CBD is not just for humans. Our feline friends can also use this amazing compound, and if you have an erratic and unruly cat desperate for an herbal exorcism, CBD could be the answer.
It’s easier than calling on Jackson Galaxy and if reports from pet owners are to be believed, it could be just as effective.
Does CBD Get Cats High?
Your cat will not get high from CBD oil or any other CBD product.
Then again, cats spend most of the day sleeping and eating. They run around like they have lost their minds for 30 minutes or so and they spend an hour or two staring unblinkingly out of the window. How do we know they’re not high all the time?
If your best friend acted like that, you’d be arranging an intervention and booking them into rehab.
Jokes aside, CBD is not psychoactive, so it won’t produce the sort of “high” seen with marijuana use. For that, you need THC, and while CBD products can contain very small amounts of THC, it’s not enough to produce psychoactive effects in humans or animals.
Is CBD Oil Okay for Cats?
CBD is generally okay for cats. However, there are a few things that you need to be aware of if you’re considering giving CBD oil to your pet.
Get Veterinary Advice
If your cat has any health issues or special dietary needs, speak with your vet first. When used as directed, pet CBD oil is perfectly okay, but it doesn’t hurt to keep your vet in the loop and make sure there’s nothing that could cause contraindications or increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Be Careful What You Give Your Cat
Cats have very sensitive digestive systems and they are allergic to a number of different plants, vegetables, fruits, and oils.
For instance, raisins, grapes, chocolate, alcohol, and common OTC medications are harmful to your cats and even small doses can cause serious harm and even death.
If you’re giving them CBD edibles not designed for cats, or tinctures designed for humans, you may be exposing them to these harmful ingredients.
Always use products designed specifically for cats.
Check the Directions for Use
CBD is well-tolerated in both humans and animals, but your maximum safe usage amount is much higher than your cat’s.
Check the label and make sure you know exactly how much CBD you can give your cat. Once you learn this amount, don’t exceed it.
CBD oil usage varies by weight, so keep this in mind and give your cat the recommended amount for their weight.
Be Careful With Treats
Adding a little CBD oil to your pet’s food is the easiest way to ensure they get a safe and measured amount.
You can also purchase CBD edibles, but these may cause problems.
Firstly, if you have a picky cat, they may not like the treats, in which case you’ve just wasted your money on something they will never eat.
If they do like the treats, they might be full of harmful fillers that you’re introducing to your cat’s diet.
When using CBD edibles, keep them out of reach of your cat. Be a responsible cat owner and lock those treats away because if those crafty paws get near them, you could have a very sick cat on your hands.
What are the Adverse Reactions Associated with Cat CBD Oils?
If you use a high-quality cat CBD oil sourced from a reputable provider, and you stick to the directions for use on the label, your cat should be okay.
However, adverse reactions can occur and these may include:
- Changes in appetite
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Tiredness
If your cat acts out of the ordinary after you introduce CBD to their diet, stop immediately.
What is the Recommended Amount of CBD Oil For Cats?
When introducing CBD to your cat, it’s best to start with the smallest possible amount just to assess tolerance.
From there, you can increase the usage as needed. The recommended range is between 0.2 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg twice a day.
As noted above, CBD oil dosages vary based on weight, so the lighter your cat is, the less CBD oil they will need.
How Long Does It Take For CBD To Affect Cats?
CBD oil isn’t like catnip, and you won’t necessarily notice any immediate reaction. That doesn’t mean that it’s not working, though. It’s a natural treatment and is designed to supplement their diet and support their health, so you won’t always notice immediate effects.
What is the Best Way to Give Cats CBD?
As most cat owners can attest, if a cat doesn’t want to do something, they won’t do it. If they have to take antibiotics in tablet form, you can guarantee they’ll find a way to eat their way around those meds and consume everything except the tablet.
Administering CBD oil should be a little easier than giving your cat tablets, though.
The easiest way is to mix CBD oil with their food. Wet food is best and oily fish like sardines work perfect for this, as the CBD oil blends with the fish juice. They’ll lick every inch of the bowl and consume every milligram of CBD in the process.
CBD oil works best when consumed on a full stomach—another reason to give them the oil with their food.
What Happens If You Give Your Cat Too Much CBD?
If you exceed the recommended dosage a little, your cat should be okay. If your cat consumes much more than recommended, contact an emergency veterinary service and monitor your cat for adverse reactions.
Serious reactions are rare, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution where your cat’s health is concerned.
What Is The Best CBD Oil for Cats?
Full-spectrum CBD oil may work best for your cat. Full-spectrum CBD products contain all of the compounds found in the hemp plant, including an array of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
Full-spectrum CBD oil can have a stronger taste and this may be a problem if your cat is picky and you don’t have strong foods to mix it with.
Conclusion: CBD Oil for Cats
CBD oil could make a great addition to your pet’s diet, but before using this substance, it’s important to check the directions, use CBD oil designed specifically for cats, keep an eye out for adverse reactions, and consult your vet first if your cat has any health issues or takes medications.