Cannabidiol (CBD) oil for a feline is relatively new, with minimal clinical studies on the kitty. The substance derives from the species of the cannabis plant offering minimal amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component responsible for the “high” with marijuana.
CBD appears as non-addictive with no intoxicating traits. It is not marijuana, nor are the products sold on the market marijuana based. The compound comes from the hemp species (flowers) of the cannabis plant. CBD oil is not the same as hemp oil, which derives from the stem.
The hemp oil has minimal cannabinoids. Hemp seed oil is another variation that comes from the seeds of the hemp species with no CBD. Cannabidiol offers no THC.
The oils in the cat product lines offer a high concentration of cannabidiol with therapeutic properties beneficial for overall wellness. Read here for guidance on whether you should give your kitty cannabidiol.
Understanding the variations will ensure you get the quality products necessary to meet the goals you hope for your cat’s well-being.
The Use Of CBD Oil For Cats
The demand for CBD oil for people has grown significantly over the years for help in maintaining a sense of wellness.
Because the compound works comparable among the mammalian population with the same cannabinoid receptors, it stands to reason other species would enjoy advantages from receiving the substance also.
Word-of-mount throughout the pet community created a desire for more pet parents to test the products for themselves with positive reports. The draw is the fact that CBD for cats is non-toxic, all-natural, and safe for felines considering their tendency for gastrointestinal disorders.
People and dogs have the capacity to consume a variety of things that deem toxic to a cat. The cannabidiol products on the market contain trace to no THC. Cats are particularly sensitive to this cannabinoid more so than most animals, with the potential for serious adverse reactions.
That makes it critical for pet parents to ensure the products they buy have confirmation with certification as having only trace or no THC and no other toxins in the ingredients. Without regulations in place, subpar quality can mean contaminants and harmful chemicals, leading to illness for your pet.
Full Spectrum Or Isolate CBD
You would imagine that a cat should consume an isolate CBD so that it’s a pure substance containing only cannabidiol and nothing else due to their tendency towards stomach upset.
The recommendation, however, is for full-spectrum products because of the beneficial components aside from the cannabidiol adding to the overall relief. The various elements enhance each other’s properties making the oil overall more effective for the feline.
- Terpenes: These are in many plants aside from cannabis, providing a fragrant oil for the different strains, each unique to itself. Terpenes have properties of their own, helping to enhance those of the other elements when put in combination.
- Flavonoids: “Phytonutrients” are responsible for the colors of vegetables and fruits, but these provide immune support, battle inflammation, and work also as a potent antioxidant. Flavonoids are also beneficial for cardiovascular and neurodegenerative ailments.
- Cannabinoids: There are other cannabinoids in the full spectrum oil that work cohesively with the CBD cannabinoid to compliment it and make the compound more effective. These include CBC, CBG, and CBDA.
Choices for the administration of full-spectrum products range from tinctures/oils, topicals, edibles, but the most preferred for kitty will likely be the CBD-infused treats.
It’s wise to shop for organic products so that there is no chance for any toxins that might be possible for non-organic choices. The organic products will often be dairy and gluten-free for optimum kitty health.
To make sure you’re getting the very best in ingredients, look for third-party lab testing results from the supplier. Most reputable brands will publicize these. If not made public, these carriers will produce the certification if requested by the consumer. If it becomes a challenge to receive the information, move to a different brand.
A quality supplier will have no problem with being transparent with any concerns or questions from a potential customer. And as a pet parent, there should be many before you introduce a new substance for your cat. Go here https://www.cannabisplace.com.au/learn/medicinal-cannabis-for-animals for the fundamentals of cannabis and all things related for your cat.
Final Thought
CBD oil is an increasingly popular choice for pet parents, especially those with cats. Though there are very few clinical studies for the species, anecdotal claims and holistic vet reports show positive results with felines. It’s one of the few substances a cat can tolerate in an effort to relieve discomfort and improve health and wellness.
For your cat to benefit the most from cannabidiol, it’s wise to research for the highest quality, full-spectrum products instead of introducing an isolate. Pure CBD, with CBD as the only ingredient, deprives your pet of the benefit of all the other elements of the plant. Those components work cohesively with the CBD helping to enhance the effect of the cannabinoids.
In attempting to find the best products, it’s wise to employ the assistance of the animal’s vet, who will have the knowledge and experience to help locate quality brands. In cases where the vet is unable to discuss CBD, online sites are exceptionally beneficial in guiding consumers to the best pet products.
Each cat is different. Some will do very well with CBD oil, but some might not. It’s essential to be consistent in order to get the true effect.
