Benefits of CBD for Cats
Cannabis for cats can be a godsend for many reasons to pet owners. Those of us with a feline inclination love our pet to the moon and back. We want our cats to stay healthy, so we’ll rush them to the vet when they fall sick. However, many conventional medicines for pets may have undesirable side effects. Avoiding them can be a possibility if one considers exploring alternative treatments. Today, we'll be discussing one of the safest such therapies, i.e., the use of cannabis oil.
The cannabis plant has been a mainstay in human culture and medicine. Ancient people used it for various purposes, including inducing sleep and promoting relaxation. It also has a positive effect on different ailments.
Cannabis’s effects on humans are being studied aplenty. However, pet owners may find a small number of studies that predict how cats will react to it. We present relevant information in that regard below:
Cats and their Endocannabinoid Systems
CBD for cats shouldn’t be such a novel idea since they also possess an endocannabinoid system just as we do. If you don’t yet know about the ECS, it is the name given to the receptor network that can bind with cannabinoids. A cat’s entire central nervous system and even other biological systems are within the network’s range.
When cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, show up, a cat’s receptors will bind them. Then these compounds can regulate various biochemical functions. CBD has anti-inflammatory and antipsychotic properties as the studies show. These capabilities can allow it to deliver numerous benefits to cats.
Cats, Dogs, and their Endocannabinoid Systems
Rest assured, both feline and canine endocannabinoid systems function in the same way. But we will say that cats react more strongly to CBD because of their smaller size.
Cats and CBD Oil Benefits
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
You may find that your cat vomits or gets diarrhea a lot. If you also see them losing weight, it may be the frustratingly common IBD. Since CBD’s use reduces inflammation, it can bring relief to a kitty.
Arthritis
We see a lack of safe and effective pharmaceutical options for cats that suffer from arthritis. Moreover, the reclusive habit and less travel-friendly nature of the feline house pets makes it less likely that they will receive treatment for this disorder. Here, too, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD come to their rescue.
Cancer
The use of CBD by people and animals who have cancer can improve their quality of life and increase survival time. In some cases, CBD has also killed cancer cells.
Cats and Safe Intake of CBD Oil
Cannabis oil for cats is safe, but only if you administer it in the proper dosage to your cat. Overdosing will have its side effects, and underdosing may not make a difference. But how can you determine how many drops of CBD oil you should give to your kitty?
Due to there not being many studies on the effect of CBD on feline systems, we may not have a definite answer to that. However, you could start with a low dose and then slowly increase it, depending on the outcome. A safe estimate would be 0.1-0.5 milligrams for each kilogram your cat weighs.
Try to remember to not up the dose before you are sure of the effect it has on your pet. Similarly, don’t just abandon the use of CBD oil for cats because of lacking results. The cure won’t begin immediately, but in the long run, your cat will be the better for it.
Even so, each cat is unique. So, some cats may experience immediate relief. Other cats may take some time to get acclimated to using CBD.
Cats and the Side Effects of CBD Oil
Even though CBD oil is beneficial for most cats, some may experience side effects, such as sedation and an upset stomach. Sedation is usually not significant since it won't harm your cat. They will feel tired or look less alert than they typically are. Other side effects, which are less significant, include lowered blood pressure, dry mouth, and drowsiness. If your pet displays symptoms of those conditions, discontinue the use of CBD oil. The CBD-caused symptoms will go away on their own.
You may also consider having a licensed vet examine your cat before you give them CBD. By doing so, they will let you know if the pet has any condition that could predispose them to such adverse side effects.
Pet owners only want their pets to be comfortable, healthy, pain-free, and feel loved. CBD can, at least, take care of one of those wishes. We'd still suggest that you discuss the matter with your vet for the best results.
CBD for cats shouldn't be such a novel idea since they also possess an endocannabinoid system just as we do. If you don't yet know about the ECS, it is the name given to the receptor network that can bind with cannabinoids. A cat's entire central nervous system and even other biological systems are within the network's range.
When cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, show up, a cat's receptors will bind them. Then these compounds can regulate various biochemical functions. CBD has anti-inflammatory and anti-psychotic properties as the studies show. These capabilities can allow it to deliver numerous benefits to cats.