Extract Engineers
CBD for Cats and Dosage Guidelines
Can CBD Help My Cat?
Every morning we are greeted by the wonderful joy that only our special kitties can bring to our hearts. Cat owners have a unique bond with their furry counterparts and it doesn't take long for us to realize when our little ones are not feeling their best. These times can cause some great stress within ourselves, as we know that cats are particularly stoic and will often keep their ailments, either mental or physical, from being easily seen.
As caring kitty owners, we have come to recognize the slightest change in their behavior and know when something is amiss. Often, we will see the worry come and pass, but there are other times, especially as our furry ones age, or experience dramatic change, that there must be something more we can do to help them feel their best again.
It is best to speak with your veterinarian about options in regards to the use of CBD in cats. There is growing scientific research about the specific ailments that may be eased by CBD oils and treats. Most look to CBD treatments when looking for alternative forms to modern medicine, or when they simply want to give their cat something healthy and natural.
What is CBD?
Hemp and high CBD cannabis plants can contain more than over one hundred cannabinoid compounds. The most commonly known cannabinoid is THC. After the identification of CBD (Cannabidiol) as a major beneficial compound in these plants, scientists started isolating CBD for more specific body and mind balancing effects. They found this compound to be a non-psychoactive alternative with many potential benefits.
These compounds have natural receptors in the human body, as well as in many animals, such as cats, dogs, horses, etc. The receptor system is called the Endocannabinoid System. It interacts with the CBD to help the body and mind with what it needs.
Although CBD is not meant to cure any ailments, there are many types of benefits that can be provided to your kitty that will improve their quality of life, such as in the areas of mental stress and physical discomfort.
Please take note here that THC can be toxic to pets. CBD is non-psychoactive and is a safe alternative when choosing hemp or cannabis as an alternative form of treatment.
Will CBD Make My Cat Feel High?
Simply put, no. Your cat will not feel crazy, or see things out of the corner of their eye. We save that for the catnip days! CBD is an isolated compound that may relax your furry friend, but will not cause them to have any psychosis. Just make sure that when you are researching products, you find ones that are THC-free to ensure you are getting the most pure form of CBD treatment without any unwanted side effects.
What is CBD Oil vs. Hemp Oil?
There are many products available on the internet that have thousands and thousands of milligrams of Hemp Oil, while CBD Oil will have maybe a couple thousand at most. This should give you an idea that they are very different products, and indeed they are.
Hemp oil is composed of pressed hemp seed oil. Very specifically from hemp seeds. These little seeds pack a powerful punch on the Omega's and other such compounds, but lack CBD almost entirely.
CBD oil is composed of a carrier oil that has been infused with either CBD isolate powder, or CBD flower, leaves and stems. When infused with CBD isolate powder, the amount of CBD in the oil is free of any THC. When infused with CBD flower, it could be from hemp, or it could be a high-potency CBD cannabis strain. This is where you will want to pay attention to THC content. Just look at the ingredients and ask questions. The more you know about a product, the better. Check out our Cat CBD Hemp Therapy which contains 500mg CBD isolate and zero THC to ensure your kitten gets only the good stuff.
Check out How to Make your Own CBD Oil here.
What Should I Look For on a CBD Oil Label?
Without regulation from the FDA in regards to labeling and packaging of CBD products, many states have stepped in to help define what should be put on labels. The product labeling can be quite confusing to read and sometimes lacks some basic information. Make sure you can find this on the product you are looking to purchase:
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States clearly the amount of CBD the product contains
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Labels the weight and serving size on the package
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Batch number and expiration dates
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Company name and contact information
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3rd party laboratory testing for purity and analysis available
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Free of pesticides and heavy metals
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Sourced from hemp to ensure Zero THC or less than 0.3%
How Much CBD Should I Give My Cat?
Whenever deciding what dose to give your cat, make sure you understand the difference in ingestion route. When using CBD oil on the gums, the effects will be felt much faster due to the fact that the goal is to get the oil to be absorbed sublingually. When using treats as an ingestion route, the food must first be digested and will take longer to take effect. This is something to keep in mind if you also have a cat that does not like treats.
It is best to consult your veterinarian when ultimately figuring out the final dose to give your cat. They may also have some good recommendations on how your cat will respond to CBD as a treatment. There is a growing amount of research that has been shown to point to many positive effects found with CBD usage.
We have created a convenient chart for your reference if you are looking to start now. We recommend to always start low and work your way up in dose every time until you and your kitty find the results you are looking for. Make sure to stay within weigh parameters. Check out the Botanix Ltd. Pet Dosage Chart below:
OUR ADVICE: FOR CATS, START WITH 0.2MG FOR EVERY POUND OF BODY WEIGHT.
How Long Does CBD Take to Start Working?
When looking at the two major ingestion routes, sublingually and through oral digestion, there is quite a variance in how long it will take to effect your cat. When used as a sublingual oil, it should start to take effect in about 15 minutes. When ingested and then digested via treat, food or water, CBD will take 30-45 minutes to start working. Older cats or cats with slower digestion rates may take longer.
How Long Will CBD Effect My Cat?
There are many factors involved when it comes to dosage effect and length of time. These include how heavy your cat may be, their activity level, their genetics and what the ailment. The average time overall has been stated to last from 4-8 hours.
Author: A.J. Varela, Biologist
Date: 01/16/21