- Nov 18, 2019
- 4 min read

Everything You Need To Know About CBD For Your Cat

Updated: Dec 18, 2020

CBD has proven to be a true helping component for people and their endocannabinoid system over the past few years. Cannabidiol is a very safe and effective option to help a number of health issues that our furry friends suffer from. Like humans, cats have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulate bodily functions like sleep, mood, pain, appetite, and immunity. Our bodies and cats' bodies have cannabinoid receptors in our brain and central nervous system. The cannabinoids we naturally produce (both us and cats) bind to these receptors and help regulate our normal bodily functions. So when CBD oil is given to cats, it is basically supplementing this system!

Cats can experience extreme anxiety and fear which is usually associated with thunderstorms, fireworks, and stress. The calming effects of CBD oil relieve cats of the symptoms of anxiety which may also include hiding away, constant meowing, or aggressive behavior. The significant anti-inflammatory effects of CBD make it ideal for managing and relieving symptoms of conditions that cats commonly come across such as seizures, inflammation of the gut, and joints.

Keep in mind that CBD is not a fast-acting chemical. CBD can take two weeks to a month to take full effect in cats. However, it can take just a few hours for your cat to experience relief and a few days to see a decrease in inflammation. Plus, with dosing, it may take a little more time to figure out the right dosage for your cat. There is not a one size fits all, so be patient.

What is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the hemp plant. It is one of over 80 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, CBD being the second most abundant compound in the cannabis plant right behind THC. These are the two main players in the cannabis plant and are two completely distinct compounds that interact very differently in the body. CBD is the non-intoxicating portion of the plant, which means it will not get you high.

Feline Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Our feline friends may seem very different to the naked eye, however, they share some things in common, like the endocannabinoid system! The endocannabinoid system (ECS) functions the same way in cats as it does in humans, dogs, and other animals, and is made up of the same receptors as humans. CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors.

You may ask, "What are cannabinoid receptors?" Cannabinoid receptors are located on the surface of cells and they monitor the conditions outside of the cell. They transmit what they detect to the inside of the cell and that triggers the appropriate cellular response. The cat's CB1 receptors can be found throughout the body but are mainly found throughout the spinal cord and brain. In the brain, receptors are found in key areas that control certain behaviors. For example, CB1 receptors have been found in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain which stimulates your appetite. CB2 receptors are found throughout the nervous and immune systems. Activation of the CB2 receptors regulates inflammation, a property that is believed to be responsible for giving CBD its therapeutic effects.

CBD Oil For Cats

CBD is most commonly used on cats to help improve the general quality of their life, their comfort and to ease any symptoms of ailments. Many veterinarians stand by CBD's side and say that it is safe for cats to consume as well. The most effective way for your feline to ingest CBD is through CBD pet tinctures. With these tinctures, you can regulate exactly how much CBD you want your cat to ingest when first starting, and increase dosages from there. Adding large amounts of CBD to your cat's diet quickly may seem like the best route to see improvement, however, it's best to let them start at a low dosage and get used to this new supplement in their body (Just like starting with training wheels when you first learned to use a bike!).

Choosing the Right CBD For Your Cat

As with humans, choosing the correct CBD oil is important, especially in a market with few to no regulations. So what do you need to look for in order to be confident that you are choosing the right CBD products for your cat?

1. Where is the CBD hemp sourced? Make sure that your pet’s CBD oil is derived from USA Industrial Organically Grown Hemp that is free of pesticides, heavy metals, solvents, and microbial to ensure the quality of the oil. This can be verified through full panel test results of the raw hemp extract.

2. Is The Product 3rd Party Lab Tested?

Just because a company makes " 3rd Party Claims" on their label, commercial, or website about great results of their product, it doesn't mean that it is accurate verifiable, or unbiased. So check to see if one has been run on the products you are interested in and ask if the Third-Party Certificate of Analysis is readily available.

3. Is The Company Accessible And Have A Good And Knowledgeable Support Staff?

The relationship between a company and its customer does not end once a product is purchased. Questions and concerns will come up. If you have a concern, is there a way to contact the manufacturer? Is there a phone number available? Do they have a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section on their website? Is the staff knowledgeable? This will make you feel at ease about your course of direction with their product.

4. Are There Instructions On Dosage?

There is a dose that will give your pet the best relief and less than the optimal dose may work a little but won’t help your cats as much as it can. Because of this, it is important to ensure the product you are considering has clear dosage amounts on the packaging to optimize the benefits for your pet.

With all of the CBD options on the marketplace, it is important to know what to look for to weed out the good versus the bad. We strive to provide our viewers with the clearest and concise information available on the marketplace to ensure a pleasurable experience.