Like humans, cats also have an extensive endocannabinoid system in their bodies. Thus, they can benefit from cannabis as much as their owners.
However, the real concern is to find the best CBD products for cats.
Although there are plenty of pet CBD products in the market, most of them are aimed exclusively at canines. However, we’ve managed to find some CBD options for cats.
So, keep reading because we’re letting the cat out of the bag in this article.
CBD for Cats: How Does It Work?
The endocannabinoid system– or ECS- is a massive network of receptors spread throughout the body, with focal points in the central nervous system.
The primary purpose of the endocannabinoid system is to regulate several major bodily functions. These include regulating sleep, appetite, mood, immunity, memory, and so much more.
Moreover, the endocannabinoid system is also responsible for making sure that modern medicines can work properly.
Since it controls so many vital mechanisms and processes crucial for good health, it’s a target for many compounds.
CBD is one of these compounds.
Basically, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors to ensure that your body is in perfect homeostasis. Since CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, it plays a considerable role in inducing pain relief by activating the endocannabinoid response.
The exact mechanism of action is consistent in cats, dogs, and humans. That’s why scientists strongly believe that CBD will have similar benefits in cats as it does in humans.
Benefits of CBD for Cats
You’d be surprised to know how similar pets are to humans. Besides feeling pain like us, they also suffer from emotional distress. Luckily, CBD helps against pretty much everything.
Some benefits of CBD products for cats are discussed below:
Pain Relief
Research has shown CBD to be an anti-inflammatory agent that can tone down the body’s response to pain.
If your pet suffers from arthritis or joint pain, their bodies will constantly release pain-inducing chemicals. Now, that can be hard on the poor little kitty.
CBD saves the day by numbing the pain receptors, lessening the sensation of pain.
A study in Translational Psychiatry shows that CBD reduces anandamide absorption. Since the chemical regulates pain sensation, a reduction in its efficiency directly alleviates pain.
Healthy Eating Habits
Your cat should eat a healthy diet every day. However, cats often lose their eating habits due to different reasons, including:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Dental problems
- Mood-related issues
- Stress
- Inflamed bowel syndrome
If your cat exhibits poor appetite, it’s most probably due to an intrinsic health condition.
In most cases, the problem can be resolved by changing their diet or fixing the health issue. However, if that’s not working, CBD can be a great way to help your kitty.
Since CBD helps fix all possible causes of poor appetite, it will have your little feline friend eating from the bowl in no time.
Stress Relief
Natural products for cats also relieve stress. If your cat is doing its business in odd places or has lost its appetite, it’s possibly due to stress.
Yes, pets get stressed, too, just like their owners. Mostly, it’s due to one of the following reasons:
- New owner
- Excessive noise from the street
- Traveling
- New house
- Phobia
Whatever the case may be, you must help your cat out via CBD cat treats or CBD oil for cats. CBD helps calm down pets, making them feel relaxed and destressed.
Natural Products for Cats
You might have only heard about CBD oil for cats, but that’s not the only way to administer the herb to your feline buddy. Here are a few natural products for cats available on the market.
CBD Treats
Shake a CBD treat pack and see how your feline comes running towards you. Any cat owner knows that cats simply love treats.
CBD Cat treats are the easiest way to let your cat benefit from the effects of CBD. However, CBD Cat treats are not as typical as treats for dogs.
Topicals
If your cat is suffering from a skin condition or does not ingest anything without creating a huge scene, you can opt for CBD topicals. They can be applied directly to the skin for instant results.
CBD Oils
You can add CBD oil for cats to your kitty’s food or administer it sublingually – if possible.
Best CBD Products for Cats
Now that you know enough about CBD’s benefits let’s discuss some popular CBD products for cats.
1. cbdMD Pet CBD Oil Tincture for Cats
The cbdMD CBD oil for cats comes in two flavors: catnip and natural. Since every batch contains a broad-spectrum formula, your pet will get the most potent CBD.
Additionally, cbdMD’s products are THC-free and grown in the US.
Besides hemp extract, this tincture contains natural flavoring and MCT oil. It induces a sense of calm in your kitty while helping it manage daily stress easily.
Most importantly, the tincture ensures the general wellness of your cat, allowing it to be the playful pet you adore so much.
2. Honest Paws CBD Oil for Cats
The Honest Paws CBD oil for cats is also 100% THC-free and contains MCT oil. Moreover, it’s full-spectrum oil.
Most importantly, Honest Paws cat oil is free of corn and soy. Thus, even if your cat has allergies, there’s nothing to worry about.
Holistapet is hands-down the most reputable brand in business that offers the best cat treats. These delicious cat treats will become your pet’s favorite in the first chew. Besides containing full-spectrum CBD, the chews also have other cannabinoids.
Each treat has 2mg CBD for a pronounced effect. Additionally, Holistapet’s best cat treats are THC-free so that they won’t cause a high.
4. Wisely Organic Coconut Oil With CBD
Wisely Organic coconut oil can be used in two ways. You can either add it to your kitty’s food or apply it topically.
Every teaspoon of the oil contains 50mg of CBD and 0% THC.
Since the manufacturers test their products in third-party labs, you don’t have to worry about quality and safety. More importantly, the hemp used in making this oil is US-sourced and grown without pesticides.
The Pet Hemp Company was among the first developers of CBD products for pets. As such, they have a wide range of CBD products for cats.
Their flagship CBD oil is an all-natural, full-spectrum CBD tincture that works wonders for cats and helps dogs, rabbits, and horses.
This CBD oil has 0% THC, so you won’t have to worry about inducing any psychoactive effects in your cat.
Better still, this product is 100% vegan, with no additives or preservatives to damage its integrity. Rest assured, even if your feline has any allergies, the Pet Hemp Company CBD oil is perfectly safe to use.
All you have to do is mix the oil in your cat’s kibble according to the specified dosage instructions. If your cat isn’t fussy, you can even administer the oil directly into their mouth.
Cat owners have nothing but good things to say about this Nuclear Natural Pet CBD. Not only do they contain the purest CBD oil extracted from Colorado-grown hemp, but they also include another processed cannabinoid known as a terpene.
Terpenes are known to have an “entourage effect,” which means that they help enhance the pharmacological effects of CBD. CBD and terpenes can induce more significant pain relief, anti-inflammation, and mood-stabilizing impact when working in tandem.
By using only 2-3 drops per 20lbs of body weight, you can help boost your feisty feline’s overall health.
The Canna-Pet full-spectrum CBD supplements use synergistic cannabinoids to produce an entourage effect. Unlike other similar products, however, these are incredibly budget-friendly.
These supplementary capsules can help fight off toxins and induce antioxidant effects with the combined effects of CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids.
The suggested dosage for cats is one capsule a day. However, you can consult with your veterinarian to adjust this dose if necessary.
8. Joy Organics Pharmaceutical-Grade CBD
Joy Organics is a family-owned CBD manufacturer. Since the people behind this business know firsthand the plight of cat owners, you don’t have to be apprehensive about the safety of this product.
This pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil is certified organic and all-natural. It does contain traces of food-grade ethanol, but rest assured that such small amounts of ethanol are not fatal for cats.
Another ingredient you need to look out for is grapeseed oil. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reassures that grapeseed oil is entirely safe for animal consumption.
However, it is possible- although improbable- that your cat is allergic to this extract. To be on the safe side, consult with your vet before using this product.
Finally, the Zen Pet CBD Chews are made with the highest-quality ingredients to have the best results. You can administer them to your pets to provide relief against an upset stomach, soreness, and sleeping problems.
Every dose of this chew has 3mg of CBD. Here’s the exciting part: your cat and dog can share these CBD chews.
Is CBD Safe for Your Furry Friend?
According to PetMD, some veterinarians suggest that CBD is potentially safe to use. However, while choosing natural products for cats, a few things should be kept in mind.
- Quality Product. It’s best not to compromise on quality to avoid regrets in the long run. Make sure you’re buying a quality product for your feline friend. Avoid buying cheap products; instead, buy from reputable brands.
- THC-Free. Natural products for cats may only contain a tiny amount of THC, which cannot get your pet high. However, it’s best to go for a THC-free product.
- Third-Party Tested. Check the labeling before you choose a particular CBD product. Make sure that the product is third-party tested as several products available on the market do not undergo independent third-party testing.
- Avoid Unnatural Substances. Go for a product with natural ingredients as artificial and synthetic flavoring might cause reactions. Your kitty can experience an upset stomach or vomiting as a result.
While no scientific evidence clearly states the safety of CBD products for cats, a balanced dosage and the tips mentioned above can help you avoid any reactions.
After opting for a suitable CBD product for your cat, run it through your cat’s vet. Your feline’s vet will ensure that you’re not giving a high dosage to your cat.
A low dose of CBD will be safe for your kitty; however, a high amount might cause reactions. Furthermore, if you do not have a vet nearby, you can check out a few points to estimate CBD dosage for your cat.
CBD Dosage For My Cat
While considering the CBD amount for your cat, it’s crucial to consider factors like
- Your cat’s weight
- CBD concentration in a particular product
- Desired Effects (Is the pain severe or mild?)
In addition, Holistapet, a reputable CBD brand for cat products, breaks down the basic dosing formulas as:
Regular Dose. 0.25 mg is an ideal dose for every 1-pound of body weight. For instance, if your cat weighs around 20 pounds, 5mg will be a suitable dose for them.
Strong Dose. 0.5 mg is desirable for a 1-pound body weight for a strong dose. So, if your cat weighs around 20 pounds, 10mg will suffice the need.
If your feline weighs more or less than 20 pounds, you can adjust the dose accordingly.
Final Words
CBD is arguably one of the most popular products these days. No one is to blame here though, these natural products for cats come with tons of benefits.
You will observe an improvement in your cat’s mood, sleep, and behavioral pattern. Plus, your cat will have a healthy coat and less hair fall.
Unfortunately, if your moody cat spits out CBD oil or capsules, you can go for the best cat treats by Holistapet. The salmon flavor will undoubtedly appeal to your cat.
However, you must do your research well before buying CBD treats or CBD oil for cats.
- Top 5 Rated cbdMD Products
- Our Review On Holistapet
- The Science Behind Giving CBD And Cannabis To Cats And Dogs
- Study Finds Dog Arthritis Can Benefit From This Natural Remedy
- How To Calm My Anxious Dog
