CBD has shown promising results in helping cats find relief from various issues, but it’s important for cat owners to have the right knowledge and make informed choices. Here are essential things to know about CBD for cats:
Benefits of CBD for Cats
CBD has been reported to provide several benefits for cats, including promoting calmness, improving mobility issues, relieving discomfort, reducing restlessness, and enhancing sleep quality. While CBD can be helpful, it’s important to note that it may not address all of your cat’s health concerns, as each cat is unique.
Consider Palatability for Cats
Cats are known for their picky eating habits, so it’s crucial to find a CBD product that is palatable to them. Look for feline-specific products from companies that specialize in pet products, as they often consider taste preferences and offer formulations tailored to cats’ needs.
Choose Cat-Specific Products
Avoid purchasing CBD products from brands that primarily sell human products and offer pet tinctures as a secondary product. These brands may not give sufficient attention to ingredient quality, flavoring, or proper administration methods for pets. Opt for brands dedicated to creating high-quality CBD products specifically for pets.
Opt for THC-Free Products
To ensure your cat doesn’t experience any psychoactive effects, choose CBD products that are THC-free. THC is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Keeping CBD products free from THC allows your cat to experience the therapeutic benefits without any intoxicating effects.
Look for Credible Credentials
When purchasing CBD for your cat, it’s essential to buy from a reputable source. Consider the following factors to assess the credibility of a CBD product:
- Third-Party Certifications: Look for products that have been tested by independent laboratories. These certifications ensure that the product contains the stated amounts of CBD and other cannabinoids (CBG, CBN) without any misleading claims.
- National Animal Council Certification (NASC): NASC certification verifies that the company adheres to appropriate manufacturing processes and refrains from making false claims about their product’s benefits for pets.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): Check for COAs to ensure the absence of harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, or herbicides in the CBD product.
- Shelf Life and Stability Tests: The packaging or website should provide information about shelf life and stability tests. This ensures that the CBD remains active and effective, maximizing its benefits for your cat.
- Avoid Products Labeled as “Treats”: CBD is not approved as a food additive. While CBD can be sold as a chew, it should not be marketed as a treat.
Proper CBD Dosage for Cats
It’s recommended to choose a CBD product with a high concentration of CBD and CBG, ideally containing at least 200 mg of CBD/CBG. The initial dosage is typically 1 mg of CBD/CBG per kilogram of the cat’s weight for the first seven days, followed by a maintenance dose of 0.5 mg per kilogram. However, each cat may respond differently, so individual adjustments may be necessary.
Administer CBD Twice a Day
CBD and CBG are not easily absorbed by the intestinal tract, with only a small percentage entering the bloodstream. To achieve optimal results, choose a product that suggests administering CBD twice a day, considering their short half-life of around four hours.
Precision Measuring with Oral Syringe
To ensure accurate dosing, use a CBD product that can be administered with an oral syringe. Tincture droppers may not provide precise measurements for CBD administration.
By understanding these key points and selecting high-quality CBD products specifically designed for cats, you can enhance your feline friend’s well-being and potentially alleviate certain health issues. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing CBD into your cat’s routine.