As a cat owner, one of the ways to keep your cat healthy and happy when you are away is to use a cat sitter. If you use CBD on your cat, you need to be prepared to have a conversation with your cat sitter to educate them about your decision. Despite CBD being legalized in 50 states, it is still a controversial topic. Many people are not aware of the compound’s uses and its effects on cats.
When chatting with your cat sitter about CBD for cats, touch on the following areas:
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the active compounds in the cannabis plant. Humans use it to treat a variety of illnesses.
Is CBD Safe for Cats?
CBD is the non-psychoactive compound in cannabis. This is unlike THC, the other compound in the cannabis plant that is responsible for the high effect. This means that CBD is very safe for cats, as your cat will not be intoxicated.
How Does CBD Work in Cats?
Humans and cats have the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in their body that is made up of endocannabinoids some natural chemicals produced by the body. ECS regulates brain functions, sleep, mood, pain, stress, immune response and inflammation.
Cannabinoids from plants like CBD functions like the naturally occurring chemicals in the body. That is why CBD has many health benefits to a cat.
What are the Common Reasons a Cat Owner Might Choose to Use CBD On Cats?
Pet owners have admitted that CBD has the same benefits to their cats as it has to humans. They use CBD for the following conditions:
1. Epilepsy
Feline epilepsy is a common disorder in cats. About 2.1% of cats experience epilepsy, causing them to have uncontrolled seizures. As a cat owner, you can use CBD to control seizures and reduce their frequencies.
2. Cancer
Cats are prone to leukemia and tumor development in the lungs, pancreas, liver, and brain. Common symptoms of cancer in cats are diarrhea, vomiting, appetite loss, and a rough coat. CBD can help control many of the cancer symptoms in the following ways;
● According to the National Cancer Institute, CBD helps in increasing appetite. This will help your cat to eat healthily during cancer treatment.
● CBD is an antiemetic. It reduces nausea and vomiting, helping your cat to go through chemotherapy more healthily.
● CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties help in relieving pain during chemotherapy.
● CBD hinders the growth of cancerous cells in the cats’ body.
3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a disease that affects middle-aged cats. It is caused by a reaction of hormones to chronic irritation on the gastrointestinal tract. A cat with IBD experiences chronic diarrhea and vomiting, which leads to loss of weight and appetite.
Your cat’s body is unable to control inflammation if it lacks or does not have enough endocannabinoids. When your cat ingests CBD, it makes up for the natural endocannabinoids found in the cat’s body. This induces the same anti-inflammatory effect lessening nausea and pain. CBD also promotes better gastrointestinal health for your cat, helping it to live a comfortable life.
4. Pancreatitis
Many cats with IBD experience pancreatitis. Feline pancreatitis causes diarrhea, loss of appetite, dehydration, weight loss and lethargy in cats. CBD helps in relieving all these symptoms. CBD also reduces tumor invasion and growth in the pancreas.
5. Arthritis
Osteoarthritis in cats occurs when cartilage in the joint breaks down, especially in the elbow and hips. Bones rub against each other causing severe pain and reduced joint movement. Some signs of osteoarthritis are; poor grooming habits, inability to jump on and off objects, loss of appetite and depression.
CBD relieves the swelling in the joints due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Rubbing CBD into painful joints relieves the pain and improves limb posture.
6. Anxiety and Aggression
Cats get anxious and aggressive when in the car, visiting the vet, moving to a new environment, or when there is a new furry friend at home. CBD activates serotonin receptors in the cat’s brain that create a relaxing and calming effect.
7. Improve Your
Cat’s Overall Wellness
CBD is beneficial even for healthy cats, as it improves their overall wellbeing. When you introduce CBD to your cat’s diet correctly, it helps in preventing the development of long-term health issues.
How Do You Use CBD on Cats?
You can use CBD on your cat through a variety of means. These are:
CBD Oil
This is a bottled CBD with a dropper to directly give your cat into their mouth or add it in their food or water.
CBD Cat Treats
This is CBD with natural flavorings added to make it more tasty to cats.
CBD Topical Products
These are creams or lotions that contain CBD. You rub them against your cat’s joints, skin, and fur.
When talking to your cat sitter about CBD, emphasize its safety for cats and all the health benefits it has. Remember that the dosing of CBD depends on the weight of your cat, and you should consult with your vet before introducing CBD to your feline health regimen.
