The information is up to date and based on the latest veterinary research.
learn more ”
CBD oil is gaining a lot of attention and momentum in the human medical field. This “medical marijuana” is being used to treat chronic pain, anxiety, skin conditions, migraines, dementia, and other ailments. With the prevalence of CBD oil in human medicine, interest is also growing in the veterinary field. As a veterinarian, I have certainly seen an increase in cat owners asking questions about this amazing oil.
Can CBD oil be used on pets? Is it safe? Does it work? Will it get my pet high? The short answer is probably it works and probably is safe, but more research is needed. Read on to find out more.
What is CBD oil?
The key difference between marijuana and CBD oil is the THC content. THC is just one of the active chemicals in the cannabis plant, but it is the psychoactive chemical. In other words, it's what gets you “high.”
Cannabidiol is another active chemical produced by the cannabis plant, but it is not psychoactive and does not produce the same high as THC. Cannabidiol is the main component of CBD oil.
Photo credit: OMfotovideocontent, Shutterstock
How does CBD oil work?
Cats, like humans, have an endocannabinoid system in their brains. Neurons are the cells that make up the nerves and brain, and they contain endocannabinoid receptors. These receptors are “activated” by THC, producing its psychoactive effects.
These receptors can also be activated by cannabidiol, the main component of CBD oil, which can produce a variety of other potentially positive effects.
How can I give CBD oil to my cat?
CBD oil is administered orally two to three times a day. It can be given directly to the mouth or mixed into food. Some owners claim that you can rub the oil in your cat's ears, but this is unlikely to be effective, so it is best given orally. Only administer as advised by your veterinarian.
When you first start giving your cat CBD oil, monitor him closely for any signs of vomiting, diarrhea, sedation, restlessness, etc. If you miss a dose, resume the regular dosage at the next scheduled dose rather than giving a “double dose.”
Image credit: Pixabay
Potential Uses of CBD Oil
Because the endocannabinoid system is located in the brain, most of the use of CBD oil in cats is related to pain and neurological disorders.
Examples include:
Inflammation. CBD oil may be effective in reducing inflammation when used in conjunction with common anti-inflammatory medications. Chronic pain from osteoarthritis. This is perhaps the most well-studied and understood use of CBD oil in pets. Seizures and epilepsy. Although more research is needed, CBD oil may be able to reduce dependency on and dosage of common anticonvulsants. Anxiety. Cats suffering from anxiety, chronic stress, and other behavioral disorders may benefit from CBD oil. Nausea reduction. CBD oil may help ease nausea in cats. Appetite enhancement. For cats that won't eat for any reason, CBD oil may help stimulate appetite. Cancer. There are some anecdotal case reports of various tumors in pets being shrunk by CBD oil.
Potential downsides of CBD oil
Photo credit: Julia-Cherk, Shutterstock
CBD oil is never a substitute for proper veterinary care. If you think your cat may benefit from CBD oil, consult with your veterinarian to discuss the use of this medication. Do not purchase CBD oil online and begin administering it without your veterinarian's advice. CBD oil is generally considered safe, but there are some potential drawbacks to consider.
There are no FDA approved CBD oil products for cats. Dosage depends on your cat's age, weight, condition, and tolerance. Quality control varies, and many products are not third-party tested for purity and potency. THC content should be very low or zero. Cats can get “high” and become very ill when they ingest THC. Vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea are all possible side effects. There is a lack of research supporting the use of CBD oil for cats. Drug interactions. If your cat is taking other medications, CBD oil may interfere with the absorption or metabolism of these medications.
Conclusion
CBD oil appears to be a promising plant-based medicine with a variety of benefits. Its use in managing arthritis and chronic pain in dogs is fairly well understood. It also appears to be of great benefit to arthritic cats. More research is needed on the use of CBD oil for seizures, anxiety, cancer, and skin conditions in pets.
Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before beginning an oral CBD oil regimen and using pet products. While it may not be the miracle oil that some claim it is, CBD oil may become popular as a useful tool in a comprehensive treatment plan for cats.
Featured image credit: Lightcube, Shutterstock
