CBD for Cats Can it Help?

CBD for Cats Can it Help?

The Benefits and Considerations of Using Cannabis Products for Cats

As a cat owner, you would do almost anything to alleviate your pet’s suffering. So, it’s no surprise that many are exploring the use of cannabis products to relieve their feline’s pain. With the increasing availability of cannabis for human use in an increasing number of states, some veterinarians and pet owners are turning to this alternative treatment option for their animal’s care. However, the use of cannabis in veterinary medicine is complex, given the patchwork of state and federal laws and the political history associated with cannabis use.

While some states have previously restricted veterinarians from discussing cannabis with their clients, these restrictions are easing. Nevada became the first state in 2021 to legalize the use of cannabinoids as a veterinary treatment, followed by Michigan, Utah, and California, which have laws explicitly allowing veterinarians to discuss and recommend CBD (cannabidiol). CBD is a compound derived from the cannabis plant that is commonly used to treat various cat illnesses, differentiating it from THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” in humans.

Veterinarians’ Concerns About Giving Cannabis to Your Cat

According to Dawn Boothe, a board-certified veterinary clinical pharmacologist and professor emeritus at Auburn University, the regulations surrounding cannabis use in veterinary medicine are confusing and evolving. She hopes that reason, rather than emotion, will guide the development of laws in this area. Adding to the uncertainty, the vast number of hemp-based CBD products available online lack regulatory oversight in both human and veterinary medicine. These products are not tested by the FDA, which means there is no trusted source for answering critical questions related to their quality, effectiveness, and safety for cats.

Which Cat Illnesses Might CBD Help With?

Despite the unresolved issues surrounding cannabis use in veterinary medicine, there is enough information available to suggest that CBD may offer relief for several troubling conditions in cats. According to Boothe, CBD shows potential for treating epilepsy, arthritis pain, cancer-related pain, maintaining appetite during illness, addressing behavior disorders, and alleviating chronic vomiting and gastrointestinal upset, especially in older cats. However, well-designed, controlled clinical trials specifically focused on feline subjects are still needed to provide more conclusive evidence.

CBD Often Used Alongside Traditional Veterinary Care

Trina Hazzah, a board-certified veterinary oncologist and Chinese herbal medicine expert, often recommends cannabis as a holistic treatment option for cats. She highlights the physiological and medicinal benefits of the numerous compounds found in cannabis, including over 700 compounds within the plant. Hazzah emphasizes that cannabis can help improve a sick cat’s quality of life and comfort, and it is commonly used alongside traditional veterinary care. It can enhance appetite, reduce nausea and pain, and lead to happier and more socially engaged cats, even when undergoing chemotherapy or other therapies. In 2020, Hazzah co-founded The Veterinary Cannabis Society, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that aims to raise awareness about using cannabis as medicine for pets and address legal issues surrounding its use.

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CBD Buyer Beware

When considering CBD for your cat, it is crucial to ensure you are getting the safest and highest-quality product. Talk to your vet about treatments that have undergone clinical trials or have scientific papers supporting their efficacy. Look for certificates of analysis from manufacturers, indicating that their products are free from pesticides and impurities. The National Animal Supplement Council may also provide some data on certain CBD products. However, it’s important to watch out for counterfeit products, as recent research has shown that many cannabis products are not accurately labeled regarding their active ingredients. The Veterinary Cannabis Society is working on establishing a seal-of-approval program for veterinary CBD products, but this initiative is still a few years away.

If I Get CBD for My Cat, How Do I Use It?

Administering any medicine to cats can be challenging, as most cat owners can attest. The same applies to CBD. There are various forms of CBD products marketed for pets, such as chews, oils, treats, and tinctures, each with a different method of CBD absorption. Tinctures, which mix CBD with an oil solution, provide a flexible option for determining the appropriate dosage for your cat, drop by drop. Once you establish the correct dose, you may opt for chews or treats with the same CBD dosage. The key is finding a form that you can successfully administer to your cat.

Is It Getting Easier to Get CBD Help for My Cat?

At recent American Veterinary Medical Association conferences, experts have discussed the therapeutic possibilities of cannabis-related compounds. Many veterinary professionals have clients who are eager for answers and solutions. Consequently, the influence of these professionals may help cat owners in states with strict cannabis restrictions by advocating for more research and consideration of alternative treatments.

CBD Is Not a Do-It-Yourself Prescription

While CBD products are generally safe, attempting to diagnose and prescribe treatments independently can be dangerous for cat owners. Certain cannabis compounds may interfere with existing health issues, such as heart problems. Boothe emphasizes the importance of not overlooking traditional therapies and potentially putting pets at risk in the pursuit of solely relying on CBD. Instead, she believes that combining CBD with existing therapies could yield the best results, holding promise for effective cat treatments.

In conclusion, cannabis products, particularly CBD, offer potential benefits for cats suffering from various conditions. However, it is essential to navigate the evolving legal landscape, exercise caution in selecting high-quality products, and ensure that CBD is used in conjunction with traditional veterinary care. While more research is needed to fully understand the efficacy and safety of cannabis for feline health, the increasing interest from veterinary professionals and the ongoing exploration of these alternative treatments provide hope for better support and care for our beloved furry friends.