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You or someone you know probably uses hemp-derived wellness products. They’ve gained the favor of many people who gravitate towards natural wellness. In many cases, it’s ideal to use something natural to support your wellbeing. Many doctors support their patients’ desire to use CBD or other hemp products as a part of their daily routine.
Now, there are hemp products for pets, too. Your cat’s ability to utilize the goodness of hemp is very similar to your own ability. Therefore, it seems logical to conclude that your cat would experience many of the same benefits that people experience from hemp.
Before you add hemp oil to your cat’s wellness routine, there are a few things you should know. You should also have a conversation with your cat’s vet about the potential pros and cons of that decision.
There are two types of hemp products on the market. Products made with hemp seed oil alone impart different benefits than products made with full-spectrum hemp oil, or CBD.
Hemp seed oil is made from the seeds of the hemp plant. The seeds do not contain any CBD, and will not impart any of the same benefits. Hemp seed oil is a healthy source of dietary fat, rich with omega 3 fats that can help to support your cat’s joint and skin health. Hemp seed protein is a vegan source of protein that’s much better for people than animals.
Hemp oil products also containing CBD offer the benefits of the hemp plant. These products are made by extracting the essence of the green parts of the hemp plant after it reaches full maturity. This type of hemp is the kind commonly used as a wellness supplement.
Many people have reservations about using CBD for themselves or for their pets because they fear that CBD is intoxicating. Hemp is technically cannabis, and most people associate cannabis with mind-altering properties.
The cannabinoid in cannabis that gets you high is THC. CBD serves an entirely different set of effects. Hemp plants are a type of cannabis plant that contain less than 0.3% THC by their dry weight. There isn’t enough THC in hemp to get you or your pet high, even if you were to use CBD oil products in large doses.
CBD’s effects on animals are still being studied. While researchers don’t yet have a clear understanding of the full scope of CBD’s potential benefits for animals, most experts agree that CBD supplementation at a weight-appropriate dosage is generally safe for most pets.
That said, CBD oil products can affect the way certain medications are absorbed and utilized by the body. If your cat is on medications, you shouldn’t give them CBD until you’ve spoken to your vet.
CBD extract can provide a significant number of wellness benefits for your cat. Adult cats can benefit from the use of CBD on a daily basis. Stressed cats may benefit more from the occasional use of CBD when they’re unhappy.
Cats are usually great at self-soothing. They’re very confident animals that feel secure when they’re allowed to indulge in their regular routines. When their routine gets turned on its head, cats typically don’t respond well.
Thunderstorms, car rides, moving, introducing a new pet or a new baby into the home, construction or renovation, or family gatherings may be stressful for your cat. Nothing is wrong, dangerous, or harmful in these scenarios, but it’s very difficult to explain to your cat that everything’s going to be okay.
CBD can help to soothe stressed cats. Its calming effects can ease emotional tension your cat may experience when their lives are disrupted and they don’t understand why — it’s called environmental stress, and CBD can help.
Many older cats will experience issues with joint mobility. Although it’s normal for older cats to sleep for about 20 hours a day, the few hours they are up and active are crucial for their health. Achy joints may be discouraging your older cat from being playful, birdwatching through the windows, or spending time with your other pets, but CBD extract can help to support your cat’s joint health, encouraging them to act a little more like their old selves.
CBD’s antioxidant and neuroprotective properties may help to support brain health in cats. This benefit is most useful for older cats. You want your feline playmate to remain sharp and vital into their older years, and play sessions and friendships are important for this throughout your cat’s life.
Your cat’s gastrointestinal system is full of cannabinoid receptors. CBD can supply these receptors with the cannabinoids they need to promote optimal digestive functioning. Proper GI functioning is crucial for the health and wellbeing of your cat. A proper diet and plenty of exercise will do the bulk of the heavy lifting in this department. Think of CBD as a complementary addition to your cat’s wellness routine.
Although CBD boasts more pros than cons for your cat, there are a few things you should consider before incorporating CBD into your cat’s wellness routine.
CBD is highly concentrated, and drops should be administered according to your cat’s weight. One dose every 12 hours for regular supplementation is sufficient. A single dose to combat the effects of environmental stress should be sufficient but may be repeated again 12 hours later if the source of the stress hasn’t resolved.
If your cat gets CBD too frequently, your cat will also be getting the carrier oil too frequently. VETCBD Hemp uses organic extra virgin olive oil as the carrier base for our CBD. While this oil isn’t harmful to your pet, excessive consumption of any oil may cause diarrhea or an upset stomach.
To avoid this potential side effect, only administer the proper dosage of CBD when necessary. If only one member of the household is responsible for giving the cat CBD, this will reduce the risk that your cat inadvertently ingests too much.
If your cat is currently taking medications, whether they’re temporary or long-term, prescription or supplement — do not administer CBD to your cat without consulting your vet first. CBD extracts can affect the way some medications are utilized or absorbed by your cat.
If you’re interested in using CBD for your cat, the first thing you should do is speak to your veterinarian. CBD shouldn’t be used in place of proper veterinary care, but as a complementary part of a holistic wellness plan.
We created our CBD products specifically for your pets. They’re made with American grown hemp, triple lab tested for safety and purity, and easy to administer to your pet. If CBD is the right choice for your cat, our CBD is the best choice for your cat.
Sources:
Should I give fish oil to my pet? | Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University
FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD) | FDA
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Due to state laws, we are unable to ship product to Idaho, Kansas, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
VetCBD products are made using hemp containing less than 0.3% THC.
