The Complete Guide to using CBD oil for Cats
Now that so many humans are using CBD oil to treat a wide array of conditions, it has sparked a new interest in the medicines ability to work on our furry feline companions. Though CBD oil for cats is not a new idea, we now have a mountain of evidence to prove both its efficacy as a therapeutic treatment, and its safety for different species, with the main focus on regular household pets, like cats.
How does it work?
Just like humans, cats are equipped with an endocannabinoid system that helps to regulate necessary bodily functions like sleep, mood, immunity and appetite. CBD oil helps to trigger the release of naturally produced chemicals and hormones which can help to boost the system. CBD acts like a supplement that can boost all of the primary systems in the cat’s body, which results in an incredible boost, that reaches far beyond soothing minor aches and pains.
Ailments that can be treated with CBD oil for cats
If you are familiar with the symptoms that humans will often treat with CBD oil, then you will be glad to hear that cats can get the very same relief, only with a smaller dose. Below you will find some of the most common diseases and ailments that CBD oil can provide some relief from:
- Nerve pain
- Asthma
- Neurotrophy pain
- Intestinal inflammation
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Motion sickness
- Odor
- Joint pain
- Seizures
- Hairballs
- Insomnia
- Cancer
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Anxiety
Benefits of using CBD oil for cats
If your cat doesn’t have any of the above-listed problems/diagnosis, then that is great, but it doesn’t mean that they couldn’t benefit from a daily supplement of CBD oil to boost their health and decrease their chances of experiencing aging-related diseases and issues. Here you will find a complete list of the benefits that can be obtained by using CBD oil for your cat:
- Antipsychotic
- Promotes healthy skin
- Anti-cancer
- Reduces nausea
- Antibacterial
- Non-toxic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Increases quality of sleep
- Anti-depressant
- Pain management
- Anti-convulsant
- Helps to combat the symptoms of addiction
- Antioxidant
- Blood sugar regulation
- Antitumor
Is CBD oil addictive?
Many pet’s parents worry about the possibility of CBD oil becoming addictive, but that is mainly due to this concentrate’s association with marijuana products. Since CBD oil does not produce a euphoric high, it does not have the same addictive properties as its counterpart THC.
Is it safe to use CBD oil for cats?
If you are a cannabis enthusiast with a pet cat, then you’ll probably already know about the potential dangers of THC to your furry friend, and if you don’t, then it’s an important topic to research as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is toxic to both cats and dogs. However, according to specialists and researchers, pure CBD oil is completely safe to give to your feline friend, as long as you follow general recommendations surrounding dosing, to avoid the potential for more serious adverse effects.
Side effects
Side-effects during treatment of CBD oil for cats are rare, but according to the specialists at Holistapet, there are a few things that you should be aware of and to watch out for:
- Increased appetite
- Heightened anxiety
- Sedation
- Hives
- Allergic reaction
- Vomiting
- Problems with coordination
Just like with humans, it is generally advisable to work alongside a professional, in this case, a veterinarian, when administering supplements to relieve symptoms our cat might be experiencing. If you notice any of the above-listed side effects, then you might want to consider lowering the dose of CBD oil, before proceeding with treatment. While allergic reactions are incredibly rare, they are possible, so be sure to regularly inspect your cat between doses and keep an eye out for hard to see skin reactions.
How to give your cat CBD oil
Below this section, you will find beginner’s dosage guidelines, but before settling on an amount to give your furry companion, you will need to decide on a frequency and schedule for a treatment plan. How often you provide CBD oil as a supplement should depend on the severity and impact of the problem at hand.
1. CBD oil for anxiety
Dosing of CBD oil for cats with anxiety doesn’t have to be a daily treatment, as the symptoms of this condition tend to occur at predictable times in the day or week. The best way to treat an anxious cat is to offer a dose of CBD oil 1 hour prior to your departing home for work or long anxiety-inducing endeavors.
2. CBD oil for pain caused by injury
Since injuries will typically heal with time, a CBD oil treatment for a cat that is in pain can span up to 3 times per day, as a regular dosage is required to maintain a consistent level of relief. Once your cat is no longer showing symptoms that would be associating with pain during healing, it is safe to completely stop the rigorous CBD oil treatment and move towards a daily supplement plan to avoid issues in the future.
3. CBD oil for pain caused by a degenerative disease or condition
If you have an aging feline that could use a reliable relief from painful or uncomfortable symptoms, then the best treatment is one that can be easily worked into a daily routine up to 3 times per day. This can be a long-term solution to improving your cat’s quality of life for the rest of their days.
4. CBD oil for vomiting
For those with cats that have digestive troubles, hairballs, motion sickness, cancer or any other nausea related condition, CBD oil can help to reduce the severity and frequency of vomiting. It can also help to relieve the often painful symptoms, caused by stomach acid in the esophagus from prolonged bouts of puking.
5. CBD oil as a daily supplement
Even if your cat is still youthful and healthy, CBD oil can be beneficial when given as a daily supplement. The main reason most pet’s parents consider this kind of treatment is if the animal in question has a family or genetic predisposition to any of the diseases or conditions listed above. If you would like to start using CBD for your cat in this manner, then once a day treatment that occur either first thing in the morning, or the middle of the day, are most recommended.
Recommended dosing
Unfortunately, not all veterinarians are ready to hop on board with using CBD oil for cats so there is no current standard, but luckily, there are many who are diligently researching the element to determine the most appropriate rules and guidelines surrounding dosing of CBD oil for cats. In the meantime, here are some basics rules that are most recommended for those who are looking for direction.
1. Dosage amount
A dose of CBD oil for cats should be calculated by body weight, and a good, general rule of thumb is 1-5 mg per 10 lbs. This treatment should be maintained for a minimum of 1 week before increasing the amount given.
2. Increasing dosage
Once you have started your cat on a CBD oil treatment, then the dose should not be increased by more than 5mg per week after that.
3. The frequency of the dosage
Though we touch slightly on the number of doses that should be provided in 24 hours, it is important to keep each dose of CBD oil at least 8 hours apart. If you forget a dose and are unable to give your cat CBD oil within 1 hour of the expected time, then skip that dose and administer the next one as usual.
Best strains to use when making CBD oil for cats
The most important thing to remember when taking on the challenging of making CBD oil for your pet is that the strain is incredibly influential on the effects that you will see in your cat. Most people attribute CBD oil to cannabis, but it is a very specific genetic line called hemp, that is most often used in the making of CBD products. Recreational marijuana strains produce high levels of THC, which can be toxic to animals, so it is essential to research a strain, and whenever possible select a kind of hemp flowers to get the job done right.
Where to buy the best CBD oil for cats
The best and safest CBD oil for cats will come from regulated sources that make the entire process easy for pet owners. Right now, the biggest and most highly raved about the maker of CBD oil for cats is Pet Wellbeing, and with one click, pet’s parents from all over the world can access a massive selection of CBD oil and related products including treats, infused water, capsules, oral sprays and topical lotions.
