Cats are known for their independent nature, but just like humans, cats can suffer from anxiety. Fortunately, there are ways to help reduce your pet’s anxiety. One of the most promising methods is the use of CBD, or Cannabidiol, a natural substance derived from the cannabis plant. In this article, we will explore how CBD can help reduce anxiety in cats, as well as the potential risks and benefits associated with its use. We will also discuss the best ways to introduce CBD to your pet, and how to determine the right dosage for your cat. With the right knowledge and care, CBD can be a safe and effective way to help reduce your pet’s anxiety.
What are the potential side effects of using CBD for treating anxiety in cats?
Potential side effects of using CBD for treating anxiety in cats include restlessness, agitation, and increased heart rate. In rare cases, cats may also experience temporary vomiting or diarrhea. It is important to consult with a veterinarian prior to using CBD to treat anxiety in cats to ensure the product is safe and effective.
What are the benefits of using CBD to treat anxiety in cats?
CBD has been found to be an effective treatment for anxiety in cats, without the side effects of traditional anti-anxiety drugs. CBD can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats, allowing them to feel more relaxed and less anxious. CBD can also help cats with depression, as it has been found to have an antidepressant effect. Additionally, CBD is a natural, holistic, and non-toxic treatment for cats with anxiety, so it is a safer option than traditional medications.
Is CBD a safe option for treating anxiety in cats?
Yes, CBD is a safe option for treating anxiety in cats. Studies have found that CBD is effective in reducing anxiety in cats, as well as in promoting relaxation and calm behavior. Research also suggests that CBD can help improve overall quality of life in cats by reducing pain and improving mobility. Additionally, CBD is a natural alternative to traditional anxiety medications, which can often have harmful side effects.
How does CBD interact with a cat’s body to reduce anxiety?
CBD works with a cat’s body to reduce anxiety by interacting with its endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for regulating the body’s physiological processes, such as mood, inflammation, and appetite. By binding to special receptors in the ECS, CBD can help to reduce anxiety levels in cats. It does this by decreasing the amount of dopamine released, which has a calming effect on felines. Additionally, CBD can help to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol, allowing cats to remain relaxed and comfortable.
How can I tell if my cat is experiencing anxiety and if CBD might be a good option for treatment?
If your cat is displaying signs of anxiety, such as excessive meowing, hiding, pacing, destructive behavior, or aggression, it could be a sign of anxiety. Consulting with your vet to determine the cause of the anxiety and to determine if CBD might be a good option for treatment is a good first step. CBD can be used to help treat anxiety in cats, but it is important to discuss it with your vet first to determine the proper dosage and ensure it will be safe and effective.
We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Dogs and cats seem to be relaxing thanks to this compound found in marijuana, but the science so far is inconclusive. Ramon Ramirez was at the South by Southwest conference, chilling under the black tents of the Fader Fort, when a vendor handed him a small complimentary dose of CBD oil drops for pets. A few weeks after the show, Ramirez was on a trip with his dog Penny, who can get anxious on her bad days. He needed to leave her in a room for four hours or more. But given how nervous she gets during storms, that alone makes a big difference. A post shared by ZenPup thezenpup. Ramirez is not alone. Recently, it feels like everyone is exploring the potential of hemp for their pets, from edibles to topical creams. That figure is contextualized by The Nielsen Group , which found that three-quarters of CBD consumers are pet owners and that 24 percent of them use hemp for themselves, their animals, or both. Ramirez tells me that he absolutely has gotten high with Penny. The Washington Post notes that a number of high-profile celebrities have started to fold pet care CBD tinctures into their endorsement portfolio. Mike Tyson partnered with Cesar Milan, of The Dog Whisperer fame, for a line of cannabidiol pet treats , and , one of the great marijuana bands of all time, added a pet-specific CBD oil last December. The CBD revolution originated with the passage of the Farm Bill, which allowed companies to cultivate hemp on a mass scale while leaving further regulation up to individual states. Suddenly, CBD startups were popping up all over the country. Instead, advocates for the industry say that CBD can reduce chronic pain and assist with depression and anxiety. In fact, the only state that outright bans the possession of CBD products is Idaho. Compare that to cannabis, which can be lawfully used recreationally in only 17 states. The relaxing of those policies has led to a boom in CBD-centered businesses. According to Growth Market Reports, a billion-dollar cannabidiol industry is on the horizon, as a wave of investors attempts to get in on the feeding frenzy. Jen Weatherhead, the owner of ZenPup, is one of those newly converted entrepreneurs. Initially, Weatherhead believed Rooster to be a little eccentric then she discovered that he had crippling anxiety. So, she decided to see if Rooster could find the same relief. Sign up here. And so, in December , Weatherhead founded ZenPup, which advertises itself as a source for authenticated, ethically sourced CBD for pet owners across America. Every tincture, topical, or treat they sell comes with a Certificate of Analysis from the marijuana lab-testing firm Confident Cannabis, verifying that the product possesses no pesticides, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and perhaps most importantly, an infinitesimally tiny THC makeup. The ZenPup storefront reflects this highly Instagrammable wellness ethos. The homepage features an image of a white puppy kissing a scruffy millennial man with a beanie pulled just above his ears, the picture of pet and owner health and joy. Pet owners might be concerned about the chicken bones, chocolate, and macadamia nuts that their dog could accidentally scarf down. And there are proof points that it actually works. To date, there is still not a medical consensus about the efficacy of CBD for humans and animals alike, including whether the widespread claims about pain relief and blunted depression hold up to scientific truth. It is clear that CBD can be useful in regard to certain medical conditions last year, the FDA approved a CBD-derived treatment called Epiodelex which reduces seizures among those with rare forms of epilepsy but that remains the only authorized CBD medication in circulation. Mark Verdino, chief of veterinary staff at the North Shore Animal League America, tells me there have been CBD studies that reveal a potential impact on arthritis pain and anxiety, but there are others that show no tangible difference between the placebo group and the group that received the medication. We really need more objective studies. Still, Verdino tells me that his veterinarian practice has started stocking a CBD product because of how high demand has grown among his clients. If anything, as legalization continues to sweep the nation, more and more customers will be inquiring about hemp for their house pets. Ramon Ramirez is indifferent to the science because he is not necessarily a CBD believer. Ramirez recalls how two of his elderly cats passed away in the past year and the way he dosed them up with CBD down the stretch. He believed that it helped with their pain, no matter how true it was. You expect Dr. The appeal is more direct control in helping animals.