By now, it appears almost everyone and their mom has heard about the plethora of potential benefits that comes with taking CBD.
Whilst not everyone is on-board with CBD right now, millions of people have incorporated CBD into their everyday lives and are reaping the many benefits of the natural compounds- from aiding chronic pain to helping with insomnia, there are countless reasons as to why taking CBD can be beneficial to your health.
As CBD is a completely natural product, some people have even started to use it on their pets. Sound crazy? It actually makes a lot more sense than you may think.
CBD is completely plant-based and naturally occurring. In humans it has been shown to increase health and wellness and reduce pain and stress. So, it definitely isn’t shocking that people feel CBD may do the same for animals, too.
Taking cats as an example- when they get older their immune systems weaken, their irritability may increase, and their mobility often takes a downturn. As a pet owner, you want the best quality of life as possible for your little fur-babies, and if a natural product may help your baby out, you’d surely want to give it a go!
So, within this guide we are going to run through the facts of giving your cats CBD- is it safe? How do you give it to them? And how much do you give them?
Read on to learn more.
Is it safe to give my cat CBD?
Firstly, let’s briefly brush up on our knowledge of CBD.
CBD is a compound, referred to as a cannabinoid, which is found within the cannabis plant. There are a lot of different cannabinoids, but CBD is especially known for its many health and wellness benefits.
CBD is usually extracted from hemp, which is a type of cannabis plant that does not contain high levels of THC. THC is a cannabinoid that is highly present in marijuana (another type of cannabis plant)- THC is responsible for the psychoactive high that many experience when smoking or consuming marijuana.
Legally, CBD products must contain trace amounts of CBD (less than 0.3%). This means that there is no risk of a ‘high’ when taking CBD.
However, the question remains… is it safe to give your cat CBD?
The answer may be found within a (fairly recent) scientific discovery.
Whilst researching the effects of THC in the 1990s, scientists discovered a complex signalling system in humans- they labelled it the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This system is comprised of three main components: endocannabinoids, receptors and enzymes.
Endocannabinoids are very similar to the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plants, except they are made naturally by your body. They help aid the day-to-day functions by attaching themselves to receptors throughout your body. Finally, enzymes breakdown the endocannabinoids after they have completed their specific function.
Whilst scientists are not completely sure why we have an ECS, they know that it plays a large part in maintaining our temperature, managing stress, aiding sleep and inflammation as well as possible links to motor control and mood.
What scientists are also sure of is that all mammals have an ECS. Yes, this means your cat may reap the same benefits from CBD as you!
Whilst there isn’t much scientific evidence to measure the benefits of CBD in cats, there are plenty of first-hand experiences of pet owners seeing positive changes after giving their “>cats CBD.
So, on the whole, it is highly likely that CBD is perfectly safe to give to your cat. In fact, there any many different CBD products on the market that have been specifically produced for pet consumption- you can get CBD infused chewy treats to little bottles of CBD oil.
So, it would be worth looking into these options rather than giving your pet the same CBD you are taking.
Even if you are purchasing a pet-friendly CBD, you must still take care over the dosage you’re giving to your furry friends. It is always best to start off with small amounts and check to see if there are any changes in your cats behaviour.
If your cat is showing any unusual behaviours, such as sleeping far more than usual, it would be best to scale down their dose or press pause on the CBD until you can speak to a veterinary professional.
Why should I give my cat CBD?
Okay, so why should you consider giving your cat CBD in the first place?
Whilst we wish it wasn’t true, the fact of the matter is that our furry-friends can get sick, just like us. Many cats live with chronic health issues due to genetics or disease- this can cause stress and pain for your pet.
In addition, cats (unfortunately) can’t communicate their exact feelings to us, which means your cat may be feeling uncomfortable and you won’t know when they’re needing help.
There are many first-hand accounts from pet owners who have seen positive effects after giving their cats CBD. It can help with relaxation and stress- so if your cat gets particularly agitated or anxious, it may be worth trying out a low-dose CBD option for them.
CBD may also help with mobility and joint pain, this can be especially useful for an elderly cat that is experiencing motor problems.
When deciding whether to give your cat CBD, it is always important to remember to do your research. CBD of all types are not FDA approved, which means some products can be produced by dubious sellers. As a result, you should always purchase your CBD from a reputable source that conducts rigorous third-party lab testing.
In all, the decision whether to give your cat CBD is completely up to you. Whilst there is no reason that indicates CBD is unsafe for cats, there is very little scientific evidence to go on.
If you are wanting to trial your cat with CBD, always remember to start off with a low dose and choose a product that has been made with cats in mind. If you’re in doubt, always consult a veterinary professional.
Okay, so why should you consider giving your cat CBD in the first place?
Whilst we wish it wasn’t true, the fact of the matter is that our furry-friends can get sick, just like us. Many cats live with chronic health issues due to genetics or disease- this can cause stress and pain for your pet.
In addition, cats (unfortunately) can’t communicate their exact feelings to us, which means your cat may be feeling uncomfortable and you won’t know when they’re needing help.
There are many first-hand accounts from pet owners who have seen positive effects after giving their cats CBD. It can help with relaxation and stress- so if your cat gets particularly agitated or anxious, it may be worth trying out a low-dose CBD option for them.
CBD may also help with mobility and joint pain, this can be especially useful for an elderly cat that is experiencing motor problems.
When deciding whether to give your cat CBD, it is always important to remember to do your research. CBD of all types are not FDA approved, which means some products can be produced by dubious sellers. As a result, you should always purchase your CBD from a reputable source that conducts rigorous third-party lab testing.
In all, the decision whether to give your cat CBD is completely up to you. Whilst there is no reason that indicates CBD is unsafe for cats, there is very little scientific evidence to go on.
If you are wanting to trial your cat with CBD, always remember to start off with a low dose and choose a product that has been made with cats in mind. If you’re in doubt, always consult a veterinary professional.
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