CBD oil for cats: What do you need to know?
Many pet owners have been giving their dogs CBD oil for years.
So why not give our cats it as well? In this article, you will be able to learn everything you need to know, from what it is to any scientific studies on CBD. You can then decide if you want to give your cat CBD oils. As a cat owner, you may be hesitant to give your cat CBD oil, which is completely understandable.
What is CBD oil?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of many cannabinoids found in plants from the cannabis family.
CBD oil comes from strains of the cannabis plant that naturally have a low percentage of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Therefore, CBD oil does not cause psychoactive effects and doesn’t get you or your cat high because CBD is not marijuana.
The hemp strains of cannabis plants are legally required to have less than .3 % of THC, making CBD oil safe for pets, including cats.
What CBD is oil not?
There is confusion between CBD and CBD hemp oil for cats.
CBD is an extract from the flowers of a hemp plant. Hemp oil comes mainly from the stem of that same plant. Therefore, hemp oil contains very few cannabinoids compared to CBD.
There is also a product called hemp seed oil extracted from the hemp plant’s seeds and does not contain CBD.
Knowing the difference between all the oils in the CBD realm is essential to ensure you are using the correct products for your goal of helping your cat’s health.
How does CBD oil work?
CBD and other natural compounds in hemp interact with the body’s Endocannabinoid system (ECS). Scientists first discovered this system in the 1980s and found that ECS acts as a regulator for balance or hemostasis in various bodily functions.
The ECS works with the central and peripheral nervous system to regulate pain, appetite, inflammation, mood, memory, the immune system, digestion, skin health, sleep, and much more.
It is important to understand that the ECS includes special receptors, transmitters, and chemicals called endocannabinoids produced by the body.
Scientists have argued that the Endocannabinoid system and the diets of early hunter-gatherers may have co-evolved. They suggest adding cannabinoids back into the diet may help mitigate some of the issues caused by modern diets packed with processed grains and carbohydrates.
Yes, cats have Endocannabinoid systems; every mammal has one.
Are CBD oil and hemp oil the same?
This question is one of the most asked of cat owners.
The answer isn’t straightforward because the hemp and CBD industries are rapidly evolving.
The short answer is in many cases, CBD oil and hemp oil can refer to the same thing, but in some cases, they do not refer to the same thing.
That is why it is important to dig a little deeper and ensure you know everything about the quality of the product you purchase for your pet.
Most hemp and CBD oils are created by refining the hemp plant. Therefore, both usually contain the compound CBD.
However, given that CBD is the active ingredient in such oils, you should only purchase products with the CBD dosage clearly labeled from companies backed by third-party lab tests.
Beware of hemp seed oils for cats; even though they may be a healthy supplement for cats, it does not contain appreciable amounts of the compound CBD or any cannabinoids since it is from hemp plant seeds. Unfortunately, many manufacturers on the market are misleading on this issue, so always be aware as a buyer.
Does CBD oil contain THC?
Cbd comes from the same family of plants that the marijuana plant comes from, so it is important to know whether or not CBD contains THC or will get your cat high.
The answer is simply no. CBD will not get your cat high.
THC levels in CBD are very, very low and, in most cases, non-existent. Therefore, your cat will not get high but still potentially get all benefits of calm from it.
What does full spectrum mean, and is it suitable for cats?
A ” full-spectrum ” product contains trace amounts of other cannabinoids in hemp plants.
Many people believe that full-spectrum oils are more effective because trace amounts of additional flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids found in these oils have a synergistic effect in the healing process, known by scientists as ” The Entourage Effect.”
Why has CBD for pets become so popular?
CBD oil has been effective for humans and is used daily for many problems. So it makes sense that other mammals who also have cannabinoid receptors could benefit from it as well.
As more and more people discover the benefits for themselves, excitement has risen due to many possibilities of using CBD oil to help their pets with many health issues.
CBD may help with many health issues, and that is why pet owners have now started to use CBD on their pets, including their cats.
Is CBD oil safe for cats?
Veterinarians and pet owners have found that CBD is safe for cats and other animals.
Cats are susceptible to problems with certain foods and supplements; many things people and dogs can consume are toxic to cats.
No large-scale studies on CBD oil use for cats, and the FDA has approved no CBD-based drugs for treating cat disorders or diseases, making it difficult but not impossible to find a safe and reliable product.
Look at the lab test results of the given product and verify the product only contains 0.3% of THC or less. Avoid the cheap options as these typically have cheap, often toxic, additives.
Some veterinarians may hesitate to recommend CBD because of the lack of presumed research.
It is vital to work with a vet or a holistic vet to make sure you give your cat a safe amount of CBD oils.
Is CBD oil legal?
Medical marijuana is not legal in every state, so many people question the legality of CBD oil. It is important to understand this issue for obvious reasons, but it also helps you know which options benefit your cat’s health.
If a cannabis product has less than 0.3% THC is considered hemp and not marijuana. Hemp is not a restricted substance. Therefore, CBD is legal.
Anything with higher than 0.3% may be illegal in some states. Therefore, always ensure you verify that the CBD is below the limit for legal reasons and your cat’s safety.
It is also essential to know that even in states where medical marijuana is legal, your vet may not have the legal freedom to talk to you about treating your cat using CBD oil.
However, CBD is legal in all states, even if you cannot discuss it with your veterinarian.
Do I need a prescription to give my cat CBD oil?
No, you do not need a prescription for CBD oil.
CBD and hemp oil are now available for your pets without a prescription.
However, it is best to discuss using CBD oil for cats ( as well as side effects from traditional medications) with your vet to determine appropriate dosing for their case and to avoid any potential drug interactions.
Make sure to research to ensure you get high-quality CBD oil, which is safe for your feline friends.
Downsides of CBD oil.
It would be great to say that CBD oil has no downsides for cats, but that would not be true, as nothing is perfect.
Use issues are uncommon as long as the correct CBD products are used.
These issues will only happen when you use products that are low quality, contain additives, or contain more than 0.3% THC.
We have a high-quality lab tested product right here – Casper’s Oil Full Spectrum 400 Pets
Side effects are rare but can happen. The reported side effects in humans, which may apply to cats in some situations, are:
• Unusually low blood pressure
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Hallucinations
• Withdrawal symptoms like insomnia or irritability
• Dryness of mouth
Can cats take human CBD oil or do they need “animal CBD oil”?
Yes, as long as the required dosages are adhered to and there are no additives that may harm cats.
How much CBD oil should I give my cat?
When possible, work with your vet to determine the dosage that will be most effective for your cat.
However, as a guide, you should start at 1mg per 10lbs of body weight twice daily.
Watch how your cat responds and go up or down as needed. There is no standard amount for every situation, and each pet is unique.
Since different CBD products have different concentrations of CBD, you need to be very careful about the dose of the actual product you are using.
The general rule of using any hemp or CBD product is to start low and increase the dosage slowly until the desired effects are achieved.
If you notice side effects, such as nausea, drooling, excess tiredness, or tremors of any kind, stop giving your cat CBD and contact your veterinarian.
How to give your cat CBD?
There are a few different ways you can give your cat CBD. In addition, CBD comes in different varieties, making it easier for you to find the right path for your cat to take.
Tinctures
Most tinctures are extracts of plants using alcohol of some form. Different methods of making tinctures include soaking in alcohol or using pressure to infuse it into the plant material. However,r, some manufacturers can use other chemical solvents for pet care products; you need to be aware of this.
Tinctures are the liquid form of CBD that comes in a bottle with droppers. You can drop the tinctures into their food or water, but this can change the taste of their food and may cause your cat to go against the food and CBD oil.
To help with this, mix the CBD oil with canned food that is harder to separate liquid.
You may need to administer the CBD oil directly into the cat’s mouth. Always ensure the dropper is clean after every use, whether it touches the cat’s mouth or not.
If your cat compromises and takes CBD this way, always reward them with a treat so the cat can associate this with something he enjoys, especially if it is daily use.
If your cat doesn’t like this, there are other ways of giving your cat CBD.
You can apply CDB oils directly to your cat’s skin. Take the dose and gently rub it inside the tip of their ear on the membranes. Most cats will tolerate this form of use.
Topical Ointment
CBD ointments can be applied topically to the affected area for the cat with itchy skin. Do not apply any ointments to an open wound. Wait until the wound has healed or spread to other sites nearby to avoid irritating an open sore.
CBD Treats
These combine cat health superfoods with CBD to entice the cat to nibble away happily on the supplements.
Look for organic options to avoid any toxins that non-organic plants may include. These should also be gluten-free and dairy-free for your cat’s ultimate health.
How to choose the right CBD oil?
One of the most important things you can do for your cat is research before giving them any CBD oil. You only want the best CBD oil for your cat.
A cat owner must ensure the CBD is high quality and completely safe.
To make the right choice, you need to make sure:
• The hemp is organically grown
• Check for third-party testing
• Always choose organic oil extracted naturally
• Look for full spectrum
• No harmful additives
CBD oil is good for cats if chosen carefully and safely. Make sure only to use high-quality CBD products and watch out for the cheap, low-quality ones. Also, ensure you give your cat the correct CBD oil dosage by watching how they react afterward. CBD Oils can help with many health issues for most cats, and CBD is a natural solution. So if you were hesitant about CBD before, I hope this has helped you decide to choose CBD.
