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The secret is out. With medicinal applications for anxiety, PTSD, arthritis, cancer, and a number of other conditions, CBD infused products are more popular than ever. The pain relieving, anti-inflammatory component derived from hemp has been life-changing for a myriad of people, and we’re still discovering new uses for CBD, also known as cannabidiol, all the while. As we continue to research CBD and how it works, it’s natural to start wondering if it can be used to help out the furrier members of our families as well.
CBD Oil and the Human Body
If you’re unfamiliar with how CBD is currently used by humans, it’s important to go over a few basics first to get a better understanding of what it is and what it does. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive effects and will not get you high. Instead, its primary purpose is to be used to treat a variety of health issues. CBD is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever with relaxing properties, making it extremely useful in several situations.
CBD infused products can be ingested, inhaled, or even applied topically in a lotion or ointment, depending on your needs.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Cats?
Of course, there are plenty of things humans enjoy that should be kept off-limits to our feline friends. Many people tout the benefits of a daily glass of red wine for heart health, but it doesn’t take a licensed vet to know that the same does not apply to cats. So, what of CBD oil? Is it possible to safely use cannabis oil for cats?
As it turns out, the processes that occur in the human body when CBD is introduced are the same in cats. CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which is a network of receptors found in most mammals. CBD achieves the desired effects by influencing those receptors, which go on to affect a variety of other biological systems in the body. This results in the medical benefits described earlier.
What Benefits do Cats Get from Cat Hemp Treats?
While cats are unable to tell us when they’re experiencing pain and discomfort, there are several common health problems our feline companions tend to experience. Fortunately, most of these ailments respond well to CBD, granting you the opportunity to provide your cat with some much-needed relief.
Here are some common health issues for cats and areas that CBD can improve:
1) Arthritis and Joint Pain
It’s an unfortunate fact that most cats will experience arthritis at some point in their lives. As a result, they will have chronic pain, decreased mobility, and an overall unpleasant experience. Not only can CBD help with pain relief, but its powerful anti-inflammatory properties can also reduce inflammation of the joints, effectively mitigating the condition.
2) Epilepsy and Seizures
Cats can also experience epilepsy and epilepsy-related seizures, similar to humans. While there is still much research being done in the area, studies show that the calming effects of CBD apply to seizures as well. In fact, CBD has been shown to reduce the frequency of seizures by as much as 45%.
3) Cancer and Chemotherapy Symptoms
The benefits of CBD when it comes to cancer are twofold. First of all, it promotes homeostasis in the body, which helps to regulate your body functions and interrupts the growth of cancer cells. Once the cancer has progressed to the level of requiring more powerful treatment, such as chemotherapy, CBD can help combat symptoms of nausea and pain.
4) Stress and Anxiety
You might think of stress and anxiety as more of a people problem, but that’s simply not true: cats can struggle with mental health issues as well. Stress triggers can include sudden changes to the environment, negative experiences with strangers, the introduction of a new animal into their space, among a number of other things. Cats experiencing stress and anxiety might exhibit sudden behavioral issues or poor eating habits.
Using CBD for cats’ anxiety works because CBD moderates’ hormones and receptors in charge of mood regulation, helping combat those negative feelings.
5) Symptom Management
Some ailments require surgery or medical treatment from your vet. These can lead to a decrease in appetite, mood disorders, and loss of energy, all of which can be addressed with CBD.
6) General Health
Finally, there’s no need for your cat to be in poor health to reap the benefits of CBD cat treats. CBD oil can lead to a noticeable improvement in the condition of your cat’s coat and skin, in addition to several other benefits.
Are There Any Side Effects to Giving Your Cat CBD?
The most common side effect of CBD is lethargy. When CBD cat treats are first introduced into your pet’s diet, you may notice longer naps and overall sleepiness throughout the day. If these symptoms don’t subside, the solution is to simply reduce the amount of CBD they are given.
More serious side effects are extremely rare and fortunately very mild. These include anxiety, nausea, and changes in appetite. If you notice any of the above, simply hold off on continuing your cat’s CBD treatment until you’ve had a chance to talk to your vet.
Where to Buy Edibles for Cats
It is incredibly rare to find something with no real downsides, but CBD oil for cats is it. It’s safe for consumption, does not pose any danger of overdosing, and can be used for general health, prevention of health issues, and in treatment of existing conditions. Whether your needs involve using hemp oil for cats’ anxiety, pain, or wellness, the answer is clear. The next step? Convincing the cat.
Anyone who has ever tried to feed their cat a much-needed pill can attest to the fact that cats aren’t always the most easy-going patients. Luckily, there are options. We suggest CBD cat treats by MediPets CBD. Offered in multiple flavors, these are a great way to convince your cat that “medicine time” isn’t a punishment, it’s a reward.
Stop fighting with your cat and start spoiling them instead; order your very own cat hemp treats today!
More of a Dog Lover? Read our blog post about CBD for Dogs: CBD Dog Treats – Do They Work?
