Any pet owner is going to be keenly aware of their pet’s mood and behavior. With cats, it’s sometimes difficult to know what might be going on. They are resilient creatures, but just like any animal they can and do experience stress, anxiety, and depression. When gone untreated, this can lead to serious health concerns or behavior that results in self-harm.
Hemp and CBD have been at the center of medical research around stress management for years. That’s because of its many physical and mental health benefits both in humans and animals. Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids that interact with a system in the brain called the Endocannabinoid system. This system is present in cats as well and these cannabinoid receptors help manage and reduce stress, anxiety, and other issues brought on by environmental stress. Today we’ll take a look at how to use CBD oil with your kitty to help reduce their stress and keep them relaxed, happy, and playful!
Is CBD Oil Safe?
Before making the decision to give your cat CBD, consult this option with your veterinarian. While anyone can do enough research to come to their own conclusions, it’s important to have the opinion of a trained veterinarian on your side. They will ultimately be able to advise you more thoroughly on what might work for your specific kitty.
That being said, CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, meaning that it will not get your cat high or feeling any associated effects of marijuana. Full-Spectrum CBD contains a small amount of THC (usually .03% or less) which is not nearly enough to induce intoxicating effects. What it does do is allow the CBD oil to bond more effectively with the cannabinoid receptors in your kitties’ brains. This means that the intended effects of calm and relaxation are more likely at smaller doses. CBD is considered safe for both humans and animals to consume.
How to Administer CBD to Your Cat
The easiest way to administer CBD for your cat is by using a tincture with a plastic syringe. If they won’t let you do that, you could try mixing the oil in with some food or treats.
Another trick could be to dab a tiny amount on their paws and let them clean it off. This is probably the most practical way but ultimately, it depends on your fur friend and their preference!
Dosage
While there is no standard dosage for cats, doing some calculations based on their weight is a good way to determine what their initial dosage should be. Depending on how they react, you might want to give more or less next time. Some cats might be more sensitive than others, and it could take a little time to take effect; just like with humans!
Is Your Cat Stressed?
Make sure you are attentive to your cat’s habits and environmental changes that might be causing stress. If your cat is over-grooming, having stomach or litter problems, not eating a lot of aggressive behavior are all signs of potential stress in your cat. Cats often get a reputation for being able to take care of themselves no matter what, but they need you to watch out for signs of stress. They are quite reliant on human interaction and they are always showing you what’s going on with them through their behavior.
If you notice any of these behaviors in your kitty friend, CBD oil might be a great option to consider for reducing their stress levels.
What CBD Oil is the Right Kind?
Choosing the right CBD product can be tough. First and foremost, always start by looking for specific companies that develop these products for animals. Under no circumstances should you be giving your cat something developed for human consumption when it comes to CBD.
Search for a company that develops local, high-quality products. Make sure you look for Full Spectrum CBD products, as those contain the necessary cannabinoids to interact with the Endocannabinoid system. You’ll also want to make sure that the product has undergone sufficient testing. All of this information should be available on the company’s website, and if it isn’t, consider looking at a different company for your pet.
Our pets are relying on us to make good decisions on their behalf, so don’t phone it in when it comes to choosing a CBD product for your cat! Again, make sure that you consult your veterinarian to make sure that CBD oil is the right product for your cat.