DISCLAIMER: This blog post is for informational purposes only. No product claims implied.
CBD has been around the use for humans and dogs for quite some time, but what about cats? Can CBD help them live their best lives, too?
All animals have an endocannabinoid system, and it plays a big role in keeping them healthy. The body produces endocannabinoids, substances much like the cannabinoids found in cannabis. These travel the bloodstream and attach to cells throughout the body to deliver messages and instructions that tell it what’s going on and how to react. Almost every bodily process is affected by these endocannabinoids.
That’s how CBD works. It takes the place of these endocannabinoids. When they aren’t delivering the instructions we need them to, or when the system is under more stress than normal, then CBD can help bring everything back to a state of homeostasis.
Cats have an endocannabinoid system, too. So it’s hardly a stretch to think that CBD can help them with things like anxiety, stress, inflammation, and pain in the same way we’re finding out it helps the rest of us. And we do see and hear lots of anecdotal evidence to back up the idea about hemp oil for cats —from stories about unpettable cats turning in snugglebugs to reports of arthritic felines getting their mojo back.
Although there are not many long-term studies specifically for cats yet, we do know that CBD appears to be as safe for cats as it is for dogs.
Potential Benefits for Cats
CBD’s main claim is it’s ability to decrease inflammation and thus decrease chronic pain in mammals. Researchers at Cornell University fount that CBD oil is great at treating pain because they target a receptor called the ‘villanoid receptor’ and prevent it from turning on.
CBD is also an excellent neuroprotector which makes it great at treating neurological disorders like seizures and epilepsy.
CBD can benefit cats by helping with:
- Anxiety
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Seizures/ Epilepsy
- Arthritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Urinary Tract
- Overall Wellness
What Product is Best for Cats?
CBD oil is convenient and easy to add to treats or food. Make sure the oil you choose is 100% natural with simple ingredients, like Skyline Feline. Avoid products with a long list of additives.
Dosing for Cats
For CBD hemp oil directions, we recommend giving a dose of 2-4 mg of CBD per 10 pounds for cats to start. This is twice the amount we recommend for dogs, but don’t worry. Cat’s don’t have as many cannabinoid receptors as dogs so they need twice the amount to see the same effects. For cats with cancer or seizures, start with 4-6mg of CBD per 10 pounds.
The more extreme the health condition, the more CBD you’ll need. But start small and go up until your cats shows improvement. A little less, or even a little more oil won’t do any harm. Consuming CBD oil doesn’t have to be an exact science at first. Dosing can easily remain approximate until you’re able to find what works best for your cat.
It takes about 15-45 minutes to reach full-effect in your pet’s system and lasts for about 4 – 6 hours, depending on breed, ailments, activity level, and their own personal chemistry.
Use our handy CBD Dosage Chart to find the perfect amount for your cat!
To use, most people will drop the oil into their cat’s food bowl and mix it with a little bit of their food.
CBD oil may absorb best when not taken on a full stomach. See how they respond throughout the day and do the same process in the evening. Try that for a week and feel free to increase the dosing size until your pet responds favorably.
Every cat is different so play around with how you give the oil to your furry friend. As long as the oil is working to help them be more comfortable and happy, that’s all that really matters.
Bottom line
If your feline friend is suffering from any of the conditions CBD is traditionally used to treat, it can’t hurt to give to a try. Skyline Feline CBD Oil for Cats is probably your best bet. It’s 100% natural, it has a cat-friendly flavor and is easy to add to food. Start with 2mg for every 10 pounds and adjust the dosage as needed.