time it takes for the effects to “kick in” is also different between cats and dogs. A study published in the MDPI journal states that it takes about 1.4 hours for dogs and about two hours for cats. 

Aside from the biological differences between the two species, cats also seem to have some behavioral differences. They appear to absorb or eliminate CBD faster than dogs. The study showed that cats exhibited fewer adverse effects like excessive licking and head-shaking during oil administration.

Eight of each species received CBD drops orally twice a day for 12 weeks throughout this experiment. 

In healthy dogs and cats, the study concluded that oral CBD-rich hemp supplement administered every 12 hours was not detrimental based on Complete Blood Counts (CBC) tests and biochemistry values.

How much CBD oil should you give your cat?

Before deciding how much to give their cat, pet owners should check in with a veterinarian. Different conditions and different cats will require an extra dosage. You may also consider slowly adding the CBD to make sure your cat is reacting well. Here are some general guidelines on dosage when using CBD oil.

• Arthritis: 0.5mg/kg twice a day
• Asthma: 0.5mg/kg twice a day
• Inflammatory bowel disease: 0.2mg/kg twice a day
• Pancreatitis: 0.1mg/kg twice a day, gradually increasing to 0.5mg/kg twice a day
• Chronic upper respiratory tract infections: 5mg/kg twice a day
• Seizures: 0.5mg/kg twice a day, then gradually increasing. The maximum dose to treat seizures can be up to 3mg of CBD per kg of your cat’s weight.

How to Pick the Right CBD For Your Cat

While CBD is an excellent all-natural remedy for your cat, you may still wonder what product is the right one for your cat. Pet wonders can choose between buying CBD oil for cats, or pre-measured cat treats infused with CBD. 

When shopping for a CBD pet product, you may come across terms like full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and more that may make it hard to choose. 

Broad-spectrum CBD is perfect if you want to experience all the benefits of CBD without the effects of THC. On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD does contain a small amount of THC.

As the CBD market is still relatively new in the US, you’ll find various brands whose quality will differ. It’s essential to note that not all CBD products are alike; this is highly dependent on the quality of the plants themselves and the ingredients used for the oils. 

The Hemp Philosophy offers products backed by science that are tested in lab conditions. Each product contains a QR code that takes you to lab results. We believe in transparency and offering effective products that are great for humans and pets alike.

So if this sounds like something your furry friend could benefit from, then be sure to take a look at our selection of pet treats.