There has been a lot of talk about using CBD for humans and dogs, but what about our feline friends? Although research is still in the infancy stage, CBD oil has been shown to have many therapeutic benefits for cats as well.
What is CBD?
The primary compound found in the flowers and leaves of hemp plants is cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD. CBD is one of over 100 different cannabinoids that can be extracted from the hemp plant. As a cannabinoid, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, playing a crucial role in maintaining various physiological processes.
More specifically, CBD is classified as a phytocannabinoid, which means it is a cannabinoid derived from plants. Unlike endocannabinoids, which are produced naturally within the body, phytocannabinoids like CBD come from external sources. Despite their external origin, these cannabinoids can still influence our endocannabinoid system due to their similar molecular structure to endocannabinoids.
This similarity allows cannabinoids from plants, such as CBD, to interact with our endocannabinoid system effectively. By doing so, they can modify its activity and deliver a range of therapeutic benefits, contributing to overall health and wellness.
How does CBD Oil work in Cats?
So, how exactly does CBD work in cats? Well, the answer is simple … the same way it works in humans and other animals, by interacting with the endocannabinoid system.
Cannabinoids achieve physiological effects by acting on receptors throughout our brains and bodies.
Endocannabinoid receptors – referred to as CB1 and CB2 – are the major receptors affected by most cannabinoids. CB1 receptors are mainly located in the brain and spinal cord, whereas CB2 receptors tend to be located in other parts of the body.
Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, for instance, bind tightly to CB1 receptors, which initiates some of their effects on the body.
Interestingly, CBD does not have the same type of direct effect on these endocannabinoid receptors, but instead influences them in an indirect way.
Though the interaction between CBD and these receptors is indirect, it occurs even at very low doses of CBD, meaning that even low doses may enable CBD to achieve its observed effects, like reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
In addition to its relationship with these endocannabinoid receptors, CBD also appears to affect activity of other major chemicals of the brain, including dopamine and serotonin.
This could account for the positive anecdotes some have shared about how CBD may be able to help with anxiety and other psychological ailments.
Benefits of using CBD Oil for Cats
According to the article “The Endocannabinoid System of Animals” published on the National Library of Medicine’s website, “the endocannabinoid system, which is universal to all animal species except insects, possesses essentially the same benefits regardless of the species under review.
CBD is known for being helpful with inflammation, pain and anxiety, but there are other potential benefits your cat may experience while taking CBD oil. CBD is commonly used to help treat the following in cats:
- Inflammation
- Joint pain
- Arthritis
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Loss of appetite
- Allergies
- Lack of energy
Is CBD Oil Safe for Cats?
While it’s essential to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new medication, CBD is generally considered safe for cats. If you observe any adverse side effects, discontinue use immediately and consult your vet.
Selecting the right CBD oil for your cat involves careful research to ensure the product’s safety and efficacy. Here are five crucial factors to consider when choosing the best CBD product for your feline friend:
- Opt for USDA Certified Organic Hemp Not all CBD products labeled as organic are genuinely so. Always request to see the company’s USDA certification to ensure the hemp is truly organic. You can view our certification [here].
- Understand the Extraction Process The method of extracting CBD significantly affects its purity and quality. We partner with a local extractor who employs supercritical CO2 extraction. This ensures the highest quality, and our Quality Assurance team regularly inspects the process to verify that what’s on the label is indeed in the product. Learn more about our extraction methods [here].
- Know the Type of CBD Product There are various types of CBD products available, including full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. Understanding the type you’re using is vital as it influences the product’s overall effectiveness. Full-spectrum CBD oil retains a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, amino acids, vitamins, and nutrients, staying as close to the natural plant as possible.
- Request Third-Party Testing To ensure transparency and quality, we third-party test every batch of our CBD products with an ISO-accredited lab specializing in hemp testing. These tests include the overall cannabinoid profile, CBD concentration, THC concentration, pesticides, and microbial matter. You can check the lab results for your product by searching your lot number [here].
- Research the Company’s Reputation The company behind the product is just as important as the product itself. Laura’s Mercantile is led by Laura Freeman, an agricultural innovator and founder and CEO of Laura’s Lean Beef for 23 years. After a severe horseback riding accident, Laura found CBD integral to her recovery, which inspired her to start growing hemp for CBD on Mt. Folly Farm, one of the state’s largest USDA-certified organic farms.
Ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the CBD oil you choose for your cat involves thorough research and consideration of several factors. By selecting a reputable company and understanding the product, you can provide your feline friend with the best possible care.
CBD Dosages for Cats
Again, it is important to always consult your veterinarian before starting your cat on a new product. While there are no universal dosage requirements, the general rule for cats is 1 mg to 5 mg for every 10 pounds that a cat weighs. It is recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase the dose until the desired effects are achieved.