There are many situations that can cause anxiety in our beloved cats, such as moving to a new home, adjusting to new cats or people in the house, traveling, or visits to the veterinarian or groomer. CBD (cannabidiol) can be an effective and natural solution for minimizing cat anxiety without harmful side effects. CBD oil for cats can be used situationally for temporary relief or on a long-term basis for cats with chronic anxiety. If your cat is experiencing pain, CBD oil can have a dual effect by helping her feel more comfortable and also keeping her calmer.
Will my cat get high?
NO!
While THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties, and CBD are found in both marijuana and hemp, there are significant differences between industrial hemp, from which CBD oil for pets is derived, and marijuana. Marijuana contains high levels of THC but much less CBD, whereas hemp is a rich source of CBD but has almost no THC. It’s important to note that THC can be toxic to pets, but CBD extracted from industrial hemp is safe.
The most important difference is that hemp-derived CBD offers all the benefits without THC, so your cat will not get high—instead, she will experience mild relaxation.
What is the difference between CBD oil and hemp oil?
CBD oil and hemp oil are not the same, especially for calming purposes. Although they come from the same Cannabis Sativa plant, and neither product is psychoactive, hemp oil is made from pressed hemp seeds, which do not contain CBD. CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the hemp plant, which are rich in this compound. To treat your cat’s anxiety, look for products that clearly state they contain a measured amount of CBD, not hemp oil.
How to choose the best CBD oil for cats?
Product labeling and advertising can be confusing, so you’ll want to shop carefully to find the best hemp-based CBD for your cat. Look for a product that clearly states the amount of CBD it contains and ensure that it does not contain heavy metals and pesticides. The manufacturer should have easily accessible lab test results for quality control.
What is the best way to give CBD to my cat?
We all know that our cats can be picky when it comes to supplements! Fortunately, there are a variety of options to choose from. One of the most popular CBD products for cats is oil, which comes with a measured dropper for easy dosage. If your cat isn’t picky, you may want to choose full-spectrum CBD oil with terpenes, which are beneficial natural compounds that can enhance effectiveness. However, full-spectrum CBD may have a slightly grassy taste that some cats may dislike. For finicky cats, consider adding flavorless CBD isolate oil to their food or treats. Most cats accept CBD oil when added to their food or favorite treats.
An alternative to bottled CBD oil is CBD-infused coconut oil. It’s an incredibly versatile product. It can be applied to the bare skin inside the cat’s ears for transdermal absorption or applied to the paw pads for the cat to lick off. It can also be added to food or treats for cats that enjoy a gentle coconut flavor.
How much CBD should a cat receive for anxiety?
You should do a little experimentation to find the right dosage as every cat and situation is different. The typical recommendation is 1-5 mg for an average-sized cat weighing about 4 kg, but no toxicity level is known.
Start with a dose in the middle of the recommended range and observe the calming effects, which should occur within an hour. If not, you may want to give more CBD, up to the recommended dosage level. Once you find the right dosage, your cat should appear calmer but not sedated.
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Can I give my cat CBD along with other medications?
Consult with your veterinarian before using CBD oil if you are giving your cat prescription medications. Holistic and integrative veterinarians are often familiar with the benefits of CBD and will be able to answer your questions easily.
People looking to treat their cat’s anxiety without medications may find that CBD can be a natural solution for a happier and calmer cat.
