Photo courtesy of Pet Releaf
CBD might be able to drastically improve your cat’s life.
You’ve heard of CBD for dogs, but what about CBD for cats? Our feline friends can benefit from the healing powers of CBD just as much as humans and dogs, but how?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of over 80 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. It’s the second most famous after THC. However, unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive effects, and so won’t get you or your pet high.
CBD-only products are popping up all over the U.S. because unlike goods high in THC, CBD products, like oils, capsules, and dog treats can be shipped to all 50 states. That’s because CBD-only products come for the hemp plant, not the marijuana plant. According to the 2014 Farm Bill, any Cannabis Sativa L. plant with 0.3% THC or less is considered hemp and therefore legal.
Like humans, cats have endocannabinoid systems (ECS) that regulate bodily functions like sleep, mood, pain, appetite, and immunity.
Our bodies and cats’ bodies have cannabis receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, and we also produce our own natural cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids, that bind to these receptors. Therefore, when you or Mr. Whiskers consume cannabis, like CBD oil, it’s basically supplementing your endocannabinoid system, much like taking vitamin C supplements your immune system.
Although there isn’t a ton of scientific research to back it up, there are countless shared anecdotes of how CBD for cats drastically improved pets’ lives and even saved on veterinary expenses.
For starters, CBD for cats has been known to help make cats more comfortable toward the end of their lives. Cats with cancer or other terminal illness have been known to live longer than expected in less pain and discomfort. CBD for cats can also help cats who suffer from:
Some more serious medical issues CBD for cats can help include:
All of these CBD for cats anecdotes may seem too good to be true, but we’re not making this stuff up. Of course, it’s always important to consult your veterinarian first or have a consultation with a holistic vet if yours is a bit old-fashioned. Also, never stop your cat’s current medications and replace them with CBD without consulting a vet first.
Like in humans, the correct dose of cannabis and CBD can make all the difference. A good rule of thumb is “less is more,” but we’ve also found some great advice from holistic vet, Dr. Angie Krause, DVM, on her website. Dr. Krause has specific dosing recommendations for different diseases:
CBD for cats can take two weeks to a month to take effect, so don’t expect an overnight cure. Plus, with dosing, it may take a little time to find your cat’s “sweet spot,” so patience is always the best course of action.
As far as which CBD oil to buy, you can use CBD oil meant for humans, but there are also brands making CBD oil specifically for pets. The important thing to consider when shopping for CBD for cats is to make sure the product was tested by a third party lab. Also, check out Herb’s guide on how to buy quality CBD oil online here.
The main side effect CBD for cats is making them a bit sedated. If that happens, it’s best to lower your cat’s dose. Like humans, all cats react to cannabis differently. One of the best side effects many pet owners and vets commonly report is giving CBD to cats for one reason, like arthritis, and it ends up helping with other issues as well.
One important thing to note is you should never feed your cat weed, products high in THC, or blow smoke in their face. THC affects cats differently than human because they have more CB-1 receptors in their brains than us, and so THC can make them paranoid and uncomfortable. Plus, cats can’t communicate how they feel.
However, CBD for cats has proved to be effective and virtually harmless in so many kitties, it’s worth a shot if your cat suffers from one of the aforementioned conditions.
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