Our pets become an integral part of our lives and provide us with a lot of love and furry snuggles. In no time, they become part of the family. And like any other member of our family, we want to make sure that the dog and cat members are happy and healthy as well.
So when your cat begins showing signs of age or develops other issues that take away from its quality of life, you naturally look for ways to help him or her. More and more, many pet owners are turning to the holistic solution of CBD for their feline friends.
Is CBD Safe for Cats?
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, has broken into the wellness market for humans with much fanfare since hemp-based products became legal with the passing of the Farm Bill of 2018. Since then, enthusiasts have clamored for this plant-based solution to replace over-the-counter medications. Many who have used this product have wondered if it could be beneficial for common ailments experienced by their cats – and if so, is it safe? The answer is yes, on both counts.
Cats, humans, and other mammals have what is known as an endocannabinoid system. This system uses endocannabinoids that interact with their CB1 and CB2 receptors to regulate mood, sleep, and physical comfort. It has been found that by consuming plant-based cannabinoids like CBD, known as phytocannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system does a better job of regulating these specific areas.
So we know that CBD will be beneficial to your feline and is also safe. As a plant-based substance, mammals have a high tolerance for CBD. In fact, there has not been a known case of anyone overdosing on the compound. The only known side effects from ingesting too much CBD are minimal, such as diarrhea and drowsiness.
Federal law does allow for CBD products to contain up to 0.3 percent THC by weight, but such trace amounts of THC are not known to cause any psychotropic effects in humans. However, to be safe, you should only give your cat THC-Free or broad-spectrum products.
CBD Dosage Tips
Just like with humans, the proper dosage for your cat depends on several factors like weight, the concentration of the CBD, and the purpose of the product for your favorite feline. And just like with humans, you will want to start with a smaller dose, then increase the dosage until the desired results are achieved.
First, take a look at the strength of your CBD. We recommend a lighter strength product like our 250 mg Organic CBD Oil Pet Tincture. At that strength, each milliliter of oil contains approximately 8 grams of CBD. Start your cat off with one to two milligrams of CBD per ten pounds of body weight.
Keep an eye on your cat for signs that the CBD is relieving the specific symptoms you are attempting to treat. Your pet will feel the effects in the first 15 to 45 minutes, and those effects will last four to six hours. If you do not see results after the first dose or two, increase the dosage by one or two milligrams until the desired results are achieved. We recommend one or two doses per day for most issues. However, if you are trying to help your cat with something physical, you will want to give them an amount once every eight hours. If your cat begins to develop side effects like lethargy or diarrhea, decrease the dosage.
Adding CBD to Your Cat’s Diet
We don’t recommend trying to get your cat to take CBD directly from the dropper. This may irritate your pet and get you scratched in the process. Instead, add their dosage to oil that they find delicious and that works well with their digestive system, such as salmon oil. Mixing the two in their feeding dish should have them lapping it up in no time. If your feline does turn their nose up at the mixture, you can simply add their CBD dose to their food.
Check with your veterinarian before beginning this CBD protocol. Some vets recommend giving the CBD on an empty stomach, while others will encourage you to add it to their food for slower absorption. When it comes down to it, whatever works best for your feline friend is what matters.
Insist on Premium Quality CBD for Your Cat
There are many CBD products on the market today, and after a while, they begin to look the same. However, there can be a significant variance in the quality and purity of one CBD product when compared to another. This is because the Food and Drug Administration currently provides no oversight on the manufacture and labeling of CBD products. Because of this lack of oversight, many CBD products are mislabeled regarding the amount of CBD within the product. The lack of FDA controls means those products may even contain hazardous chemicals. This is why it is so essential for you to insist on a premium-quality product for your feline friend.
First, we recommend that you make sure that the CBD tincture you use is made for pets. Human CBD tinctures may contain oils or other substances that may irritate your pet’s digestive system.
Second, be sure that the pet tincture you decide on is either broad-spectrum or THC-free. This ensures that your cat doesn’t ingest any psychoactive compounds.
Third, only get your pet’s tincture from a premium quality CBD supplier like The Hemp Doctor, America’s Premier Hemp & CBD Dispensary. You can count on us for consistent CBD quality and purity because all of our products are tested by an independent third-party laboratory, and we make those lab results available right on our website. In this way, you can rest assured that you are giving nothing but beneficial CBD to your cat in a tincture that contains no harmful substances or solvents.
We at The Hemp Doctor genuinely care about the wellbeing of our beloved pets. This is why we donate a portion of our proceeds to Lake Norman Humane. Our commitment to our beloved pets and our insistence on providing them with only premium quality products is why you should trust The Hemp Doctor with the health of your pet today!
