The cannabis plant is rich in healing compounds. Hosting over 100 different cannabinoids, many healing properties can be found for both the mind and body. One that we will be talking about specifically is cannabidiol (CBD).
You may have heard of this compound before and how it can be used to treat medical conditions in humans such as depression, chronic pain, inflammation and so much more! But did you know that it can be beneficial for cats, as well? Not only does it offer you many health benefits but it is also a helpful supplement to give to your furry friends!
In this article, we will go over how to give your cat CBD and the benefits that could follow.
CBD oil for cats
One of the best ways to give your cat CBD is oil. However, there are a few things to look out for when searching for the right oil for your furry friend(s).
Extractionmethods: Get an oil that is either specifically made for cats or is made with a pure CO2 extraction method. Ensuring the oil you choose is free of terpenes is vital as terpenes are very toxic for cats. If you get an oil that is specifically made for pets, then it should be safe from terpenes.
Percentage: If you are getting some oil for your cat to simply boost their mental and physical wellbeing, then the amount you give them isn’t as important. If you are purchasing oil to treat a medical complication your cat is experiencing, go with something that contains a higher percentage of CBD. This means you will save a bit of money in the long run, as well. The higher the percentage, the fewer drops are needed.
Speaking of percentages and drops, let’s look at how to give your cat an accurate dose of CBD.
How much CBD should I give to my cat?
When it comes to finding the right dose, it can be a bit tricky. However, we do have some guidelines for you to follow. You can also play around with the dosage and pay attention to the changes you see in your cat with different dosages, optimizing the necessary dose.
The professionals at Boulder Holistic Veterinary Clinic have recommended the following doses for each specific condition that your cat may be experiencing:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Dosing: Start with 0.2 mg/kg twice daily and increase gradually if necessary.
- Arthritis: Start with 0.5 mg/kg of CBD twice daily and increase gradually if necessary.
- Pancreatitis: Start with 0.1 mg/kg twice daily and increase to 0.5 mg/kg twice daily. It is also very important to minimize fat consumption in cats with pancreatitis.
- Asthma: Start with 0.5 mg/kg of CBD twice daily and increase gradually if necessary.
- Cancer: Start with 0.5 mg/kg of CBD twice daily and increase gradually if necessary.
- Chronic Upper Respiratory Infections: Start with 0.5 mg/kg of CBD twice daily and increase gradually if necessary.
- Seizures: Start with 0.5 mg/kg twice daily and increase as needed, with up to 3 mg/kg twice daily if required.
If you are having trouble, just speak to a veterinarian that is familiar with treating cats with CBD and they should be able to guide you through finding the right dosage.
Warning: Giving oil to a cat that is pregnant or lactating is never recommended.
How does CBD work in cats?
Something that all mammals share is the endocannabinoid system. Essentially, this is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids. These are endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters. Essentially, these transmitters bind to the cannabinoid receptors and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed through the vertebrate central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
Sounds complicated, doesn’t it? To simplify it as much as possible, this is a complex system that allows us to receive cannabinoids and helps the effects of said cannabinoids be achieved. Both you and your cat have this system, allowing you to get the benefits of cannabinoids.
Let’s have a look at those specific benefits now.
CBD benefits for cats
While the dosage section of this article may have given away many of the benefits that a cat can gain from consuming CBD, we can revisit this and have a closer look.
Your cat may be able to benefit from CBD in the following ways:
-Decreased stress, anxiety and depression. Yes, even cats can suffer from these psychological conditions!
-Treat excessive inflammation, making it an effective pain treatment.
-Improve joint health and decrease symptoms of Arthritis.
-Treat infections.
-Minimize the effects and (sometimes) chances of seizures.
-Speed up recovery from injury.
Your cat does not need to be suffering from serious health issues to benefit from CBD. It can be applied in many ways or used as a simple supplement with the motive to increase the general health of your cat.
Additionally, giving CBD to your cat does not always have to be done in the form of supplementation. It can also be applied during specific scenarios. For example, let’s say that you are moving and your only option is to fly to your new location but your cat absolutely hates to fly. In this case, CBD can be a great option! Giving oil to a pet during situations where they experience an unpleasant amount of stress, such as travelling, can help calm them down without having to sedate them.
It can also be helpful to give them oil during the first few weeks after arriving at your destination. Cats typically experience a lot of stress whilst adjusting to their new environment and CBD is a great go-to!
Cats are creatures that typically hate change. Using CBD oil can be a great way to help make their lives (and your life) a little easier. While it will not take away all the stress and anxiety that your cat may feel during a scenario like this, it can help. In those cases, any help is good help! Additionally, stress ages cats very fast. Making sure your furry friend experiences as little stress as possible will help extend their lifespan and longevity!
The bottom line
Considering that CBD has no known negative effects, it can be a safe alternative for improving your cat’s life in various aspects. As always, do your research and speak to a veterinarian that is familiar with using CBD on animals for additional guidance.
Just like us, our pets deserve to live a long, happy and healthy life. Perhaps CBD can be a useful tool for providing them with the life they deserve.
