Can Cats Take CBD?

   If you’re a pet owner, chances are you are always looking for ways to improve the quality of life in your pet. Here at Organic Grit, we love our dogs, but what about our feline companions?

We love them too. In recent years the research on how CBD can support our cat friends has been increasing.

In this blog post we go over what the research indicates and if CBD is right for your furry friend.

Can a Cat Safely Take CBD?

   First: We always recommend talking to your veterinarian before giving your pets CBD as CBD may interact with other medications your pet is already taking and can lead to adverse side effects.

Cannabidiol, CBD, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in hemp and for the most is well-tolerated.

It’s important to be aware that our feline friends are not the size of their ancestors, i.e., the lions; cats are a lot smaller. When administering CBD, the serving size must be small, because a high dose of CBD can make your cat very tired and or have stomach troubles.

As stated above, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian to ensure the optimal amount of CBD for your cat.

   A final note about the safety on administering CBD to your cat: please do your research on the CBD products you use. Many companies do not test their products or have an FDA approved facility in which their extraction process takes place.

Here at Organic Grit, our laboratory tech partners work out of an FDA approved facility and our products are tested at a third party ISO certified lab in Colorado. Ensure you are giving the best quality of product to your best friend.

How Does CBD Work With Cats?

   CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in hemp, so bottom line is it will not get your cat high. All mammals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that help their bodies regulate appetite, mood, response to pain, and overall immune system function.

   In cats, just like humans, CBD binds to the endocannabinoid receptors in their ECS and begins work in creating a balance.

It’s also important to note that cats have few endocannabinoid receptors, so a higher dose maybe required to reach the potential benefits.

What Are the Potential Benefits of CBD for Cats?

   In recent years there has been a lot of research on the benefits of CBD with dogs, but the same research can used for our feline friends. It’s important to understand that CBD is not a cure for any medical issue. CBD can support in the below ways:

   Anxiety: We hate to see our cats anxious and pacing around, using the bathroom outside the litter box, causing havoc, or hiding. CBD may reduce the production of cortisol in our cats. Cortisol is responsible for triggering the flight-or-fight- response, and with it lowering can reduce the anxiety symptoms.

   Pain and Inflammation: CBD has been known to be a powerful anti-inflammatory tool. Recent research has indicated that CBD targets the vanilloid receptor in the brain, in turn decreasing the pain responses through desensitization of the overall receptor itself. Providing relief to pain and inflammation can restore mobility and improve your cats overall mood.

How Much Should CBD I Give My Cat?

   There is not official guidance from the FDA, which is why we stress that you communicate with your vet to ensure the optimal amount of CBD for your cat.  We recommend that you use from 1mg to 5mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of weight. Each cat is unique so start small and increase if necessary.

How to Administer CBD for My Cat?

   We recommend that you utilize a CBD oil tincture to provide CBD for your cat. You can put the CBD in their treats, food over even water bowl. Cats can be very picky eaters so it may require a bit of creativity to find the most optimal way to administer CBD to your cat. You can also drop the CBD dosage directly into their mouth if that’s easier.

The Bottom Line

   Exploring the potential benefits of CBD for our feline companions is a promising avenue for enhancing their quality of life.

Before introducing CBD, consulting with a veterinarian is crucial, as individual sensitivities and proper dosages vary. Brands like Organic Grit prioritize safety and quality, ensuring a trustworthy source.

CBD's interaction with the feline endocannabinoid system can address issues like anxiety and pain, promoting balance without causing intoxication. While not a cure, CBD offers supplementary support for a happier and more comfortable cat.

Finding the right CBD dosage requires a personalized approach, and creative methods like CBD oil tinctures can be used to administer it. By prioritizing caution, quality, and veterinary guidance, you can potentially make a positive impact on your cat's overall well-being.