Can CBD oil help cats with anxiety?
There are so many situations that can cause our beloved kitties to be nervous: moving to a new home, adjusting to new cats or people in the house, traveling, nail trims, or trips to the vet or groomer. CBD (cannabidiol) can be an effective and natural solution to minimize anxiety for cats without harmful side effects. CBD oil for cats can be used situationally for temporary relief or longer-term for cats with chronic anxiety. If your cat is in pain, the CBD oil can do double-duty, helping them feel more comfortable, which can also keep them calmer.
Will CBD oil make your cat high?
While the cannabinoids THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties) and CBD are in both marijuana and hemp, there are very significant differences between the industrial hemp plant from which pet CBD oil is extracted and marijuana. Marijuana contains high levels of THC but far less CBD, while conversely, 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 and legal in all states.
The most important differentiation is that hemp CBD offers all the benefits without the THC, so your cat won’t get high – instead, they’ll experience a level of mild relaxation.
What’s the difference between CBD oil and hemp oil?
CBD oil and hemp oil are not the same things, especially for calming purposes. There is a very big difference! Though they’re from the same Sativa hemp plant and neither product is psychoactive, hemp oil is made from pressed hemp seeds, which do not contain CBD. CBD oil is extracted from hemp flowers, leaves, and stalks, which are rich in beneficial CBD. To treat your cat’s anxiety, choose products that clearly state they contain a defined amount of CBD, not hemp oil.
How do you 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 CBD for your cat. Find a product that clearly states the amount of CBD it contains, and make sure that it’s free of heavy metals and pesticides. The manufacturer should have the lab test results readily available for review.
What’s the best way to give a cat CBD?
CBD can help cats with anxiety to feel calmer
We all know that our kitties can be averse to supplements! Fortunately, there are a number of options to choose from. One of the most popular CBDs for cats is a bottled oil that comes with a measured dropper to make it easy to dispense the desired dose. If your cat is not picky, you may want to choose full-spectrum CBD oil with terpenes, which are beneficial, natural compounds that can boost effectiveness. However, full-spectrum CBD can have a bit of a grassy taste that some cats find off-putting. For finicky cats, consider adding a flavorless CBD oil isolate to food or a treat. Most cats will take the flavorless CBD oil readily when added to food or a favorite treat.
An alternative to bottled CBD oil is Coconut Oil with CBD. This is a wonderfully versatile product. It can be applied to the bare skin inside a cat’s ears to be absorbed transdermally or dabbed on paws for cats to lick off. It can be added to food or treats for cats who enjoy the mild coconut flavor.
How much CBD should you give your cat for anxiety?
You may need to experiment to find the best CBD dose for your cat because every cat and every situation is different. The typical recommendation is 1–5 mg for a typical 10-pound cat, but there is no known toxicity level, and many cats respond better to the higher dosing range.
Try a dose in the middle of the recommended range and watch for calming effects that should occur within an hour. If not, give more CBD to total up to the upper dosing recommendation. Once you’ve found the correct dose, your cat will seem calmer but not lethargic.
Can I give my cat CBD along with other medications?
Make sure to check with your veterinarian before using CBD oil if you’re giving your cat prescription medications. Holistic and integrative vets are often familiar with the benefits of CBD and will be easily able to answer your questions.
People who are looking for drug-free treatments for their cats’ anxiety may find that CBD can be the natural solution for a happier, calmer kitty.
