There’s a new, relatively new development in the world of cannabis, and this is CBD for cats. As more pet products are becoming popular in the health and wellness market, it can be difficult for owners to start somewhere.
As one who owns a kitten or a full-grown cat, it’s only natural to want the best for your furry friend. After all, they are cute, cuddly, and funny companions, and they can never be replaced. This is where CBD or cannabidiol can help them live a healthier and longer life. You can learn more about cannabidiol on this site here.
Cannabidiol is a compound found in hemp plants, and they are extracted to be used as supplements, oil, creams, and more. The hemp-based cannabidiol is combined with carrier oils like coconut, and they are specially designed to be swallowed by your pet cats during their meals. You can combine it with their favorite food at a low dosage and observe their reactions afterwards.
Will CBD Get Your Cat High?
The answer is NO. Even if hemp is related to cannabis, it’s important to note that it is not marijuana. Therefore, it won’t produce any high or psychoactive effects on your cat. Cannabidiol is often extracted from hemp, and marijuana comes from another different species. Cannabidiol only contains less than 0.3% THC, which is the psychoactive component in marijuana. On the other hand, weed often has a concentration of more than 30%, which affects the cognitive functions of its users.
It’s best if you can find products that guarantee 0 to 0.3% THC for your pet cat. Some of the cat products with CBD have other organic components like terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytocannabinoids to help speed up the effects of cannabidiol, and this is often called the entourage effect. Know that not all products are created equal, so it’s best to do due diligence first before buying.
Safety and Efficacy
Usually, the products from legitimate manufacturers are safe and effective. When it comes to a higher dosage of CBD, no known adverse effects are recorded. However, you need to ensure additional safety of your furry friends by checking the following:
- Don’t buy any products in the market that contains THC
- Only use the isolate products and mix them with your pet’s food whenever possible
- Always follow the correct guidelines regarding the dosage from the manufacturers’ website
- Ask your vet for more information if you’re in doubt
How does Cannabidiol work for Your Pet Cat?
Using CBD can give your pet various benefits from medical ailments. To understand how CBD can affect the body, it’s vital to get more information about the endocannabinoid system or the ECS. This cell-signaling system is often present in canines, felines, and humans. This affects crucial functions of the body like sleep, mood, appetite, and the immune system.
Maintaining the body’s homeostasis is very important, and this is one of the primary goals of the ECS. There are strict parameters for the body’s balance, so everything should be able to function accordingly. This results in the ECS proving to effectively affect many of the body’s processes, including pain responses, inflammation, heart health, anxiety, and memory.
The endocannabinoid system works through various receptors in the body, and they act similar to locks. When your pet takes cannabidiol, the phytocannabinoids serve as the keys to unlocking more receptors to do their jobs and maintain homeostasis in the body.
About the Isolates
It’s essential to know the products that are only suitable for your pet cats. This means that you should choose among the three options, including the CBD isolates, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. Manufacturers may create an isolate that is the purest form of cannabidiol available. It does not have any other ingredients, and they are ideal for first-time users. Read more about the differences among the types of CBD in this web address: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cbd-isolate-vs-full-spectrum-cbd.
There’s also a broad spectrum with a mixture of terpenes, flavonoids, phytocannabinoids, minerals, and coconut oil that will produce the entourage effect. At the same time, the full-spectrum has a tiny amount of THC, which is less than 0.3%. It’s highly recommended to get only the isolates if you’re unsure because some breeds may not process the other ingredients included in the full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. Carefully check the labels and always remember to consult the veterinarian before administering the oil to your pet.
Benefits to Know About
Decreased Stress and Anxiety
If your feline friends are anxious whenever they travel with you or during thunderstorms, CBD oil can help them calm down. Cats are sensitive to their surroundings, and loud noises can cause them to get stressed and jittery. Some studies show that cannabidiol oil helps cats get calmer and help them sleep better. They can also affect the brain where they work to make a negative stimulus seem less worrying.
Joint Pains and Arthritis
Arthritis is common in older felines, and this happens when there’s degeneration in the bones and cartilages. This can cause swelling, stiffness, and chronic pain. Fortunately, cannabidiol has an anti-inflammatory component, and it works with your pet’s endocannabinoid system to regulate the immune system’s response.
The regulation of the natural responses means that there’s less pain and inflammation. Cannabidiol works with the pro-inflammatory cytokines and helps regulate inflammatory responses. Some owners have shown improvements in their feline’s conditions, especially those that are suffering from osteoarthritis. More studies are needed on these claims, but the effects are promising so far.
