If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably heard all the rage about CBD for dogs. But did you know there are also CBD products made for our feline friends? Well, there are! And their popularity only seems to be growing among cat owners. But if you’re new to the potential benefits of CBD for your cat, it’s completely understandable to be a bit skeptical. After all, cats themselves are known to be skeptical, right? So adding new potions and lotions to their regimen might have them hiding out under the bed wondering, “What the heck are you trying to give me, you crazy human?!”
We get it, and we understand that you and your feline friend have a lot of questions and even concerns. That’s why we’re here – to help clear the air and help you make the best decision for your kitty.
Will CBD get my cat high?
The short answer is no, CBD won’t give Mr. Whiskers the munchies or have them LOL’ing as they watch their favorite sitcom.
CBD, or Cannabidiol, naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. But cannabis doesn’t always mean marijuana. In fact, cannabis is actually a family of different plant strains. Hemp and marijuana are two entirely different strains of the cannabis plant. So while CBD’s origin may understandably raise a few concerns, it’s completely non-intoxicating, meaning that it won’t get your cat high. (THC, on the other, is intoxicating and can be harmful to your cat in large amounts.)
Look for CBD products that say “hemp” on the label. This means the product contains a tiny amount of naturally occurring THC (0.3% or less), if any at all—which isn’t nearly enough to get your cat high or cause any harmful effects. Marijuana-derived products, on the other hand, may contain larger amounts of THC and therefore should be avoided.
Why should I give CBD oil to my cat?
Apart from having two eyes, two ears, and most of the same internal organs, we have a lot more in common with felines than many people think.
Like humans, cats also have an Endocannabinoid System. This system is made up of cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and endogenous cannabinoids. (Don’t worry, there’s no biology quiz at the end of this article.) In a nutshell, the sole purpose of this amazing system is to regulate and maintain your cat’s overall health and wellbeing.
But when something disrupts this system, unwanted symptoms can arise, like physical discomfort, stress, and other health issues. Amazingly, when your cat consumes CBD, those cannabinoid receptors we mentioned earlier are actually stimulated in order to address these unwanted issues. Nature is amazing!
And that’s not the only thing CBD can do for your cat…
The benefits of CBD for cats
While the research surrounding CBD and cats is limited, there are several studies that involve other animals, such as rats and dogs. The evidence shows that this cannabinoid may have beneficial effects on certain conditions, such as…
Joint discomfort and general discomfort –– Believe it or not, there is often an underlying cause to many health problems. According to scientific professionals, though, CBD is known to support a healthy inflammatory response. So if you see signs that your cat needs some extra support, CBD could be worth a try.
Anxious behaviors and stress –– Studies show that CBD can be incredibly calming and helpful with managing normal stress. This is great news for cats who struggle with anxious behaviors, especially when left alone. It’s also great for those rambunctious kittens who seem to only want to party at night.
What’s the best way to give CBD to my cat?
We get this question a lot. Like we mentioned above, no two cats will approach CBD in the same way. And trying to give your cat a product orally can be a huge pain. So here are a few tips and tricks you can use to sneak CBD past your cat’s discriminating palette…
Some owners find that adding a couple of drops of CBD oil to their cat’s water works great, while others find that mixing it into their food works even better. You know your cat best, so try what you think will work for them. If mixing it in food or water doesn’t get the job done, we have a few more tricks that might work wonders…
Take a few drops of our full spectrum hemp oil and apply it to their paw. Since cats are notorious for grooming themselves, the first thing they may do is lick that oil right up. Or you could add a few drops onto their favorite treats.
How much CBD oil should I give to my cat?
Dosing CBD is usually determined by body weight, and reputable CBD companies will always have dosing instructions and recommendations written on the label of their products. This is because each CBD company formulates their products differently.
At Holistic Hound, our full spectrum hemp oil comes in a variety of strengths, and we’re sure to always include the suggested dosage on the label. The most important thing is to start slowly, and at a low dosage, any time you introduce a new product into your cat’s regimen. Watch how they respond, and go from there.
And if you’re not crazy about giving CBD oil to your cat, we have the perfect alternative… drumroll please… chews that are already infused with CBD!
In fact, we make one heck of a delicious full spectrum hemp soft chew for cats. Each chew contains 1.5 mg of CBD, so the guesswork is over when it comes to figuring out how much CBD you should give to your kitty. If you’d like to try CBD oil or chews for your cat, check out our website to learn more about our all-natural, full spectrum hemp products for cats (and dogs!)
Lastly, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian anytime you start your cat on a new product, and CBD is no exception—especially if your cat is currently taking any medications.
In the end, if you’re looking to support your cat’s health or try new ways that may address some of their unwanted symptoms, then CBD is definitely worth looking into. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please let us know here. We’re happy to help!