CBD (Cannabidiol) has received extensive media coverage in recent years for its ability to treat neurological conditions. Nowadays, people are turning to cannabinoids as a safe, natural, and effective alternative to pharmaceuticals.
While CBD for humans is still under investigation, many pet owners have already begun giving their furry companions CBD with promising results. It appears to reduce anxiety in pets by modulating serotonin levels. Here’s everything you need to know before using CBD for cats with anxiety.
What’s the Right Dosage?
Unfortunately, not all pets respond well to the conventional treatment of anxiety disorders–benzodiazepines–which can be ineffective after prolonged use. However, according to a study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, CBD may be an effective natural alternative.
The scientists who conducted this experiment were fairly conservative with their dosage recommendations; they suggested giving your pet 0.1mg per kg (0.2lbs) of body weight each day. Keeping in mind that cats tend to weigh less than dogs, you can apply this formula to determine your cat’s ideal CBD dosage:
Step 1: Multiply your cat’s weight in pounds by 0.2: Let’s say you have a 30lb cat.
30 x .2 = 6
Step 2: Divide the result from Step 1 by 100: In this example,
6/100 = 0.06
Step 3: Multiply the result by the cat’s weight in kg: Your 30lb kitty weighs approximately 9kg.
0.06 x 9 = 0.54mg per day
So, if you have a 20kg (approximately 44lbs) cat, their ideal CBD dosage would be about 1.08 mg per day.
How Hyperactive is Your Cat?
Most cats are naturally mellow creatures, but if your furry friend is not anything like it, they’ll chew on the house plant before curling up for a nap. If it stays running around all day long, consider starting with a lower dosage to avoid overstimulating them.
Also, keep in mind that different cat breeds metabolize CBD differently. For example, Siamese cats tend to have more active metabolisms than Persian cats. For this reason, breed plays an important role when determining the proper dosage.
Consult Your Veterinarian First
Even though many vets prescribe pharmaceuticals––such as acepromazine––for anxiety disorders in pets, CBD offers a natural solution without harmful side effects. As mentioned earlier, this cannabinoid has shown promise as an alternative treatment for cats that suffer from anxiety. When using any new substance on your pet, make sure to consult with your veterinarian beforehand.
You may also want to discuss the possibility of introducing CBD oil gradually. Many find it beneficial to start low and go slow when trying out new supplements. Also, be mindful that if your cat is taking other prescription medications, their reaction to the cannabinoid can change the effects of both substances.
How Long Until You See Results?
Like most natural treatments, CBD for cats can take anywhere between a few days and weeks before showing results. It’s important to be patient, but don’t stop administering it without consulting your vet first! If you do not see any improvements, try increasing the dosage slightly.
Remember: each cat is unique, so it’s normal for CBD to take longer than usual to work on your pet.
Getting the Most Out of CBD Oil
If you’re giving your cat an edible, time it well, so they receive their dosage just before bedtime. This cannabinoid is naturally relaxing, so the effects will be stronger when they go to sleep.
It is a bad idea to give your kitty too much CBD oil. Remember, this cannabinoid can be beneficial for cats of all sizes. Even so, many cat owners report that too much can cause some minor stomach upset.
If you’re giving your cat CBD oil through their food, try to find a high-quality recipe that doesn’t contain garlic, onion, or grapes. All of these common food items can be harmful to your furry friend if they consume too much of them.
How to Administer CBD for Cats?
It’s important to consult your veterinarian before you begin supplementing. Your pet may have specific needs that require adjustments to their dosage or could be suffering from an illness that CBD might not be appropriate for.
If your kitty responds well to CBD oil, they might be more willing to take medications like Rimadyl or Deramaxx. Both of these can relieve pain associated with arthritis or chronic disease. Cannabis has also been shown to improve appetite in cats that are sick or recovering from illnesses; anecdotal evidence suggests it may even help treat cancer.
The future of cannabis for pets is looking bright. But, there’s still a long way to go before people understand how best to use this plant for their animal companions.
