CBD for Cats with Anxiety
Cats are pretty independent creatures though they might also develop anxiety. However, over time they have evolved and become more emotional. As a result, cats can develop a pretty strong bond with their human companions. Unfortunately, it means that they are also prone to anxiety.
Though they might not speak, they express their anxiety through altered behavior. In most cases, anxiety can be resolved by giving greater attention to cats. However, sometimes, quite like humans, they need some extra help.
Fortunately, many natural remedies that work for humans are also good and effective for cats. Natural remedies like CBD are preferred due to their better safety profile and subtle effect.
CBD for Anxiety in Cats
People have been using CBD for cats for some time now, and there is some clinical research to confirm that it works. It appears that cats also have an endocannabinoid system, and thus CBD works in cats similarly to humans.
One should preferably use THC-free CBD products in cats, as THC may cause unexpected effects. Thus, it is better to use CBD isolate-based products in cats.
Cat Anxiety Symptoms
Though any cat may develop anxiety symptoms, but experience shows that adopted cats are more prone to such issues. Some cats are inherently more emotional, and thus they are more likely to be affected by even short-term separation.
Some of the symptoms of anxiety that cats may show are:
- Changes in appetite
- Significant change in behavior
- Excessive grooming
- Excessive attention-seeking behavior
- Hiding away
- Defecating or urinating in an unusual manner
- Destructive behavior like scratching or chewing things
Generally, comforting your cat may help relieve anxiety. However, in some cases, symptoms may worsen and may need some extra effort or even require treatment.
What Causes Anxiety in Cats?
There could be many causes of anxiety in cats, though identifying the cause may not be possible in all cases. Moreover, it is worth understanding that all cats differ genetically and in their early life experiences. Thus, some cats are more prone to anxiety than others. For example, adopted cats are more likely to develop anxiety.
Generally, pets develop quite a strong emotional bond with their human companions, and thus separation is often the leading cause of anxiety. This separation could be due to going on holidays, or some other reasons like a human companion start working longer hours.
Sometimes the introduction of a new pet may also cause anxiety. Other causes could be changes in environment like moving to a new house.
Additionally, some unidentified health issues in a cat may also cause anxiety. That is why it is essential to visit a veterinarian if one observes any behavioral changes in their pets.
In rare cases, anxiety or emotional changes in human companions may also affect the behavior of pets, causing anxiety. Pets like cats and dogs are known to be very sensitive and have the ability to sense emotional changes in their human companions.
How to Cure Cat Anxiety
When it comes to treatment, medications are not an option. Many commonly used antianxiety drugs may be safe for humans, but they might be highly toxic for other mammals. Moreover, there are not enough safety studies regarding antianxiety medications in pets.
Thus, the best bet is natural remedies when it comes to curing anxiety. One should start by making changes to the environment so that cat starts feeling more comfortable. Identifying the cause of anxiety and taking action to overcome those issues can also help.
Another way to manage anxiety in cats is to consider natural remedies. There are many herbals that are quite good for controlling anxiety, like Valerian root extract and CBD. Valerian root may be given along with CBD in more severe cases.
When it comes to CBD, it is among the emerging new treatments for anxiety in pets. There are few studies that indicate that CBD is safe and effective. It may not only help reduce anxiety but may also help by reducing pain and inflammation and improving sleep quality in companion animals. Many of these effects are now supported by clinical studies in companion animals.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol. It is one of the more than 400 cannabinoids identified in the cannabis plant. CBD is among the most abundant and well-studied cannabinoids. Studies in CBD have been a game-changer, as they proved that THC-free extracts of the cannabis plant do not cause high and have many beneficial health effects.
It is now well known that euphoria or high caused by marijuana or cannabis is due to THC. However, there are wide varieties of the cannabis plant or hemp plant that are naturally low in THC.
CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant varieties that are legally cultivated and naturally low in THC. Manufacturers generally extract it using techniques like using supercritical CO2 or hydrocarbon gases like butane.
Research shows that CBD works by influencing the so-called endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is a network of receptors present throughout the body. It appears that CBD also works by affecting other receptors in the brain and other body tissues.
CBD is so effective that there are already some CBD-based approved medications. These medications can help in many severe conditions like resistant epilepsy. However, CBD is more commonly used as a food supplement to overcome less severe health issues like mild anxiety, pain, inflammation, and more.
Side Effects of CBD Oil
Studies show that CBD is quite safe for use in pets. As the use of CBD is increasing in pets, researchers are also paying greater attention to safety studies. For example, in one of the recent safety studies published in the journal Animals, researchers found that a high dose of 2 mg/kg twice daily for 12 weeks was relatively safe in cats and dogs and did not cause any severe side effects.
The study also found that cats metabolize CBD differently than dogs and generally have lower serum levels of CBD. However, prolonged use of CBD at higher dosages may cause issues like excessive licking, shaking of the head, and other minor problems.
CBD Oil for Cats
When it comes to cats, to most commonly recommended dosage of CBD oil is 2-4 mg per 10 pounds of body weight. However, studies show that one can safely increase the dosage to as much as 10 mg per 10 pounds of body weight.
Generally, giving CBD oil to cats on an empty stomach is a good idea. However, the best way of giving CBD oil to cats is by mixing it with some food items, as a sublingual dosage is not possible, and it may irritate the cat.
If you are into animal health products or want to the extent your offering of CBD range of products, you can contact us. Our team of experts can help you create a range of CBD-based animal health products.
