Cat owners, just like any other pet owner, have a lot of love and often worry for their furry feline friends. Naturally, when their cat starts to show signs of illness, owners quickly start to look for a solution. There have been some amazing leaps and bounds in the world of veterinarian sciences. However, the medications that are often used may not always be the solution. Some cats are allergic to medications, or the prescription is not sufficient to return the cat to health on its own, which is why you should consider CBD for cats. 

Many pet owners have started to turn to more holistic options for helping their pets. Recently, cannabidiol (CBD) has risen as a potential option. So, joint us at Companna, as we go over some of the information about CBD for cats.

What is CBD?

CBD is found in cannabis plants, like marijuana and hemp, along with many other cannabinoids. There is a lot of misconception surrounding CBD. One of these is that people often confuse it with another compound found in the same plants, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD and THC are both very prevalent in cannabis.  However, CBD and THC produce radically different effects in our bodies.  

THC is the compound that creates the high that is most often associated with cannabis. But CBD has effects that are not nearly as intense. CBD affect on the brain effectively to promote a calming effect and will not give you the high that THC does. CBD also does not impair cognitive functions as THC can. Since we are focusing on cats, it’s important to note that THC should never be given to cats.

CBD may be found in all plants in the cannabis family. However, most CBD manufacturers are more likely to use hemp instead of marijuana. The reason for this is quite simple, hemp has a lot of CBD and little THC, unlike marijuana.

CBD is often used by humans to relieve stress, help with their epilepsy, use for skincare, or to help with any number of ailments. Now pet owners and holistic veterinarians have started using CBD for similar benefits for their household pets, including cats.

Why would someone give CBD to their cat?

Cat owners have been using CBD to help their cats with several different problems. Cats and humans both have endocannabinoid receptors (the receptors that interact with cannabinoids like CBD and THC); this could be the reason why cats and humans seem to be affected by CBD in similar ways. 

Because they also have an Endocannabinoid System, CBD may help cats with anxiety, epilepsy, and their skin.

Inflammation may be a side effect of all kinds of pain issues in cats, including arthritis and pancreatitis. A study done at Cornell University showed that CBD could help with pain experienced by arthritic dogs. The researchers concluded that CBD was able to help reduce inflammation in the troubled areas. This could possibly lead to less pain and better movement. As this study showed, CBD had great effects on dogs, and it is likely that it could work well with cats too.

While seizures and epilepsy are not common conditions for cats, it doesn’t mean that they never happen. When you cat is struggling with seizures it’s hard to know what to do. Research into CBD has found that it may be a good anti-epileptic treatment. Many of these studies, like this one, have had promising results, but they have also been focused on humans. CBD may help cats nonetheless, but it is good to talk with your veterinarian before giving any to your cat.

CBD has been known to help increase the production of serotonin and dopamine. Both of these are compounds that could have a positive effect on mood and attitude. Like with epilepsy, the research in this area has been focused on humans. However, many pet owners and vets have reported improvements in a cat’s anxiety after starting with CBD. This could possibly help with separation anxiety, former feral cats who may still be skittish at home or anxiety caused by situations that are potentially distressing for cats (like car rides to the vet).

It’s not uncommon for cats to have dry skin. This can lead to dull coats and flaky skin. CBD is becoming a common option to improve skin health among humans. Now holistic veterinarians are recommending CBD to help with pets’ skin. CBD may help hydrate the skin and, as a result, improve the coat, making it shinier and softer

There are other owners who give their cats CBD just to improve their overall health. These owners often report their cats having higher activity levels and better skin and coats with less shedding.

How do I give my cat CBD?

Cats may sometimes be difficult to give medication to. They are not often tricked by some peanut butter or lunchmeat like dogs are. In fact, getting a cat to sit still long enough to do anything may often be a challenge. So, how do you get them to take CBD?

CBD can come in many different forms. However, most of the forms are made with humans in mind. If you are trying to give a CBD product to your cat, the easiest way is CBD drops. Drops are tinctures generally made with different concentrations of CBD oil and palm oil that are dispensed with a dropper. You can just add it to their food or treats.

Because of the plants that CBD is derived from, some of the oils may be rather bitter in taste. If your cat is a picky eater, you may find drops with different flavors like mixed berry or vanilla that may be easier on their palate.

If you’re looking to improve your cat’s coat or skin, you can just apply it directly to their skin. Feeding them, the CBD may also help, but the direct application seems to work better for skincare. Applying the CBD directly to inflamed areas may also be a more direct way to help with your cat’s pain potentially. 

So far, CBD made specifically for cats has yet to really flood the market. However, there are some that are made for dogs, and cat owners have reported that those work just as well. Many also just use the products made for people using smaller doses.

If your vet has prescribed any medications for your cat, be sure to talk with them before you start giving your cat any CBD.

Anyone with a pet knows that they are more than just a pet; they are a part of the family. Cats are no exception. That’s why cat owners want nothing but the best for their furry friends. CBD may not be the solution for all of your pet’s problems, but it appears that it may help.

If you are looking for a good place to buy cat CBD products from, look no further! Here at Companna, we carry a wide range of great CBD products for just about all pets!