An Overview of CBD Oil for Cats
Cats are a favourite animal for millions of pet lovers around the world, including us! It’s little wonder then that their health is important to the humans that love them. With CBD gaining more popularity every day, it’s something that’s increasingly used for both dogs and cats due to the diverse health benefits it may have.
Now, a new cat is always a bit of a handful for their owner! And, as you know, we try to please our little tenants and also keep them in good health. However, if health difficulties arise with our four-legged friends, it’s best to be prepared for anything so that they feel as well as possible during unfortunate periods of bad health.
The Cat’s Endocannabinoid System
Now, cats also have this system, and unlike ours, it’s more sensitive, but in general it works the same for humans as it does for cats and other animals. In fact, all mammals have an endocannabinoid system. How does it work and how may the cat’s body process CBD and hemp?
The cat’s endocannabinoid system regulates an incredibly wide range of body functions:
- Balance and coordination
- Muscle movement
- Reproductive systems
- Activation and suppression of appetite
- Digestive tract
- Memory and memory skills
- Heart rate and blood pressure
- The ability to feel pain and pleasure
- Mood and mood stability
- Reproductive processes
- Brain development
The endocannabinoid system is also made up of several other of the body’s systems, namely the nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract, and the immune system. Thus, it helps to maintain the body’s overall natural balance, or homeostasis, despite external factors.
How does it work? Well, the ECS binds to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body using its own endocannabinoids that the body naturally produces. The ECS can also be stimulated by phytocannabinoids (plant cannabinoids) such as cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp. Think of CBD as adding more of the good stuff that the body already produces to keep things running well.
How Does CBD Affect Cats?
Because of its ability to work with receptors in the cat’s body, CBD may help your cat cope with a number of health issues. Like humans, CBD may help cats with epilepsy, relieve stress, improve the condition of their hair and skin, and more. Let’s look at the potential benefits of CBD for pets in general. CBD may help with:
- Cancer
- Inflammation
- Chronic pain
- Panic attacks
- Arthritis
- Increased stress or anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Heart conditions
- Epilepsy
- Nausea
- Diabetes
- Asthma
Dosage of CBD Oil for Cats
The dosage for your cat is a very individual matter as it can depend on various factors, such as weight, age, metabolism, genetics, and more. In general, it’s important to start with a small dose and gradually increase it until you reach the desired effect.
You may need to increase the dosage over time to get the same benefits depending on what you’re treating in your cat. For example, if the cat is in chronic and growing pain, over time, you may need to increase the dose to offset this.
Make these changes slowly and gradually to allow the cat’s body to adjust, though. Remember, it’s not important to start with the strongest oil and the highest dosage to achieve your goal.
Overdosing on CBD should not be possible as your cat’s body will simply release the excess with waste. However, if this is your first time giving your fur-baby CBD oil, it’s best to start slowly. In this way, you may accurately determine the ideal dose for your pet safely.
The key to dosage is to find a balance where the cat gets all of the potential benefits without experiencing any side effects. However, if you see any adverse effects after using CBD on your cat, stop using it immediately. Always consult your veterinarian before starting your cat on any new treatments or supplements, including CBD, too.
Final Thoughts
It’s always best to do what’s best for your cat, or cats. Happy cat, happy life! As they get older, they may start to have common health issues like joint inflammation, or become ill. CBD may be a way to help your cat alleviate some of their discomfort, and allow them to live easier, happier lives.
Always do your research, and make sure wherever you’re buying from displays an independent laboratory’s certificate of analysis, showing potency and purity of the product.
Have you used CBD oil for your cat? What did you use it for? Let us know in the comments below!