CBD for Cats: Is It Safe?

The use of CBD oil has grown enormously in popularity over the past few years. CBD oil is not only used to relieve stress and pain in humans, but can also be used in cats to deal with problems such as anxiety or stress. In this article, I'll show you what effect CBD oil on your cat, when to use it, how to dose it, and much more.  

Effects of CBD oil on cats 

All animals, including your cat, have an endocannabinoid system, which is important in keeping their body healthy. Cats produce endocannabinoid substances called endogenous cannabinoids. Cannabinoids can also be found in the cannabis plant.

Once these substances are released, they travel through the bloodstream. They then attach themselves to the cells and convey instructions and messages that tell the body how to react or respond to its external environment. This response helps the body maintain an internal balance called homeostasis. 

Why is that important? Well, it is believed that almost all body processes in animals are influenced by the endocannabinoid system. So if the endocannabinoids don't give the instructions as expected, homeostasis can be out of whack.

There is still much research to be done about the endocannabinoid system and what exactly it is responsible for, however, it is believed to be the maintenance of the endocannabinoid system homeostasis its main function is. 

For example, if your cat's system is under more stress than usual, the endocannabinoids bind to or work with endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) to tell the endocannabinoid system that it needs to respond.

Although more research is needed to fully understand how CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it is believed that CBD may help prevent endocannabinoids from breaking down.

The CB1 receptors are mainly located in the brain and spinal cord and control the sensation of pain in the nerve endings. The CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are mainly found in the immune and nervous system and help regulate inflammation. 

Is CBD Oil Safe For Cats? 

While there are few scientific studies specifically examining the effects of cannabis on pets, many veterinarians say that CBD oil is generally safe for cats.

However, the administration of CBD oil to cats can have some undesirable side effects, such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea. However, if you stop using the CBD oil, these side effects disappear again. 

What diseases does CBD oil help cats with? 

The main reason CBD oil is so popular in cats is its ability to reduce inflammation, thereby reducing chronic pain in mammals.

Researchers at Cornell University found that CBD oil is great for treating pain because it targets a receptor called the villanoid receptor and prevents it from being activated. 

CBD is also a great neuroprotector, which makes it great for treating neurological disorders like seizures and epilepsy. 

Other ways CBD can help cats include: 

• Anxieties 
• Pain 

• inflammation 
• Seizures / epilepsy 
• Arthritis 
• Inflammatory bowel disease 
• urinary tract 

• Skin & coat problems 
• cancer 
• Kidney disease 
• States of aggression 
• Depression 

• General wellbeing 
• Stress 

Benefits of CBD oil in cats 

Peace around a multi-cat household 

When a new cat comes into an existing cat household, there can often be friction with other cats in the household. While we recommend a multi-step process for introducing a cat, CBD oil can certainly help with the initial transition.

It is best to offer CBD oil to both the previous cat and the new cat to keep them both in a calmer state until the relationship has developed positively. 

By the way: CBD oil works just as well when you're trying to get dogs and cats to live together peacefully. 

Reduce stress when driving to the vet, the dog groomer or when traveling 

Cats are particularly attached to their surroundings. Most do not like it when their safety is disturbed by travel. CBD oil can be used situationally and as needed to reduce stress in these moments. 

CBD oil can gently soothe your cat without numbing them, making going to the vet or keeper easier for both your cat and the vet. We recommend giving your cat CBD oil about half an hour before the appointment. 

If you're in the car or on a plane with your cat, CBD can help her stay calmer and more relaxed without the need for prescription medication. If you are planning a longer trip, it is best to experiment at home beforehand to make sure you are giving the ideal dose. 

CBD oil for cats with fear and pain 

Our mysterious cats can experience anxiety that can be difficult to understand or manage. 

It can also be difficult to assess and manage your cat's pain. If you've consulted your veterinarian to rule out possible illness and just want to relieve your cat's pain in old age or chronic illness, CBD oil can provide relief. 

All mammals have an endocannabinoid system, a network of numerous receptors that regulate body functions. Endocannabinoids are synthesized by the body when needed to maintain homeostasis - a stable internal environment.

When an injury or illness disrupts homeostasis, these internal mechanisms lag behind the body's needs. Supplementing the phytocannabinoids, which are found in abundance in hemp, can help restore balance and reduce pain. 

How do you dose the CBD oil for cats correctly? 

I start with 0,2 mg / kg twice a day and work my way up to 0,5 mg / kg or higher twice a day. For an average cat weighing 5 kg, this means 1 mg twice a day, increasing to 2 mg twice a day. 

If you use Franky's CBD oil, 1 mg equals 2 drops. I recommend starting with 2 drops twice a day and increasing to 4 drops twice a day. I recommend sticking to the starting dose for 2-3 days to make sure your kitten can tolerate CBD oil and its ingredients. 

It is not dangerous to increase the dose above 0,5 mg / kg twice a day. For severe pain, seizures or severe inflammatory diseases, I often increase to 2-3 mg / kg twice a day. For reference, both of my cats are taking 2 mg / kg or more twice a day. If your cat can tolerate CBD, the only downsides to a higher dose is the higher cost. 

Is it possible to overdose? 

While CBD oil is safe for pets and won't get them high, giving them too high doses (which is a rule of all) is not a good idea. Not only could it be a waste of money, but it could also cause your cat to develop a tolerance for the CBD oil. This is how the effect of CBD oil on cats wears off. 

That said, you can't do any real harm if you give your cat more than the recommended dose. 

Is CBD Oil Legal in Cats? 

Regardless of how well CBD oil works on cats, there is also the question of whether it is legal. If a cannabis product contains less than 0,2% THC, it is classified as "hemp," which is not a prohibited substance. Commercially available CBD oil contains less than 0,2% THC. 

How quickly and for how long does the CBD oil work on pets? 

This question is difficult to answer as many factors play a role in determining the best therapeutic dose of CBD for your pet. It can also depend on the condition in which you are administering the CBD oil. There is not always an instant, drastic effect. 

For anxiety, CBD oil can usually help calm your cat within 30-60 minutes. 

For chronic problems like joint pain and mobility, it can take 2-4 weeks to get the best results, especially when you experiment with how high the dose your cat will need to relieve its symptoms. 

Remember, the dosage of CBD oil for a cat is not an exact science. First you have to try out which dose is optimal for your cat. 

Possible side effects 

It is always important to consider possible side effects before giving your pet anything new. Most pet owners have not reported any serious side effects with CBD oil. The most common side effect of administering CBD oil to cats is overly calm behavior. The advice is that if a cat appears too calm or sleepy, it is best to speak to a veterinarian to adjust the dose. 

Another possible side effect of CBD oil for cats is gastrointestinal discomfort. This typically only occurs when the CBD drop is abruptly introduced into the cat's diet.

The first time you give your cat CBD oil, it is recommended that you give it the lowest recommended dose. Stick to this amount for a week and watch your cat closely. If she shows signs of nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort, stop and wait for the CBD oil to leave her system.