CBD for cats: what you need to know

CBD for cats has taken the limelight for pet health supplements. CBD is associated with many wellness benefits, both for us and our furry companions. But is CBD safe for cats? This article will go over whether cats can safely consume CBD products. Should cat owners consider buying CBD cat treats to mellow out their feline friends? Let's find out.

Is CBD safe for cats?

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a non-intoxicating cannabis-derived compound with many benefits. But how does CBD affect a cat's body? All mammals, including cats, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS regulates pain, appetite, sleep, mood, immune response, and helps keep the body in homeostasis. One of the ways CBD works is by bolstering your body's natural endocannabinoid levels. In theory, if stress or aches are negatively affecting your cat's wellbeing, supplementing with CBD may help return your cat feel better. So is CBD safe for cats? While CBD is widely investigated for use in humans, there is minimal research on CBD for cats. But anecdotal claims suggest that CBD may help improve cats' quality of life. Also, reports from cat parents and the high safety profile of CBD suggest it should be okay to give your cat CBD oil. That said, always consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions regarding CBD and cats.

Can cats take CBD for anxiety?

Can CBD help relieve anxiety in cats? Several situations can make your furry friend nervous. This includes adjusting to a new environment, unknown visitors, traveling, or noisy areas. However, there isn’t any published scientific research regarding CBD for cats. Besides, veterinarians say that pets develop upset stomachs and diarrhea when given high CBD doses. But these concerns resolve when the dose is reduced or discontinued.

CBD oil dosage for cats

As cat owners search for the correct CBD oil dosage for cats, they often discover sites that give different dosing instructions. The dosing disparity is mainly because CBD isn't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Hence, no official dosage recommendation indicates how much CBD oil cats should consume. So, until the FDA determines a dosage recommendation for CBD oil for cats, cat parents need to seek the advice of veterinarians. However, the basic dosing rule for pets is 1 mg to 5 mg CBD for every 10 pounds that a pet weighs. As for the dosing frequency, it differs among CBD manufacturers. But most brands suggest giving CBD to cats:

• once or twice daily
• thirty minutes before visiting a crowded or noisy area to control anxiety
• every eight hours or as required to manage pain

Should you give your cat CBD?

Granted, CBD gets great reviews from cat owners. However, one big issue remains – the absence of regulatory supervision. The absence has led to the massive production of low-quality CBD oil for cats. One study examined CBD products and discovered that many have little or no CBD. Also, they found out that some products have more CBD than what's declared on the label. Other studies showed that some CBD treats for cats contain potentially toxic contaminants. This is particularly concerning since cats are more sensitive to drugs and toxins. If you want to learn more about what's in your CBD, read that. If you decide to give your cat CBD, make sure you buy products formulated for cats only. Also, go for products that contain just CBD oil and perhaps a mild carrier like coconut or hemp oil. And if you can, speak with a trained veterinarian.

 Get Started on Your Cannabis Wellness Journey

Have you started your cannabis wellness journey? Jointly is a new cannabis wellness app that helps you discover purposeful cannabis consumption so you can achieve your wellness goals with cannabis and CBD. On the Jointly app, you can find new cannabis products, rate products based on how well they helped you achieve your goals, and track and optimize 15 factors that can impact your cannabis experience. These 15 factors include your dose, the environment in which you consume cannabis, who you are with when you ingest, how hydrated you are, the quality of your diet, how much sleep you got last night, and more. Download the Jointly app on the App Store or the Google Play Store to get started on your cannabis.