CBD & Cats – Everything you need to know
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Author: Jason Beverly
While your kitties probably make all of your pain go away just by existing in all of their furry glory, it may require a little bit more effort than that for them to feel comfortable - and what they can definitely benefit from is CBD as a safe, alternative method of alleviating some types of issues they may deal with! Let's explore how to safely & effectively utilize CBD for cats.
You might have heard about the endocannabinoid system (ECS), as recently it’s been widely covered as a popular topic in the CBD area. The ECS is a bodily system like the digestive system or nervous system, with components that interact with cannabinoids and are located in basically every part of the body. If you’ve been reading blogs in this particular area, there’s no doubt that you likely already know all the basics, but to put it simply - the ECS narrows down to three main components: endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid receptors, and enzymes.
What’s truly interesting here is that CBD interacts in an amazingly positive manner with our endocannabinoid system, which is why it’s gaining so much popularity by the day! The precise reason behind this is something scientists are still trying to research and discover (we’ll be waiting patiently!), but the outcome is clear - CBD can have truly delightful effects on this mysterious system of ours.
CBD is safe for me, but is it safe for my cat?
Now, how does all of this talk about the endocannabinoid system relate to our beloved cats? Well, what some people don’t know is that animals also have an endocannabinoid system that works similarly to the one found in humans! It essentially contains all of the components ours does, so consequently, it behaves in a similar way to ours. What this means is that CBD is not only perfectly safe for cats, but it’s also a great way for them to avoid them consuming medications that are based on non-natural ingredients and chemical components.
Whenever you are given the option of choosing a natural product instead of one that’s been made synthetically - go for it! It helps that most of the products containing CBD that can be found on the market are usually made from 100% natural ingredients - meaning that they have an abundance of holistic benefits for your cat.
How does CBD help your cat?
Although CBD is not a ‘medication’ and doesn't work like a magic wand that prevents or cures diseases, it is a supplement that can be of great help to your pet. If you own a cat, you already know that they tend to develop painful conditions and diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, epilepsy, and even cancer. But there are many more diseases that cats may face in their lifetime.
If used properly, CBD has the potential power to help your cat lead a healthier & happier life. Even though scientific research on this topic is limited, what experience can confirm is that CBD products created specifically for cats may help them calm their anxiety and stress, alleviate their mood swings, help with discomfort, soothe their irritated digestive system, and even make their fur healthier, shinier, and softer!
It’s very important that you identify the signs and symptoms your cat develops correctly, because the earlier you recognize them, the faster your cat will feel better. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t ask a veterinarian, because you should never give CBD-based products without talking to an expert.
What are some CBD products that are good for cats?
CBD products for cats (and animals in general) come in many different forms, but the most common ones you can find are oils, tinctures, chews, and treats. Cats can be quite hard to trick, but luckily, plenty of companies have developed products that are both beneficial and tasty for your cat! For example, there are a few products (specifically hemp oils that are easier to give to cats) on the market which include salmon oil as a way to make the CBD experience more pleasant to kittens.
How much CBD do cats need?
Essentially, it all comes down to the size of your cat, but since they are a lot tinier (and cuter!) than humans, you wouldn’t want to give your cat the same amount of CBD you would use for yourself. What’s important to note is that, while it’s been mentioned that all animals have cannabinoid receptors, cats have much less as opposed to, for example, dogs, so naturally, they require a very small amount of CBD. The average recommended dose for cats moves between the range of 2-4 mg of CBD, but again, you should absolutely consult your veterinarian in order not to cause any unwanted effects.
Always be careful when choosing the perfect CBD product for your cat
As mentioned earlier, most CBD products on the market will likely contain a mixture of completely natural ingredients, but that is not the only thing that you should pay attention to. Although CBD products are safe for cats and do not cause any significant side effects, you should be extra careful when buying CBD for your cat, especially through online shopping.
The key thing you should focus on is looking for laboratory test results to ensure that the product does not contain more than 0.3% THC since it can cause intoxication in cats. Another thing you should be looking at is whether the CBD product you intend to buy contains any microorganisms or heavy metals. If the product is completely free of junk of this kind, it should be perfectly safe for your cat!
If you’re considering treating your cat with some CBD, these few aspects should hopefully resolve all the dilemmas you might have! CBD products are supplements of significant value that can truly help your cat with a lot of conditions that may be cause for discomfort.
