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View 2 More +When you think about everything a good cat owner should do for their pet, taking care of their health is at the top of the list. You want to ensure that your feline is fed high-quality food, has plenty of clean water, visits their vet regularly, lives in an enriched environment, and is given lots of love and attention. You also want to make sure that your cat gets exercise and play time. You want to give your cat the best life!
However, there can be times when your cat is experiencing discomfort or stress and you want to try different methods to alleviate it. Some cat owners may consider giving their felines CBD oil for various issues their pets experience. Hearing “CBD oil” may raise some questions and concerns among cat owners since giving cats CBD oil is not very common. However, more people are keen to learn about the oil’s benefits for their cats. This article will give you more information about CBD oil and the five best ways to administer it.
Please note: The FDA has not yet approved the use of CBD or any other hemp-containing products in animals to treat any ailment. If you plan to administer CBD to your pet, you should consult with a veterinarian before doing so.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD (cannabidiol) oil is a substance found in the cannabis plant. CBD is different to the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC, the main component in marijuana that gives people a “high” or psychoactive reaction. However, as THC is toxic to cats, CBD products should be free from this component.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved one product for human use containing CBD, and it is prescribed to treat certain types of seizures. On the other hand, many people take CBD oil to help reduce anxiety, pain, and insomnia. CBD products are legal to manufacture and distribute in 47 out of 50 states as long as it is derived from hemp that contains no more than 0.3% THC.
Can CBD Oil Be Beneficial to Cats?
While there are some early studies and promising reports, there is still not enough scientific evidence to confirm the benefits of CBD oil for cats or to determine a safe and effective therapeutic dose. Research is ongoing, but for now, most of what we know comes from anecdotal experiences and studies in other species. CBD oil has the potential to help cats with ailments that people experience, such as stress, anxiety, and pain from inflammation. However, it is important to know that CBD oil is not a cure for illnesses or physical pains. CBD oil should not replace medical treatments from a vet, but may provide additional benefits.
How to Give CBD Oil to Your Cat
Once you have consulted with a vet about your cat and found the right CBD oil product to try, you want to ensure you correctly administer the oil. Like many medications and supplements, the amount given is based on body weight. A small cat will need less CBD oil than a larger cat. After you know the dosage recommended by the manufacturer and confirmed by your vet, try out one of these five methods to administer the oil.
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- Put the oil in their empty food bowl. Sardine-based CBD oil is quite appealing to cats, so all you might need to do is put the drops in their empty food bowl. Most cats will lick the bowl clean!
- Add the CBD oil to a bit of food. If the oil is coconut-based, some cats might not like the taste of coconut oil on its own. Add the dosage to a small amount of food or tuna juice. CBD oil is more effective on an empty stomach, so only mix it with a small amount of food or tuna juice.
- Add the CBD oil to some cat treats. Cat treats are small enough that they will not reduce the effects of CBD oil. Try putting the oil on your cat’s favorite snack. There are even CBD-infused treats that you can use as a way to give your cat CBD easily.
- Put some of the oil on their paws. Cats pride themselves on staying clean. If the CBD oil is put on their paws, cats will naturally want to lick it off.
- Directly feed it to the cat. Depending on the oil, your cat might lick it off the dropper when presented to them. This is an easy way to give your cat the oil, but you want to be aware of how much they are licking when doing this method. Or you can put the dosage into your hand and let the cat lick it. Avoid forcing the dropper into your cat’s mouth.
Conclusion
CBD oil may offer comfort and stress relief for some cats, especially when used as a complementary option under your veterinarian’s guidance. However, it’s important to remember that scientific research is still limited, and CBD oil is not an approved treatment for any feline health condition. Every cat is different, and what works for one may not work for another.
If you’re considering trying CBD oil, always consult your vet first, choose a reputable product, and start with a small amount. Used responsibly, it may support your cat’s overall well-being, just be sure to approach it with care, patience, and professional advice.
See Also:
- CBD Oil for Cats: What it Is, What It Isn’t & How It Works (Vet Answer)
- Rare Cannabinoid Company Hawaiian Choice Pet CBD Oil Review: A Detailed Look
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
