Does your cat have a difficult time getting along with others? Maybe they’re just a little too energetic throughout the day—or prone to running around wild at night. What works to calm you might also help your comforting critter.
CBD isn’t just for humans anymore. By 2022, the CBD pet products industry could amount to $1.16 billion!
Why are CBD treats for cats becoming so popular? In addition to calming them down, it can also treat their anxiety, relieve their pain, and offer numerous health benefits.
Before you start using CBD oil for cats, however, there are a few things you should know first.
Keep reading to learn more about CBD for cats and how you can use it to keep your pet calm and relaxed!
1. Know the Benefits
Before you start using CBD treats for cats, it’s important to know what CBD is capable of. That way, you can make sure you’re providing your cat with a product that will actually benefit their health.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of 113 compounds found in the marijuana plant. Unlike THC (the other main component of cannabis), CBD isn’t psychoactive. It won’t get users higher.
Rather, CBD has soothing effects.
Holistic veterinarians have started suggesting CBD treats for cats to treat:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Inflammation
However, it’s important to note that CBD can’t cure these issues. Instead, CBD helps ease the symptoms by reacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is responsible for biological processes such as:
- Sleep
- Pain
- Immunity
- Memory
By responding to your ECS, CBD for cats can also help treat their:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pancreatitis
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Chronic upper respiratory infection
- Seizures
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects help provide relief for many of these health concerns.
2. Remain Realistic
8% of cat owners have already given their cat CBD or hemp treats. While there are many benefits to using CBD treats for cats, it’s still important that you remain realistic. Remember, CBD can’t cure a health problem, but it can help ease certain symptoms.
It’s also important to know that scientists urge pet owners to remain cautious. There’s initial research that indicates CBD is safe for pets. However, research is still ongoing to explore the full effect of CBD on pets.
There are also many different types of CBD products on the market.
You might need to explore than one option, such as chew treats versus tinctures, to see which your cat best responds to.
Keep aware of any new studies that pop up.
3. Speak with the Vet
Before giving your cat CBD, make sure to speak with their vet.
They can provide you with more information and answer your questions. They might also have a specific CBD brand they suggest.
If your cat is already on medication, make sure to speak with the vet about potential interactions and doses.
4. Choose the Right Products
Don’t just choose the first CBD treats for cats you come across. Instead, make sure the product is:
- Free of contaminants
- Using the best ingredients
- Created responsibly
The cannabis industry isn’t regulated. That means you’ll need to complete this research on your own.
You also shouldn’t give your cat CBD products you use yourself. Some of these products contain ingredients like grapeseed oil and xylitol, which isn’t safe for your cat.
Look for a product that has a seal from the National Animal Supplement Council. The label should also indicate the company follows Good Manufacturing Practices. These labels will tell you the product was made with good ingredients.
5. Check for a COA
A Certificate of Analysis, or COA, can give you peace of mind, too. These products have undergone third-party testing. If they have the COA, it means the product is free of fungicides, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
6. Low & Slow
Every cat will require a different dose depending on their weight and other factors. In order to determine how much CBD to give your cat, start with a low dosage.
You’ll likely see them calm down within an hour.
If you don’t, however, you can give them a little more CBD oil. Then, watch them.
Once you find the right dosage, you’ll notice your cat is visibly calmer. They’ll also become less likely to hide or meow loudly once you find the right dose.
There are also different ways you can administer the CBD. If your cat is a picky eater, try CBD treats for cats first. There are also flavorless CBD oil isolates you can add to their favorite foods.
CBD oil for cats with terpenes is also available. This option includes a broad spectrum of natural compounds. However, full-spectrum CBD sometimes has a grassy taste your cat might not like.
A third option is to use coconut oil with CBD. You can apply the coconut oil to the inside of your cat’s ears or their paws. Applying the oil to their ears will ensure the CBD is absorbed transdermally.
If you choose to apply it to their paws, your cat will likely lick it off.
Make sure to keep a record of how much CBD oil you’re using each time. Remember, the proper CBD oil dosage for cats varies. Keep track of how much you’re giving them and how they respond.
In time, you’ll find the right dosage.
7. Watch for Reactions
Once you start using CBD oil for cats, watch your cat. Look for any reactions and side effects. For example, your cat might have an increased appetite.
Some cats are more sensitive than others. If your cat becomes too sedate, lower their dose.
Allergic reactions are possible as well. If your cat has an allergic reaction, make an appointment with your vet.
8. Store Them Safely
Lastly, make sure to store your CBD oil for cats away from sunlight. Cannabinoids degrade, so you’ll want to keep the product at room temperature to avoid changing the chemical composition.
The Cat’s Meow: 8 Things to Know About CBD Treats for Cats
Ready to start using CBD treats for cats? With this guide, you can prepare yourself for all the experience. Your cat will thank you for it.
Check out our recent Pets posts for more tips!
