You’ve likely heard of CBD oil for humans as a remedy for a variety of maladies, including anxiety, migraines, and joint pain, but what about using it for your cat?
While the safety and effectiveness of CBD oil for humans may be up for debate, its use on cats is even more controversial.
We’re going to answer whether CBD oil is safe for use in cats, what it can be used for, and how to give it to your cat so you can decide for yourself if it’s right for your pet.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Cats?
Research on CBD oil’s safety and effectiveness in felines hasn’t been studied nearly as much as it has in humans.
Because of that, there’s not a solid answer as to whether CBD oil is safe or recommended for use on cats.
Some veterinarians, generally more holistic ones, feel CBD oil is safe for cats as long as they are closely monitored for negative symptoms. Some side effects, such as gastrointestinal upset and sedation, reverse themselves as soon as treatment is ended.
Due to the lack of medical and scientific studies, many vets won’t exactly advise pet owners on the use of CBD oil one way or another, but that adding it into your pet’s routine is done at your own risk.
Does CBD Oil Work for Cats?
Like humans, cats have endocannabinoid systems, the systems within the body that regulate important functions such as mood, sleep, pain, and immune responses. Because of this, CBD oil can work in cats just the same as it does for humans.
Use of CBD oil can decrease inflammation, regulate pain, and restore the balance of the body’s key systems. Get to know more about it at petslady.
The recommended dosage for cats is between 0.1 and 0.5 mg per kilogram of your cat’s weight.
What Conditions Is CBD Oil Recommended for?
CBD oil can be used in cats for the same conditions that it’s used for in humans. Some of these conditions include:
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Anxiety, visit this Pacificsandiego page and learn more on it.
- Seizure disorders
- Chronic pain
- Nausea
- Surgery recovery
- Dry skin
- Cracked Paws
- Excessive shedding
CBD oil may be a possible remedy for other conditions. Check with your veterinarian to see if your pet’s condition could benefit.
Will CBD Oil Make My Cat High?
No. CBD oil has none of the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that marijuana has.
THC is the compound that causes the high when you smoke or vape marijuana. With it removed, you get all the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits with none of the traditional side effects of drugs.
What Forms Does CBD Oil Come in for Cats?
CBD oil treats do exist on the market for cats. These are a great option for giving CBD oil to your pet with less hassle. Check out this list of best cbd oil for cats, if you are searching for CBD oil for your cat.
If you don’t want to go to the expense of finding specific CBD oil treats, you can use CBD oil to make treats for your cat at home.
Commercial treats come in a variety of blends and flavors. For cats with anxiety, for example, you can get calming treats. These are especially good for cats that get easily rattled or are high-strung and who may be difficult to give oil to in the usual manner.
You also can give a cat CBD oil in its usual liquid form.
How Do I Give CBD Oil to My Cat?
If you plan to give CBD oil to your cat, there are a few ways you can try to see what works best for your cat.
CBD oil can be given directly in a cat’s mouth using a dropper or syringe.
The most effective method for giving a cat the liquid oil is by getting behind the cat and placing its body between your legs. Lift the cat’s chin and gently pry open its jaws, inserting the syringe at the same time. Push the syringe into the cat’s mouth as far as you can without hurting or gagging the cat, and push the plunger or squeeze the bulb to shoot the liquid down the cat’s throat.
If your cat doesn’t like this method or it’s too much of a struggle, try mixing the liquid with a small amount of wet food your cat already eats. Just be sure, if you’re going with this method and have multiple animals, be sure to keep the other pets away from the food with CBD oil.
Another alternative, though it’s a fair bit messier than the other methods, is to put the CBD oil on your cat’s paws. Cats don’t like to feel dirty, so your cat automatically will begin licking its paws to remove the CBD oil.
Closing Thoughts
While CBD oil isn’t widely tested and may not be recommended by your veterinarian, it can be an option for pets suffering from a wide variety of conditions for whom other treatments aren’t as effective or may require medications. Before giving CBD oil to your cat, take some time to do your own research and decide whether it’s the right option for your pet.