CBD oil for cats is a natural yet often misunderstood supplement. You have probably heard about the health benefits, but you have few questions before adding CBD oil to your cat's daily routine.
Keep reading as this article will explain everything you need to know about CBD oil for cats – from the concept behind its benefits through its different forms to choosing the right CBD product for your cat.
Understanding CBD: How Does it Work in Cats?
To understand how CBD works in cats, we must start by explaining what it is. CBD or cannabidiol is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant. Hemp is rich in many different chemical compounds, but CBD is linked with most beneficiary properties.
Cat owners are often reluctant to use CBD products in their cats because of the widespread misconception that CBD may make their cats feel high.
To be more accurate, the confusion stems from the fact that we use the words cannabis, hemp, and marijuana interchangeably. In fact, they are different plants containing different compounds with different properties.
Cannabis is an umbrella term that covers various strains, including both hemp and marijuana. Hemp is packed with cannabinoids (CBDs) and low in THC. The opposite is true for the marijuana plants – it is loaded with THC and contains low CBD levels.
THC is the chemical compound with psychoactive properties. In other terms, THC has the power to make one feel “high.”
Because hemp has less than 0.3% THC content, an amount that is not nearly enough to trigger the “high” feeling, CBD oils and products for pets are made exclusively from hemp. The extremely low THC levels in hemp CBD makes it possible for these oils to be labeled as THC free.
So, how does CBD work in cats? Cats, just like dogs, humans, and other mammals have a so-called endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is an internal system responsible for keeping homeostasis – a condition of optimum body functioning.
The ECS is responsible for regulating vital functions like appetite, metabolism, mood, sleeping patterns, thermoregulation, senses, stress, immunity, pain, inflammation, swelling, discomfort, memory, and many more.
The ECS in spite of its complex roles, it is made of thee simple components:
Cannabinoid receptors – there are different types of receptors, scattered in different tissues and organs.
Endocannabinoids – compounds the body naturally produces that bind with the receptors to maintain homeostasis.
Enzymes – responsible for breaking down the endocannabinoids once they have fulfilled their jobs.
Cannabidiol (CBD) works by replacing the endocannabinoids and binding with the cannabinoid receptors. Simply put, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system thus helping maintain homeostasis, or a state of health and balance.
Best CBD Oil for Cats: Buying Guide
Here is a short description of the things you need to consider when choosing the best CBD oil for your cat.
Full Spectrum: There are three main CBD oil options – full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum oil, and CBD isolate.
Always opt for the full spectrum variety as this CBD oil contains a wider specter of cannabinoids and other compounds (terpenes, flavonoids, essential fatty acids) that boost each other.
Hemp Oil vs. Hemp Seed Oil: The terms hemp CBD oil and hemp seed oil should not be confused. Hemp CBD oil is made of different parts of the plant – flowers, leaves, and stalks and contains less than 0.3% of THC.
On the other hand, the hemp seed oil is a seed extract. Since the hemp seeds do not contain cannabinoids (neither CBD nor THC), its oil, although still healthy, will not have the same health benefits as the whole plant extract.
Made in the USA and Organic: The best CBD oil is made in the United States, not just manufactured but also sourced. The hemp used for making the CBD oil should be organically grown.
Another important thing is the extraction method used. CO2 extraction is preferred as this technique preserves the oil’s quality and ensures the highest level of purity.
Non-GMO, and Free of Any Soy, Dairy, or Corn: GMO plants are associated with health issues and are of questionable quality. The same applies to fillers and allergens like soy, dairy, gluten, and corn. The facility where the CBD oil is produced should not be used for processing some of these ingredients.
Certificate of Analysis: The CBD oil manufacturer should provide a Certificate of Analysis – an official document generated by a third-party lab that has tested the product in question for any contaminants (heavy metals, pesticides, preservatives, and microbes).
The lab test results will also confirm the presence of various cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBN) and their exact amounts, and the absence of THC.
Reputable Brand: The final thing you need to check is the brand’s reputability. A high number of good reviews and a good standing with the Better Business Bureau are preferred.
A reputable brand will have a money-back guarantee and offer services like free shipping and subscription discounts.
Is CBD oil Safe for Cats?
Yes, CBD oil is a perfectly safe supplement for cats. When used correctly, following the CBD oil manufacturer's guidelines, CBD oil can help cats overcome or at least manage several health issues.
When giving CBD to your cat, you can choose between two products – CBD treats and oil. Featuring cat-friendly flavors (beef, chicken), the treats are easy to administer. However, the CBD effects will kick in faster when using oils.
The Side Effects of CBD Oil for Cats
Every drug, chemical, and supplement has the potential to trigger some side effects. The same concept applies to CBD oils for cats.
The use of CBD oil for cats is associated with several potential side effects, including:
Decreased saliva production, licking, and dry mouth – these signs are mutually linked. CBD for cats reduces saliva production, which results in dry mouth. As a response, to compensate for the dryness, the cat continuously licks her lips.
Increased water intake and urination frequency – this is linked with the signs explained above. If the mouth dryness is severe, the cat will drink more water to keep the moisture levels adequate, and as a result, she will urinate more substantially and more frequently.
Drowsiness – cats can manifest different drowsiness levels, from increased sleepiness to impaired paw to eye coordination.
Low blood pressure and heart rate – the overall calming effect of CBD results in decreased blood pressure and heart rate, which contribute to the aforementioned drowsiness and lightheadedness.
Increased appetite – depends on what you are aiming for, this can be seen as either a benefit or an unwanted effect.
Allergic reactions – rarely, cats can develop an allergic reaction to CBD. The culprit can be some of the CBD compounds or the added ingredients, for example, coconut oil.
Fluctuations in the complete blood count – some blood count parameters can be slightly up or down.
Decreased drug metabolism – this is among the more critical side effects of CBD for cats. Namely, almost all drugs are metabolized in the liver via its enzymes. CBD inhibits the liver enzymes, which results in a delayed breakdown of certain medications. This is why it is highly unadvisable to give your cat CBD oil without discussing it with your vet, especially if your cat is already on some medications.
Luckily, overdosing on CBD is practically impossible – giving your cat too much CBD oil will likely result in accented tiredness, meaning your cat will sleep the overdose off.
As mentioned, another side effect is dry mouth and increased thirst. Therefore, if you accidentally give your cat a few extra drops of CBD, make sure it has a comfortable sleeping place and a bowl filled with fresh water next to the bed.
How Does CBD Oil Help Cats?
Cats, just like dogs, humans, and other mammals, have a so-called endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is an internal system responsible for keeping homeostasis – a condition of optimum body functioning.
The ECS is responsible for regulating vital functions like appetite, metabolism, mood, sleeping patterns, thermoregulation, senses, stress, immunity, pain, inflammation, swelling, discomfort, memory, and many more.
The ECS, despite its complex roles, is made of three simple components:
Cannabinoid receptors – there are different types of receptors scattered in different tissues and organs.
Endocannabinoids – compounds the body naturally produces that bind with the receptors to maintain homeostasis.
Enzymes – responsible for breaking down the endocannabinoids once they have fulfilled their jobs.
Cannabidiol (CBD) works by replacing the endocannabinoids and binding them with the cannabinoid receptors. Simply put, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, thus helping maintain homeostasis or a state of health and balance.
There are many potential benefits associated with giving your cat CBD oils. Although most studies are still in progress, from what is already shown, CBD oil can help cats with:
Cancer – CBD oil helps maintain healthy cellular activity and may help eliminate cancerous cells and inhibit their growth.
Seizures – CBD oil may help cats with seizures by maintaining healthy nervous system function and supporting normal nerve conduction.
Arthritis – CBD oil can ease joint stiffness and discomfort, thus promoting normal mobility.
Peeing – CBD oil can help cats with urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is the medical term for uncontrolled peeing.
Kidney Disease – Chronic Kidney Disease (CDK) causes nausea, appetite loss, pain, discomfort, frequent urination, and increased risk of urinary infections. CBD oil can help with all of the symptoms.
Allergies – CBD oil helps maintain healthy skin and soothes skin-related issues associated with seasonal allergies.
Anxiety – CBD oil has a calming effect and can be used for managing issues like separation anxiety, hyperactivity, and reactions to environmentally-induced stress (thunderstorms, fireworks) and stress-triggering events (vet visits, car rides).
What Is The Right CBD Oil Dosage For Cats?
The exact dosage of CBD oil for cats depends on the cat’s weight, overall health, and the underlying issue that entails using a CBD oil product.
The general rule of thumb is that cats can receive between 1 and 5 mg of CBD oil per 10 pounds of body weight per day.
Since cats are all about the same weight, it is always the same dosage recommendation – 1 full dropper, from a 125mg potency, which translates to 4mg of CBD a day.
We always advise starting with a lower dose and then gradually increasing the CBD amount as your cat gets used to the new supplement.
Our Final Thoughts: CBD Oil For Cats
As a responsible cat owner, you need to do everything to keep your cat as healthy as possible and keep her quality of life on the highest level.
In those terms, it is important to remember that a high-quality CBD product can be helpful, especially with issues like separation anxiety, seizures, skin allergies, cancer, uncontrolled peeing, and kidney disease.
