Fear is normal in animals. It’s an indicator that the animal is under emotional stress. Fear is usually accompanied by anxiety and this is often triggered by real, imagined, or expected danger. If your pet experiences fear frequently, then it may end up dealing with anxiety. An anxious cat will end up frequently meowing, engage in destructive behavior, practice excessive grooming, or even change its eating pattern. But it’s actually possible to treat anxiety with a product such as CBD. This article highlights CBD recommendations for anxious cats and what pet owners should consider.
How Does CBD Ease Anxiety in Cats?
CBD has potent anti-anxiety properties. Note that anxiety in cats could be due to underlying medical issues. It could also be due to the external environment. But regardless of the cause, this organic hemp extract can calm the mind and help ease pain and inflammation. Its therapeutic effects have lasting relaxing benefits and that lead to improved focus, memory, and good moods.
How to Administer CBD to an Anxious Cat
CBD is a versatile compound that exists in multiple forms. This means that as a pet parent, you have multiple options that you can choose from. Depending on your preferences and what your cat likes, here’s how you can administer CBD in an anxious cat:
- Direct ingestion: You simply administer the recommended CBD drops orally, preferably using a dropper.
- Mixing with food: This is the most common technique that most parents apply. Mixing the recommended dosage of CBD with their favorite food usually works better. The presence of CBD is normally camouflaged.
- Adding CBD to cat treats: It’s another simple technique that’s fairly similar to the previous one. all you need is to evenly spread a layer of CBD oil on the cat’s treats before you give them. Alternatively, you can add CBD oil while preparing to bake your treats.
- Putting CBD oil on the paws: This is one of the least common techniques. But if you have a delicious and tasty CBD oil product with the flavor that your cat likes, then it may work. simply apply some CBD on the cat’s paws and it will consume it when it licks the paws. However, this is a wasteful and messy technique that’s only suitable for extremely stubborn and fussy felines.
What’s the Best CBD Dosage for an Anxious Cat?
There isn’t a recommended universal dosage for CBD. As a result, most people usually start with trial and error. The goal is to give your cat a small dose of CBD and then increase the amount gradually until you find what’s effective in easing anxiety. Ideally, you should start with around 0.25 mg per pound of the cat’s body weight. This means that if your cat weighs 20 lbs., then the most ideal dosage would be 20 x 0.25 = 5 mg of CBD. But you are at liberty to increase the dosage by 1-3 mg daily until you find the best dosage.
Will CBD Make Your Cat High?
A lot of pet parents are sometimes reluctant to give their cats CBD products due to CBD’s cannabis profile. Well, CBD is not THC but rather a non-psychoactive compound that doesn’t alter the way the mind functions. Even though it has some association with the cannabis plant, it doesn’t contain the elements found in psychoactive THC.
So, giving your anxious cat such a product won’t make it high. Instead, your pet may end up experiencing a great level of mild relaxation. This is great for both mental and physical therapy.
Potential Side Effects of CBD in Cats
CBD is an organic compound with a good safety profile. However, this compound is known to produce different reactions in different users. For your cat, it has the potential of triggering mild side effects such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Licking
- Pacing and gagging
- Increased thirst
- Change in appetite
- Drooling or foaming
- Increased fatigue
- Pacing
Although these side effects are usually rare, moderate, and disastrous on their own, you should closely monitor your cat if it experiences one or more of these symptoms. If the symptoms persist, then you should discontinue use and seek immediate veterinary assistance.
Are CBD Products Legal?
CBD products are legal at the federal level. After the legalization of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD products from industrial hemp became legal in all 50 states in the US. These are products that contain less than 0.3% THC content. As a result, you don’t need a prescription to buy these products. so, you can buy your pet cat CBD without breaking the federal law.
However, not all states have fully implanted this law. This means that you need to be cautious before you decide to make purchases. Ensure that you have familiarized yourself with your state laws regarding the use and possession of CBD products.
The Bottom Line
There are many situations that can make your lovely cat anxious and nervous. It could be that it’s sick, you have another new pet, are moving houses, etc. All these issues can result in anxiety. However, sometimes it becomes difficult to deal with an anxious get, especially if it experiences the condition often.
That’s why you should consider using a safe and effective source of alternative medicine. CBD is a great all-natural solution that can help minimize the symptoms of anxiety in cats without extreme side effects. besides that, CBD products are affordable and ideal for long-lasting use.
CBD for Anxious Cat FAQs
Q: Can I Give My Cat CBD for Anxiety?
A: Yes, you can use CBD as an alternative source of medicine to treat anxiety in cats. This is because CBD products usually function just like other vitamin supplements. So, it will naturally interact with your cat’s endocannabinoid system to promote good general wellbeing.
Q: Is CBD Effective in Anxious Cats?
A: Yes, CBD can work effectively for cats dealing with anxiety. It activates the body’s receptors that are responsible for promoting a calmer and well-regulated mood. In fact, research shows that this organic compound provides better support for anxious kitties.
Q: What’s the Best Way to Give an Anxious Cat CBD?
A: Well, there are multiple techniques and it all depends on what will work for you and your furry friend. You can give your cat CBD oil in the form of a measured dropper. This also makes it easier for you to determine the desired dosage. However, if your cat is somehow picky or stubborn, you might consider giving them CBD treats or adding the CBD to their favorite food products.
Q: How Much CBD Content is Ideal for an Anxious Cat?
A: There isn’t a universal dosage recommendation for CBD for cats. This means that you might need to experiment and find what works for your cat. Typically, a 1-5 mg dose for a 10-pound cat would be great daily. However, you may increase the dose gradually until you find what works for you.
Q: Can I Give My Cat CBD for Anxiety Alongside other Medications?
A: NO, this isn’t recommended. CBD has the potential of interacting with other prescription medications. This may result in adverse side effects for your cat. For safety purposes, make sure that you first consult with your veterinarian.
