Senior cats can greatly benefit from CBD through the alleviation of common conditions, promotion of activity, increased comfort, and reduction of pain and inflammation. It is easy and safe to use without any psychoactive effects, making it increasingly popular with cat owners! In this article, we outline all you need to know about CBD and how it can help your senior cat live their most fulfilling life.
Are CBD Cat Treats Safe?
The first question most cat owners want to be answered is if CBD cat treats are safe for their senior cats. Because of this, we want to assure your right away that CBD at the right dose is absolutely a safe, effective, and holistic option for cats.
CBD oil will not make your cat high. This popular misconception is due to the hemp plant being a cousin to the Marijuana plant most people are familiar with. However, hemp plants are purposefully cultivated to have a minute, legal limits of THC in them so there is not enough of the THC cannabinoid to produce psychoactive effects.
While many veterinarians agree that CBD for cats is safe, you can always consult with yours or speak to one specializing in holistic practices for greater peace of mind!
Is CBD Legal?
CBD is federally legal in the United States of America! This means you can legally buy and keep CBD in any US state.
How Does CBD Work for Cats?
CBD works to improve cats’ health and mood by improving the function of their Endocannabinoid system (ECS).
A helpful comparison is what occurs when a vitamin is taken. For example, when you take a Vitamin D vitamin the body responds positively as its natural supply of vitamin D is increased which in turn boosts the immune system and creates strength in the muscles and bones.
When CBD is given to a cat, it increases the supply of cannabinoids in the body’s endocannabinoid system, providing the benefits of improved mood, decreased inflammation, pain relief, and more.
What is the Best CBD Oil for Cats?
Purity and transparency should be of the utmost importance to any company selling CBD for cats. To choose the best CBD oil for cats you want to find a full spectrum, USDA Organic certified CBD oil with lab tests available.
You also want to pay close attention to the other ingredients in your CBD bottle for cats. Be sure that there are no additives or artificial ingredients contained in the product. Often, pet or human CBD is mixed with coconut oil to act as a carrier oil for the CBD. However, cats have difficulty processing the fatty acids that coconut oil contains. For this reason, try to find a CBD oil that uses Safflower Oil (like Suzie’s uses) or any other lighter carrier oil.
At this point in the progression of the CBD market, it is commonly known that full-spectrum CBD oil provides the best results thanks to the entourage effect. You can verify this with this Healthline article, peer reviewed study, or this article written by Martin A Lee (the co-founder of the Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting Group). We recommend choosing a full spectrum product for the best quality and results for your cat.
Keeping Senior Cats Active
Senior cats are going to slow down as they age to adjust to their internal changes. However, exercise for senior pets is crucial to keep their bodies and minds at their strongest while also keeping a healthy weight.
Often, discomfort, inflammation, and pain can get in the way of wanting to exercise. These symptoms can be part of natural aging or chronic conditions brought on by age. CBD can provide relief from discomfort, reduce pain, lessen inflammation and boost moods to get your senior cat feeling ready to play.
Gentle Pain Relief
NSAIDs are helpful and even necessary in certain situations. However, prolonged use can be harsh on a cat’s body. This can be especially true with older cats whose bodies may be a little less resilient than they once were. For this reason, CBD is a fantastic pain relief option for senior cats. CBD provides quick and effective pain relief while being holistic – meaning it will be much more gentle on your cat’s body.
Urinary Tract Diseases
Unfortunately, cats are prone to suffering from urinary tract infections and diseases. Often, when cats get UTIs they experience pain when urinating and discomfort in their pelvic area. CBD is a great option for cat UTIs. CBD can relieve both pain and inflammation which are the center of a UTI. You can use CBD for your cat’s UTI while you wait for a vet visit, prescription fill, or afterward as they bounce back.
Overall Wellness
CBD can be a great option for those looking to keep their senior cats at their overall healthiest. CBD can help to support a healthy digestive system, inflammatory function, and mental keenness. Adding it to your senior cat’s wellness routine is giving them an extra boost to feel their best and combat any illness.
Creating Comfort
Some senior cats start to miss out on their cat naps due to discomfort from conditions related to aging. CBD can help relieve this discomfort enough for them to get plenty of beauty rest, which is important for their overall health and well-being!
Anxiety / Confusion
Some senior cats can suffer from elevated anxiety and/or confusion as they age. This is never fun for owners to see occur. CBD can help balance hormones and stimulate serotonin receptors. These benefits provide a sense of well-being and calm for your cat.
CBD Oil Dose for Senior Cats
Dialing in on the perfect dose for your cat is essential for best helping them. Generally, the dose amount will be determined by the weight of the cat, the product you are using and the type of conditions you may be looking to alleviate.
Start off by using 1mg of CBD for every ten pounds that your cat weighs (so 1mg for a 10-pound cat). You can slowly adjust from here, especially if they have a chronic condition. You can go up by 1mg at each adjustment until you see the desired results. It is important to remember that the perfect dose will be as unique as your cat, so don’t be discouraged if you need to play around with it!
How to Give CBD to a Cat
The most straightforward way to administer CBD to a cat is by putting it on top of their normal food. The amount they need will often only be the size of a fingernail, so even picky cats don’t often notice the addition.
However, if your cat does seem to struggle with the oil in their food you have other options! You can administer CBD oil directly under their tongue if they will tolerate it. You can also choose to purchase a CBD cat treat if you have a cat that prefers a snack. The last option is to dribble some of the CBD oil directly onto their paw pad. Cats instinctively lick up anything on their paws so they should take the CBD this way.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a senior cat can come with unique challenges for both the animal and owner. Try to give yourself grace as you figure out what is going to work for them!
By keeping up with regular vet visits and providing plenty of love, your senior cat is sure to have incredible twilight years by your side.
