Will CBD Calm My Cat?

With a wide variety of pet CBD products on the market, you may be wondering, will CBD calm my cat? Cats are often finicky creatures and experience stress and anxiety, leading to unpleasant behaviors like aggressiveness, hiding, and crying. 

Nervous behavior and anxiety in cats can be triggered for various reasons, including moving, separation from you, fireworks, trips to the vet, grooming, or the addition of new household members and pets. CBD is a natural solution that can help calm your cat, relieve stress-related symptoms, reduce pain, and improve overall wellness, similar to how CBD benefits humans. 

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many cannabinoids present in hemp and marijuana plants. CBD is a naturally occurring compound that is not psychoactive. When consumed, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to help regulate bodily functions like sleep, mood, and pain.

The highest concentration of CBD is found in the flowers and leaves of cannabis plants. It is extracted using various methods to create a concentrated product designed for ingestion or topical application. 

Is CBD Safe for Cats? 

Quality CBD is safe for both people and pets, cats included. In fact, many CBD products are designed specifically for pets. 

Humans and cats share the same cannabinoid system, so it is reasonable to deduce a similar bodily reaction will occur with the introduction of CBD. Currently, no studies explore the long-term effect of CBD on cats. However, a study conducted in 2019 showed that CBD is safe for short-term use in cats and dogs. Holistic vets also tend to agree and commonly suggest its use to treat common ailments found in pets.  

How Can CBD Benefit Cats? 

It is believed that CBD is beneficial for your cat’s overall health and wellness in many of the same ways it is for people. CBD can be used to calm cats, support their brain functioning and joint mobility, and help sustain their GI health. It may even contribute to a shinier coat. 

CBD can help your cat with:

• Anxiety caused by inclement weather or fireworks 
• Separation anxiety 
• Stress caused by travel 
• Hip and joint pain 
• Inflammation
• Seizures
• Issues associated with aging 
• Skin conditions

Keep in mind that while CBD can help relieve symptoms associated with various issues, it does not cure ailments.

What Kind of CBD Should You Give Your Cat?

Always choose quality full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD products for your pets, like Saving Grace’s Pet Care Formula. Some CBD isolate products may also be suitable, but a product with a spectrum of cannabinoids will provide optimal compounding effects for your cat. 

If your cat is taking other medications, always consult your vet before adding CBD to their diet. Additionally, only feed your feline friends hemp-derived CBD products because marijuana is not suitable for them.

How Much CBD Is Needed to Calm a Cat?

The correct CBD dosage for your cat depends on factors like age, diet, weight, and more. However, you can calculate a good baseline if you know your cat’s weight. 

As a general rule of thumb, a cat will benefit from ingesting one to five mg of CBD per 10 pounds of weight. Start with the lowest dosage and gauge your cat’s reaction to get the best results. If needed, gradually increase the dosage until your cat shows signs of relief and an improved mood overall. 

If you plan on making SBD a daily part of your cat’s diet, administer it once daily with their food. Or, cut the dosage in half and mix it into their food twice daily.

If you are wary of calculating your cat’s dosage by yourself, don’t hesitate to contact their vet. Holistic vets may be particularly helpful as they are likely to have previous experience giving cats CBD. 

How Long Until CBD Starts Working in Cats?

Most cats will start to experience the effects of ingesting CBD within 15 to 45 minutes. The benefits typically persist for anywhere from four to six hours, depending on their diet weight and individual body chemistry.  

When CBD products start working on your cat, you will likely notice a behavior change. Typical signs of CBD being effective include a boost in activity and playfulness, improved mood and the desire to interact with people and other pets, more snuggling and contentment, abandoning a hiding spot, or an end to crying.

Can CBD Have Any Negative Side Effects In Cats?

While it is unlikely, CBD could potentially have adverse side effects on cats, especially if consumed in high doses. Like with any supplement, CBD affects people and cats in various ways. 

For some cats, CBD can sedate or make them sluggish. It can also lead to gastrointestinal upset, nausea and vomiting, irritability, or a change in appetite. 

If you start to notice any adverse side effects in your cat after giving them CBD, reduce the dosage or eliminate it depending on the severity of the symptoms. 

Takeaway: CBD and Your Cat

Keeping your cat healthy and free from stress and unnecessary anxiety is most likely a top priority for you. Fortunately, CBD is a safe and effective treatment for cats that can help increase playfulness and improve your cat’s mood overall. It also may help with pain and other side effects caused by aging. 

Just remember to consult your vet before using CBD if your cat is on any other medication, only purchase quality products from a reliable source, and start with a low dosage. With any luck, your cat will feel better than ever in just a short time. Once you get the hang of your cat’s dosage, you may even be able to proactively prevent your cat’s anxiety from developing before the adverse side effects occur.

Contact one of our friendly and helpful Saving Grace representatives for advice on selecting the best CBD products for your specific needs. We are happy to answer any lingering questions and point you in the right direction. 

Will you be adding CBD to your cat’s diet? Let us know what you think in the comments below.