CBD oil for cats and CBD cat treats have become increasingly popular in recent years to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and even chronic pain in our feline companions. As a result, there are a wide range of products on the market for you to choose from. But which one is best?
Read on to find out all you need to know about CBD oil for cats and CBD cat treats, including possible side effects and dosage levels. So, you can make an informed decision on the best option for your kitty. Or if you want to know more about CBD for cats in general, take a look at our ultimate guide to CBD for Cats: Benefits, Safety, What To Know.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a mood-altering substance that can be found in the Cannabaceae plant family that includes marajuana and hemp. The CBD itself is usually extracted from hemp because the other plants contain higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the substance responsible for the ‘high’ associated with drugs such as cannabis.
This probably all sounds a bit worrying at first glance but rest assured that CBD doesn’t contain any psychoactive properties. It simply reacts with receptors in the central nervous system of all mammals, to induce a sense of calm. Making it an ideal aid to soothe a stressed out kitty.
CBD oil for cats: Benefits and use
CBD oil is derived from a natural compound so most cats will tolerate it well. However, you should be more cautious if your cat already has an underlying medical condition because they might metabolize the drug differently to other cats. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
The correct dosage of CBD oil can help to mitigate a number of feline health problems, including:
- Anxiety
- Painful inflammation
- Arthritis and other mobility issues
- Skin allergies
- Digestive nausea
- Seizures
However, it is worth bearing in mind that the potency and ingredients of CBD oil products can vary widely. The CBD market is not yet fully regulated so some products may contain contaminants or varying levels of cannabinoids. So, you must do your research to ensure you find the product that’s right for your feline companion.
Always speak to your vet before using any CBD treatment because the wrong product can endanger your cat’s life. Don’t buy CBD oil from a website simply because it’s cheap and make sure any product you purchase contains less than 0.3 THC.
The laws surrounding CBD use differ between states so you may find it harder to purchase these products depending on where you live. You can seek advice from your vet on the most reputable retailers if you’re unsure.
A lot of people will tell you that human and dog CBD oil products are perfectly safe for cats. While this is true to an extent, some contain coconut oil which can’t be digested by obligate carnivores like cats. So, look for products that use sardine oil instead. Most feline owners simply add a few drops of the oil onto their kitty’s food.
CBD oil products usually come in a bottle with a measuring dropper so you can be certain that you’re giving the correct dose. The recommended amount will vary depending on your cat’s health condition as well as their weight. However, as a general guide 1-5mg is suitable for a cat weighing 10 pounds.
Always start with the lowest recommended dose and then wait an hour or so. If no difference is observed in your cat, you can increase the dosage in small increments. Never exceed the maximum recommended dose.
You can also give CBD oil directly under the tongue or on the insides of the cheeks. Just be wary of those claws! Remember, you want this medication to be a positive addition to your cat’s diet. If they become stressed when you’re administering the drug, it kind of defeats the object! If you choose this method, you should feed your cat at the same time to ensure the CBD oil is fully absorbed into the body.
Pros
- Easy to administer
- You can adjust the dosage depending on your cats needs
- Comes with a measuring dropper for accurate dosage
- Affordable
Cons
- Some products contain coconut oil which can lead to digestive issues
- Some cats might not like the taste of CBD oil
CBD cat treats: Benefits and Use
CBD cat treats are treats that contain CBD oil as well as other beneficial ingredients. Many owners choose this option because they often taste better and they can be given directly at any time of day. However, you need to make sure you read the instructions carefully. You don’t want to end up accidentally overdosing your cat.
Side effects of an overdose include:
- Extreme tiredness
- Diarrhoea
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
- Low blood pressure
If you notice any of these signs in your cat you must seek veterinary advice immediately.
Another point to mention is that CBD cat treats are generally less nutritious than CBD oil because they contain many of the common ingredients found in standard treats. This can lead to weight gain in the long run if you overdo it.
You should never use CBD oil for cats and CBD cat treats at the same time as you run the risk of overdosing your feline.
Pros
- Convenient
- Often taste better than CBD oil for cats
Cons
- Can lead to weight gain
- More expensive in the long run
- No way to accurately control dosage
CBD oil vs CBD cat treats: Which is better?
The choice of whether to use CBD oil for cats or CBD cat treats is completely up to you. Both offer your cat the benefits of CBD which can reduce symptoms of anxiety as well as a number of other pain-related illnesses. But, don’t just take our word for it. Do your research and study the materials for yourself. Your budget and your cat’s health status and preferences will all need to be considered when making your final decision.
With the popularity of CBD for cats on the rise, it’s so easy to get swept up in all those marketing ploys. But remember to always start with the lowest recommended dose and speak to your vet if you have any concerns. Your cat’s health is way too important to mess around with.
Author
Carla Shaik, Chief Editor and Writer, BSC Animal Behavior and Welfare
Our resident animal welfare expert, Carla Shaik has always had a passion for writing and educating the public on topics that really matter, especially cat welfare. Since graduating with a BSC in Animal Behavior and Welfare, Carla has written for a national cat magazine for eight years and more recently branched out into becoming a freelance writer full-time...
