Since the wave of CBD legalization began a few years ago, there has been an increasing demand for its products. This has seen its global market share increase significantly and is expected to hit the $1.8 billion mark by the year 2022. This sudden surge in demand is said to have been spurred by the approval and signing of the U.S. Farm Bill into law.
The popularity of CBD is also due to the proven health and wellness benefits it accrues to both humans and animals. If you’re a cat parent, you’ll be glad to know that your feline friend will benefit as much as you from CBD.
However, make sure you do your research before giving your cat CBD oil. Keep reading for ten essential things to consider before giving CBD oil to your cat.
Ten Factors To Consider Before Giving CBD Oil To Your Cat
Before you give your feline best friend CBD oil, here are ten well-detailed things you should not only consider but also know about CBD oil for your kitty.
1. What Is CBD Oil?
What exactly is CBD oil? CBD, known in full as Cannabidiol, is one of the primary compounds that make up the cannabis plant. It’s easy to freak out at the mention of cannabis, but there’s nothing to worry about as CBD is not psychoactive.
In other words, it’ll not get your cat high. A majority of CBD products are often derived from the hemp plant. This means they contain much lower levels of THC than CBD produced from marijuana.
2. How it Works
Don’t go giving CBD oil to your cat without considering how it works. The great bit is that we’re here to ensure you’re well informed. For you to understand how it works, it’s vital to note that all mammals, including your cat, have an endocannabinoid system.
The system, also known as the ECS, is made up of thousands of cannabinoid receptors spread throughout the body. These receptors are categorized as CB1 and CB2 and are responsible for a ton of functions. For instance, they play an active role in digestion and regulate the immune system as well.
When you give CBD oil to your cat, its active compounds usually bind with the cannabinoid receptors in its body, resulting in a healthier, more balanced state. In a nutshell, CBD for cats works by influencing the endocannabinoid system positively.
3. The Safety
As a cat parent, you want nothing but the best for your furry companion. In respect to that, there’s no doubt that the safety of your feline best friend comes first. Fortunately, numerous studies and experiments have proven CBD oil as safe for both human and animal consumption. In other words, CBD oil for cats is very safe and legal.
However, note that CBD is classified as a supplement by the FDA. This means it’s not tightly regulated like other drugs. As a result, there’re CBD manufacturers who are in it for the money instead of focusing on the well-being of the end-users.
For instance, in a bid to cash in on demand, some people sell CBD oil that they’ve made from their homes, making it unsafe. Therefore, before you giving CBD oil to your cat ensure you consult your vet so he/she can recommend the best and also quality products.
4. The Benefits
Since it influences the same system in both humans and cats, the benefits of CBD oil for your feline are often very similar to those that you’d experience when you take CBD oil. Here are some of the key advantages your cat enjoys from CBD oil:
Eases Anxiety
Anxiety isn’t limited to humans only. It’s a common problem among animals, especially cats. If your feline best friend becomes incredibly anxious and lethargic during visits to the vet or every time you prepare to leave the house, then you should consider CBD oil. It has been proven to promote relaxation, thus easing anxiety.
It Helps With Epilepsy and Seizures
Epilepsy and seizures are quite a common occurrence in cats. Usually, even in humans, seizures are as a result of electrical disruptions in the brain. CBD oil gives relief to the condition by suppressing these disruptions.
What’s even more riveting is that unlike regular epilepsy and seizure medications, CBD oil is all natural. You don’t worry about the side effects caused by regular meds.
Great for your Cat’s Coat and Skin
We all love a cat with a fluffy, shiny coat. As a cat parent, you’ll be glad to know that giving your cat CBD oil will result in a softer, shinier coat that everyone will love to pet away.
Other Benefits of CBD Oil
- Reduces nausea vomiting and boosts appetite
- Offers pain relief
- Helps with digestive tract issues
- Eases inflammation
- Nervous system support
- Prevents the spread of, and kills cancerous cells
5. Whether CBD For Cats is The Same As CBD For You
If you take CBD, you might be tempted to cut on costs by sharing it with your furry friend. Even though there’re no life-threatening risks involved, it’s advisable you stick to pet specific brands. Why? Well, your CBD oil might contain ingredients that are specifically suited for humans.
Also as noted earlier, receptors are either CB1 or CB2. The type of receptors influenced by CBD in humans are often different from those that are influenced in cats. To avoid any problems, it’s wise to get little Mrs. Purrfect CBD oil from pet exclusive brands.
6. CBD Dosage For Your Cat
On that note, it’s also essential that you consider the right dosage for your kitty. Being the first time you’re giving CBD to your cat, start with the lowest dosage possible and then gradually increase until you achieve the desired results.
The ideal dosage for first time kitties is between 1mg and 5mg for cats weighing 15 pounds. It’s also vital to note that the dosage often varies based on the condition you’re trying to treat.
For instance, in treating seizures, the most recommendable dose is 2-5 mg for a 10-pound cat while for cancer, you should start with 0.5 mg. Hence, on matters dosage, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and ensure you confirm with your vet first.
It’s also important to note that different application methods give different results. Giving your kitty the oil drops orally provides greater results. It’s also easier to dose your cat orally than topically as you can keep track of the drops you give it every time.
7. Any Side Effects?
Side effects are a significant concern among pet parents considering CBD oil for their kitties. Even though studies are still inconclusive about CBD for cats, no side effects have been discovered yet. The only concern that has been raised so far is related to dosage.
Giving your cats excess CBD oil might result in dizziness, irritability, insomnia, and mouth dryness among many others. To avoid these unwanted effects, always ensure you follow recommendations from your manufacturer and consult your vet.
Additionally, don’t just purchase any product you come across. Do your due diligence by reviewing the ingredients and brand reputation to avoid purchasing a product that’ll negatively affect your feline best friend.
8. Source of The CBD Oil
Hemp is considered a hyperaccumulator plant. This means that during growth, it tends to absorb everything around it, including toxic substances if any. Therefore, another crucial factor to consider before giving CBD oil to your cat is its source and extraction methods.
Go for CBD products sourced from organically grown hemp. Hemp farmers in the U.S. are usually certified. This means that U.S. produced CBD oil is a safer bet.
Additionally, consider the extraction methods. This is also incredibly important as some farmers tend to use harmful chemicals during extraction, making the final product unsuitable for use.
9. Whether It’s Full Spectrum or Isolate
CBD oil products are divided into two groups, namely spectrum and isolate. Isolate CBD oil is usually pure oil with no additives or any other ingredients. Spectrum, on the other hand, contains other ingredients, for instance, terpenes and flavonoids.
Both types of oils boast unique benefits. For cats, spectrum CBD oil is more advisable as it contains other ingredients which prove beneficial to the well-being of your kitty. But as always, ensure you review each of the ingredients carefully so you don’t end up giving your cat something that will cause them harm.
10. What CBD Oil is Not
You ought to give your cat CBD oil with realistic expectations. While CBD helps with inflammation and prevents a wide range of ailments for your cats, it’s not a solution to every problem. In a nutshell, CBD oil helps safeguard the wellbeing of your feline best friend, thus improving your cat’s quality of life. It isn’t a cure-all solution.
More Tips on Giving CBD Oil to Your Cat
The legalization of CBD wasn’t achieved overnight. It was as a result of years of research and studies which proved its countless benefits.
The above are just some of the primary factors you should consider while giving CBD oil to your kitty for the first time. Check us out for essential tips about CBD oil as there’s so much more to learn.
