1. Introduction
CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, has gotten incredibly prevalent in the past few years. The medicinal advantages of CBD have assisted millions and billions of individuals without any over-the-counter medication. Not only in human health, but it has also significantly influenced pet care.
In addition, numerous dog and cat owners provide their furry friends with pet care products like CBD daily to enhance their wellbeing and health. However, as a cat’s parent, you always desire the best for them. Hence, you might have a lot of queries. Is CBD (Cannabidiol) safe for cats? How does it function? What are its advantages or side effects? Well, to answer all these questions, let us first understand what CBD is.
2 What do we mean by CBD and what does it entail?
Cannabis plant like marijuana and Hemp comprises more than a hundred cannabinoids, and Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of them. However, note that CBD or cannabis products usually hold no mind-changing effects. In addition, Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is accountable for the psychoactive effects of Hemp and marijuana, and CBD contains different therapeutic advantages.
Furthermore, according to a report, hemp-derived CBD contains less than 0.3% THC, and its consumption is lawful in the United States. However, remember that hemp oil and CBD oil are two separate things, and CBD is accessible in different forms in the market. CBD oil, topicals, tinctures, capsules, gummies, other eatables, beverages, etc.
3. Benefits of using CBD for cats
Cat parents always attempt to keep their pets safe and healthy. In addition, numerous hemp-based products or pet care products have severe side effects. On the other hand, CBD is plant-based and organic, and it even has lesser adverse effects. So, numerous cat owners like to give CBD or cannabis-derived products a try which can be available at some pet stores. However, remember that CBD is not a substitute for medications.
CBD triggers the ECS or endocannabinoid system in mammals. ECS regulates many vital parts of the body. Like anxiety, mood, stress, skin health, appetite, memory, discomfort, and inflammation. In addition, cats also hold an ECS ( endocannabinoid system) like other mammals, so CBD benefits them too. Here are some advantages of CBD for cats:
3.1. Help relieve anxiety in cats.
Yes, like human beings, cats can get nervous too. They may be born with this characteristic, or it could occur due to desertion or abuse problems they are encountering. As a cat owner, it hurts you to witness your little feline suffer from stress and anxiety problems.
CBD relieves anxiety and relaxes your cat. In addition, it also assists in overcoming tension and any other problems due to stress. CBD helps them calm and puts them in a more generous mood. Hence it might not be wrong to say that the anti-anxiety benefits of CBD work excellently on cats.
3.2. Give pet owners better peace of mind.
If you own more than one pet or cat in your home, you know it can get chaotic sometimes. The conflict of your puppy with your cat or a new cat with existing ones is expected. It can help if you try to train your cat in a multi-step introduction procedure, and it is where CBD comes into the picture.
CBD can assist in streamlining the introductory or initial stage. As earlier stated, CBD can help soothe them down, which helps get them over the initial anxiety. It puts them in a more pleasing spirit and can live peacefully.
3.3. Relieves discomfort in cats
As your little kitten grows old, the cat suffers from different bone losses, degenerative diseases, mobility issues, joint aches, and rashes. These issues cause distress for them. Ageing induces many problems for them as it does for human beings.
While there is no way the cats can cycle it back, you can assist them in coping with CBD. In addition, CBD can help control these aches and distress by reducing inflammation and enhancing their quality of life. Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization, CBD is safe and relieves pain for animals and humans.
3.4. Help overcome dementia
Most cats can also suffer from dementia as they grow old. The brain processes can slow down as the cat ages. Sometimes they start crying or yowling for no reason and feel distressed and dizzy. CBD triggers the ECS, which manages brain functions. So, it might not be wrong to say that CBD assists in treating dementia in cats with its effective chemical structure and powerful chemical compound.
Furthermore, CBD also includes different neuroprotective effects that can restore brain cells and improve neuroplasticity. These brain-boosting boost maximal concentration and help them to combat dementia.
3.5. Assist in overcoming seizures
The irregular discharge of neurons in the brain can induce seizures in your cat. Catching your cat undergoing a Seizure is a painful sight. So when this happens, it is better to consult your vet instantly and specify the reason for the Seizure.
Furthermore, you can ask your doctor if you can employ botanical drug products or cannabis-related products like CBD for cats to decrease the frequency and intensity of Seizures. The dosage is also important to treat seizures with CBD. The best FDA-certified CBD-based drug Epidolex is the treatment for Epilepsy (a type of Seizure) in cats. Generally, veterinary doctors suggest CBD twice a day to relieve seizures, but the dosage amount differs from one another.
4. Is CBD consumption safe for cats?
In general, yes. CBD consumption is safe for cats. However, there is a very slight analysis of how CBD impacts cats at times. In addition, people do not understand much about how it functions in their bodies or its adverse effects. Nevertheless, as the cat’s owners are pleased with the result, they are giving CBD the benefit of the doubt for now.
Although it might not be wrong to say that people will need more research, scientific study, and clinical tests to understand more about CBD and its impacts on cats. The cat parents have seen some minimal mal-effects like
- Tiredness
- Sleepiness
- Changes in appetite
- Gastrointestinal upset
- High levels of enzymes in the liver, kidneys, intestines, etc.
If you are offering your cat any veterinary medicine medications, discuss them with your vet before giving them CBD. If any earlier stated problems occur and endure for a few days, seek medical assistance instantly.
The Bottom Line
CBD, over the years, has proven beneficial to humans and animals. So if you like to use CBD for your kitten, it can be a wonderful gesture to help your cat get the required comfort. In addition, CBD arrives with enormous favourable results for your pet. As long as you employ the correct dosage, you can maintain its life, fight infections, and give your cat a long active life.
Furthermore, even if your cat is on prescription, you can use CBD to enhance the condition and improves its overall health. So why wait? Leverage the benefits of this magic potion today – your happy cat will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the correct Hemp-based CBD dosage for cats?
How does CBD impact cats?
What common side effects are seen in cats after CBD consumption?
What should I know about CBD?
CBD is being employed by multiple pet parents today, so it's important to understand enough about it to examine the possible dangers of use.
