CBD and Cats, Your Complete Guide

CBD and cats: are they a good combination? By now, you may have heard from your human friends that they dabble in hemp-extracted cannabidiol (CBD.) But did you know that cats can experience effects from CBD? Well, it’s true! And it has to do with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) shared by humans and cats.

Thanks to the ECS, many pet owners report that CBD reduces cat stress levels. Plus, their furry friends’ moods improve after taking CBD. Sound like something you’d like to explore? Before giving your cat CBD, here are a few things to understand.

CBD and Cats: Why Try It?

Like we just said, cats and humans have endocannabinoid systems. And they do similar jobs in both. You see, the ECS system helps regulate vital functions. And, by keeping your body in balance (homeostasis) it contributes to your overall well-being. So, because CBD can stimulate endocannabinoid receptors, using this phytocannabinoid may be helpful.

Of course, we understand that pet owners are reluctant to give their cats new supplements. Especially, CBD since they worry that it will give pets a high. Thankfully, these concerns are misplaced. We derive CBD from hemp plants, not marijuana. And, legally, hemp contains trace amounts of THC, which is the ingredient in marijuana that gives it  psychoactive properties.

Although CBD won’t get cats high, it may have calming properties. It can induce feelings of relaxation in cats, making it ideal for pets that struggle with anxiety. Stress can put your pet at risk for a number of illnesses, and it’s important to have ways to manage it.

On top of that, CBD may offer other health benefits for cats. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, so it may be  beneficial for cats that suffer from chronic pain or conditions like arthritis.  CBD also has the potential to regenerate brain cells, meaning it could help pets with dementia.

Also, when properly administered, CBD should causes very few side effects. For that reason, it’s worth talking to your vet about CBD, to see if it’s right for your pet.

CBD Oil and Anxiety: What the Research Suggests

Now, researchers are still learning about how CBD impacts humans and animals. But studies show that CBD for anxiety can be helpful. Early reports suggest that CBD can influence serotonin levels in the brain. And higher serotonin levels can lead to reduced anxiety.

Studies show that CBD products can help people with many different types of anxiety, including social anxiety, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder. Plus, by reducing anxiety levels, taking CBD could also improve your sleep.

CBD seems to provide quick relief from anxiety, but studies suggest that it also has long-term benefits. After months of CBD treatment, one study found that the majority of participants saw a reduction in their overall anxiety symptoms. For these reasons, it may help anyone — animal or human — struggling with chronic anxiety.

Since CBD has very few side effects, many people already use this supplement for anxiety. And current studies have involved both animal and human testing involving humans. But we still don’t have large-scale trials exploring the impact CBD has on anxiety. So for now, we can only say that is incredibly promising.

CBD Oil for Pet Anxiety: Can It Help?

It seems clear that CBD oil is a great option for anxious humans. But can it benefit cats as well? The answer appears to be yes. Scientific studies have not specifically looked at the effects that CBD products have on cats with anxiety, but research does show that increasing serotonin production can soothe cats and improve their moods.

Furthermore, many vets approve of using CBD products to treat anxiety in cats. These products are generally safe, and many are specifically formulated with cats in mind. This means you’ll be able to give CBD to your cat without  concern.

If you’re planning on giving CBD products to your pet, choose a product that is specifically formulated for animals. On top of that, discuss any CBD usage with your vet. Even though CBD is generally safe, it’s important to review any new or existing supplements with your veterinarian. That way, you can be sure that CBD won’t interfere with any other medications.

As a pet owner, you’ll be able to find the best way to give your cat CBD. Many pet owners choose to give their animals CBD on a daily basis. However, there are also pet owners who only offer CBD products when their furry friends seem anxious. For example, you might dose you cat with CBD before a long car ride.

Although CBD does not have significant side effects in cats, it’s important to make sure that your pet receives the appropriate dosage. If you do not give your cat the correct amount of CBD, it could cause gastrointestinal distress. If your cat does appear to be experiencing stomach problems, stop using CBD products and call your vet.

How Can You Give a Cat CBD?

Giving a cat CBD doesn’t have to be complicated. As a matter of fact, it can be incredibly simple. One of the easiest methods is to mix CBD oil in with a cat’s foods. While most CBD products do have some flavor, cats seem to like the taste!

This may be the simplest method, but it isn’t necessarily your best option. Research suggests that it is easier for cats to absorb CBD when it is not taken on a full stomach. If you mix CBD in with your pet’s food, you may need to use a higher dosage to get the same results.

Instead of mixing CBD products with a bowl of pet food, try adding a few drops of CBD oil to your cat’s treats. Make sure that the oil is spread evenly across the treats. You may want to try breaking up the treat before you give it to your cat so that it’s easier to evenly distribute the CBD. You could also purchase cat treats that are already infused with CBD.

Another option is to put CBD oil in an empty feeding dish. Because many cats love the taste of CBD oil, it’s possible that your cat will want to lick the bowl clean. However, you should keep in mind that this method won’t work on every cat.

If your cat tends to be fussy, and you’ve had a hard time dosing your pet with CBD, there’s another method you can try. Simply put a few drops of CBD oil onto your cat’s paws, and your cat will ingest the dose when licking his or her paws clean. You should keep in mind that this method can be imprecise. Plus, your cat could wind up tracking CBD around your house.

CBD and Cats: Dosing Guidelines

Finding the right dosage is key when using CBD, and it’s especially important when you are introducing these kinds of products to your pet. You’ll need to make sure you’re giving your cat enough CBD to get your desired results, but you’ll also want to make sure you’re not giving your pet too much CBD. This could lead to an upset stomach or other side effects.

Generally speaking, it’s recommended that you give your pet between 2-4 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of weight. As an example, if a cat weighed 20 pounds, you would want to give the animal between 4-8 mg of CBD. When introducing your pet to CBD, it’s best to start out with the lowest dosage. Remember, you can always give your animal more CBD in the future.

If you’re not seeing the CBD take effect right away, you shouldn’t necessarily give your pet more CBD. It’s important to keep in mind that it typically takes between 15 and 45 minutes for CBD to influence cats. It can take even longer for the animal to experience the full effects of CBD.

Also, CBD can affect cats differently based on their breed, activity level, personal chemistry, and other factors. You should monitor your cat carefully after offering a dose, so that you can find the best amount for your pet.

Beyond that, you’ll want to keep track of how much CBD your cat is ingesting. Many dosage methods are imprecise, which means your cat may be consuming less CBD than you intended to give it. Adjust dosage as needed so that both you and your pet can experience the positive effects of CBD.

Using CBD for cats is fairly new, but it can be highly beneficial for both animals and pet owners. If you’re interested in giving CBD to your animal, take a closer look at the best CBD products for pets on the market. Find the best products for your cat and make sure you use those products appropriately.