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CBD Oil for Cats: Is It an Effective Treatment?

Written by Sophie Smith

There’s nothing more dear to us than our beloved pets. When it comes to keeping our kitties healthy, many of us are turning to alternative natural methods in order to prioritize their wellbeing.

CBD oil is having a huge moment in the spotlight right now. Many people are turning to this cannabis-based product to help ease a variety of health conditions, from anxiety disorders to arthritis. Its medicinal properties aren’t just anecdotal – scientific evidence is also stacking up in favor of CBD’s reported health benefits. It’s safe to say that for some of us, CBD is somewhat of a miracle worker.

Pet owners worldwide say CBD has an amazing array of positive effects on their pets. However, when it comes to pets and CBD, the scientific evidence is slightly limited so far. Ongoing studies are attempting to add some weight to the claims from pet owners across the globe.

We’ve previously reported on why people are giving CBD to their dogs, but what about cats? Does CBD have any benefits for our feline friends? Let’s take a look at what CBD is and how it can help you manage your pet’s problems.

What is CBD?

CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Researchers are finding that each cannabinoid has its own unique set of medicinal benefits. THC is one of the most well-known cannabinoids, famous for the ‘high’ which traditional cannabis flowers deliver. However, CBD won’t give you a buzz. In fact, it delivers a huge set of health benefits without the high that’s typically associated with recreational cannabis.

When extracted from the plant, CBD is incorporated within a base oil (like hemp oil or coconut oil). It can then be transformed into a tincture or supplement which can be administered orally to both humans and animals. Usually with animals, CBD oil is added to their food or water. For us humans, other available delivery methods include vaping CBD, eating it in the form of edibles and smoking CBD flowers.

Is CBD Effective for Cats? 

As it stands, there are no scientific studies that investigate the specific effects of CBD on cats yet. Although, all hope is not lost – many holistic veterinarians say that generally, CBD is safe for felines. One of the few reported side effects include gastrointestinal issues, which is easily resolved by withdrawing use of CBD altogether or by lowering the dosage.

cbd cats

Some studies have shown that animals benefit from CBD in a similar way to how humans do. This is partly down one special thing that humans and animals share in common – we all have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This system is present in all mammals and humans. It’s responsible for managing a range of functions inside the body like pain responses and even hormones. In both humans and animals, the ECS also helps the body to regulate things like sleep, appetite, and mood. CBD is effective as a medicinal treatment is because it helps us regulate our endocannabinoid systems to achieve a state of balance known as ‘homeostasis’.

Specifically with cats, there is an array of anecdotal evidence of CBD oil’s effectiveness as a supplement. David Barcly is the owner of UK CBD brand “CBD Armour”. As he reported to Metro, as many as 20% of his clients are giving CBD to their cats with positive results. Most typically, it’s given as treatment for general anxiety. Other owners have successfully used CBD with their furry friends to help ease symptoms of arthritis, like inflammation and chronic pain. There has even been reports of CBD oils effectiveness for controlling seizures in pets with epilepsy

Correct Dosage is Key

Dosage is the most important thing to note when it comes to administering CBD to animals.  Most animal owners will start with low dosage before increasing to suit their animals needs. It’s also worth noting that in the US, the FDA doesn’t currently regulate the animal CBD products you see on the shelves. This is why it’s important to take care in the first instances when administering CBD oil to your pets.

Final thoughts.

So if you’re looking for an alternative, natural treatment for your cat’s ailments, the anecdotal evidence at hand suggests that CBD could be an effective choice. 

Now we understand how the endocannabinoid system operates, it’s easy to see why CBD is such a highly valued supplement for both humans and animals. If your cat suffers from epilepsy, anxiety, stress or chronic pain disorders like arthritis, and hasn’t responded to conventional therapeutic treatments, CBD could offer the relief your pet has been crying out for.

Just remember that administering the correct dosage is vital. With CBD, it’s best to start small. Work your way up to the perfect dosage, taking into account your pet’s behaviour and overall wellbeing. As always, it’s best to seek professional advice from your veterinarian before going ahead with any pet treatment.

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About the author

Sophie Smith

Sophie Smith is a writer and natural health enthusiast. Founder of a green beauty blog, her knowledge of natural remedies and plant-based cosmetics has lead Sophie to become an advocate for the many benefits of cannabis as an alternative medicine. Her mission is to help combat the stigma associated with 'cannabis' by writing factual content that empowers your CBD choices.