CBD (cannabidiol) has become a popular supplement for humans to help with everything from anxiety to pain and inflammation. But did you know CBD can also provide therapeutic benefits for furry feline friends? CBD is non-intoxicating and may help calm anxious kitties. Keep reading to learn all about CBD treats for cats.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 active compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant called cannabinoids. Unlike the cannabinoid THC, CBD has no psychoactive effects and does not cause a “high”. CBD offers therapeutic potential for many health concerns by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system involved with regulating physiological processes.
Growing research on CBD demonstrates its ability to reduce anxiety, relieve pain, decrease inflammation, improve gastrointestinal issues, and more in humans. Pet owners have also been increasingly giving CBD to dogs and cats for similar benefits.
How Do CBD Treats Work for Cats?
Cats, dogs, and other mammals have an endocannabinoid system just like humans. This complex network of receptors regulates many vital functions like mood, pain perception, inflammation, appetite, temperature, and more.
CBD works by indirectly stimulating these cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body and brain. This enhances the endocannabinoid system’s overall functioning. CBD treats deliver a consistent daily dose to optimize these therapeutic effects.
Studies show CBD may help anxious pets by reducing elevated cortisol levels and calming overactive brain activity. For seniors and mobility issues, CBD can reduce inflammation and arthritis through several mechanisms. There is still limited research on CBD for cats, but anecdotal evidence is promising.
Potential Benefits of CBD Oil for Cats
Based on initial research and pet owner experiences, CBD oil may provide cats with relief for issues like:
- Separation anxiety, phobias or situational stressors
- Excessive vocalization or hiding from guests
- Aggression or fighting with other household pets
- Pain and inflammation from arthritis or injuries
- Loss of appetite from nausea/gastro issues
- Cancer symptoms like pain, nausea and seizures
- Cognitive issues in senior cats
- Compulsive behaviors like over-grooming
By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD may help restore balance for both physiological and neurological issues when given regularly. More studies are still needed, but current evidence and pet owner testimonials suggest CBD has a calming, therapeutic influence.
Things to Look for in CBD Cat Treats
Not all CBD pet treats are created equal. Here are some key considerations when choosing a quality CBD cat treat:
- Organic hemp-derived CBD isolate for purity
- Third-party lab testing for safety and potency
- Made in the USA under cGMP standards
- Palatable flavors cats love like tuna or salmon
- Limited ingredients without fillers or additives
- Positive brand reputation and reviews
- Dosing guidelines provided on packaging
- Nanoparticle or lipid encapsulated CBD for better bioavailability
The product should contain no THC and be non-GMO and soy/grain/allergen-free. Look for brands that use USA-grown hemp and provide Certificates of Analysis from independent labs verifying purity and CBD levels.
Dosing Guidelines for CBD Cat Treats
There are no official dosing guidelines for CBD in pets. Experts recommend starting conservatively and increasing slowly while monitoring effects:
- Initial dose: 0.5-1 mg CBD per 10 lbs body weight
- Maintenance dose: Up to 2 mg per 10 lbs body weight
Start on the low end of 0.5 mg per 10 lbs twice daily. Gradually increase dose every 5-7 days only if needed. Give doses 12 hours apart. Observe for desired effects like increased calmness or pain relief. If no improvement, slowly increase dose. Maximum is normally around 2 mg per 10 lbs body weight.
Always give CBD with food to boost absorption. Effects take 30-90 mins to onset. Use for at least 2-4 weeks to allow time for full therapeutic benefits. Have your vet advise on an appropriate dosage schedule based on your cat’s health profile.
Potential Side Effects of CBD for Cats
CBD is considered very safe for felines but mild reactions can occur in some cats:
- Sedation – CBD has calming properties that may cause drowsiness. Reduce dosage if this happens.
- Changes in appetite – CBD may act as both an appetite stimulant and suppressant. Monitor cat’s food intake.
- Digestive upset – Give CBD treats with food to mitigate stomach upset.
- Dry mouth – Ensure fresh water is always available. CBD can inhibit saliva production.
- Lowered blood pressure – Rare cases of lightheadedness have been reported. Use caution when giving CBD with blood pressure medications.
Monitor your cat after first administering CBD and watch for any adverse reactions. Discontinue use if diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy or other problems develop. Always discuss using CBD treats with your veterinarian, especially if your cat is taking any other medications or has health conditions.
Reviews of the Best Calming CBD Cat Treats
Here are some top rated calming CBD treats for cats based on customer reviews and product analysis:
King Kanine CBD Cat Treats – All-natural, salmon-flavored treats with 5mg broad-spectrum CBD per treat. $34.99 for a bag of 30 treats.
HolistaPet CBD Cat Treats – Digestive-friendly treats with 3mg CBD per piece. Chicken and salmon flavor. $29.95 per bag.
PetHonesty CBD Cat Treats – Cod skin flavored with 5.6mg nano-emulsified CBD hemp extract per treat. $27.99 for a pack of 30 treats.
CBDLiving Tuna Bites – Natural tuna-flavored treats with 4mg nano-amplified hemp extract per piece. $28 for a pack of 30 treats.
Green Roads CBD for Cats – Chicken-flavored treats with 2mg CBD isolate per treat. $9.99 for a 30 count bag.
These products use organic hemp, high quality ingredients, and precise CBD dosing catered for cats. The treats have excellent flavor and aroma cats love. Customers report the CBD treats help their kitties feel more relaxed and sleep better without any high.
Are CBD Treats Legal for Cats?
Yes, CBD pet treats are legal as long as they meet certain criteria:
- The CBD is derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC
- The hemp extract product has been tested to verify THC levels
- The product has been formulated specifically for pets
The CBD treats must not make any specific medical claims or add any ingredients that can be toxic for pets. As long as CBD cat treats abide by these guidelines, they are legal under federal law but may vary by state. Always consult your vet before giving any hemp-based supplements to pets.
FAQs about calming CBD Treats For Cats:
- Are CBD treats safe for cats? CBD is generally considered safe for cats if used responsibly under veterinary guidance. However, research is still limited, so observe your cat closely and discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur. Always discuss using CBD with your vet first.
- What conditions might CBD treats help with in cats? CBD treats may potentially help cats with anxiety, situational stressors, noise phobias, arthritis, inflammation, digestive issues, cancer symptoms like pain and nausea, and cognitive issues in aging cats.
- How much CBD should I give my cat? Experts recommend an initial dose of 0.5-1 mg CBD per 10 lbs of body weight twice daily. Gradually increase every 5-7 days by 0.5 mg per 10 lbs if needed, up to a maximum of 2 mg per 10 lbs body weight. Have your vet advise on an appropriate dosage schedule.
- How long does it take for CBD treats to work in cats? CBD must pass through the digestive tract, so effects take longer than with oils, taking 30-90 minutes. Allow 2-4 weeks of consistent use to observe the full effects. Give treats with food to boost absorption.
- What should I look for in quality CBD cat treats? Look for organic hemp-derived CBD, third-party lab testing, USA sourced ingredients, natural flavoring, and precise CBD dosing indicated. Avoid artificial additives. Reviews from other cat owners can help identify top products.
Final Thoughts on CBD Cat Treats
There is promising preliminary evidence that CBD may safely provide cats with therapeutic relief related to stress, pain, inflammation, nausea, cognitive decline, and more. However, always discuss using CBD with your vet first, especially if your cat has any health conditions or takes other medications.
Start with a low dose given with food and increase gradually while monitoring effects. Look for high quality CBD cat treats made with organic hemp, natural ingredients, and precise CBD dosing catered for cats. This enables your feline friend to experience the relaxing benefits of CBD without any “high”. With responsible use under veterinary supervision, CBD treats show potential for enhancing health and wellbeing in cats.
Recent Comments