Can CBD help my cat to relax?
Does your cat pace anxiously during storms, hide when guests arrive, or seem restless for no apparent reason? As a loving pet parent you may be feeling like you've tried everything, and you're wondering, "Can CBD help my cat relax?" When patience, treats, toys and music fail then CBD may be a good option.
CBD is short for Cannabidiol, and it's a natural compound that's found in hemp. It's been gaining popularity for its potential to alleviate stress and anxiety in people and pets, alike. In this article we will focus on the specific benefits for felines, CBD usage for cats, it's safety profile, and other options you can try besides CBD to help your kit.
Understanding when your cat is stressed
While there are some commonalities to people when cats show stress, there are other behaviors that may indicate your feline needs a break. For example, cats will often hide when they are stressed or anxious. They may avoid people in general including their roommates. This can be disheartening especially when all we want is for them to be comfortable enough to be their silly, fun selves.
Cats may also show stress by excessively grooming themselves, almost as if they are trying to self soothe, or they may communicate their displeasure vocally, or by showing aggression. Stress may even change how cats eat by reducing their appetite.
Cats may show us they're stressed by:
- Hiding, avoiding animals or people including their roommates
- Excessively grooming themselves
- Changes in vocalization and communication
- Showing aggression
- Changes in appetite
It's possible that your cat can show one or some of these for other reasons, and as responsible pet owners we should take into account the specific situations when we find these behaviors surfacing.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a compound that's found in hemp plants. It's a non-psychoactive compound (No THC) that acts on the endocannabinoid system which is responsible for regulating mood, pain, and stress. Unlike THC found in Marijuana, CBD contains an extremely low amount of THC, just 0.3%, making it safe and legal for pets when used properly. There is far too low THC in CBD to produce any kind of, "High."
How CBD may help cats relax
CBD may help your cat relax because it acts on the endocannabinoid system. This system regulates mood, stress, and pain. CBD may also reduce inflammation and immune responses, helping cats with joint or mobility issues, as well. There are two kinds of receptors in the endocannabinoid system that CBD acts on. These are CB1 receptors that regulate mood, pain, stress and appetite. The CB2 receptors modulate inflammation and immune responses.
CBD surely isn't a, "Cure all," and each cat may respond a bit differently since each cat is unique. Meaning, some cats may see more benefit than others.
- CBD acts on the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system
- CB1 receptors help regulate mood, stress, pain and appetite
- CB2 receptors are responsible for moderating inflammation and immune responses
- CBD acting on the CB1 and CB2 receptors is what helps alleviate stress, anxiety, appetite issues, and minor inflammation such as achy joints in senior cats
Therefor, CBD may help your cat relax by:
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Helping regain a lacking appetite
- Making playtime more comfortable for senior kitties
Non-CBD Options to Help your Cat Relax
While CBD has scientific research backing it, and plenty of anecdotal evidence that speaks to its effectiveness, it's not the only option available to help your feline relax. It's good to try non-supplemental options, too (and some are free!), because as loving pet owners and roommates to our cats, we want what's best for them no matter what!
Let's explore some things that we can do to help our cats relax :)
- Stimulation - Cats are intelligent creatures (even though some act like adorable muppets lol), and they may be acting out because of boredom! Make sure you provide your kitty with fun toys that stimulate their hunting drive, like interactive toys, and other mentally stimulating toys like cat-friendly puzzles.
- Playtime and pets! Cats love a good bond and there's no better way to bond than playing with your kitty. Enjoy interactive toys together, and be sure to give plenty of soft, gentle pets.
- Agility and positioning - Felines are excellent hunters and they're very agile, and giving them the opportunity to stretch those legs and perch up high may be the thing to help their comfort! Cat trees or shelves are excellent options.
- Scratching and territory - Cats have a natural urge to scratch and mark their territory, and providing them with a scratching post is an excellent idea! They're available to buy at many places, but also they are VERY EASY to make yourself with very little investment.
- Safe spaces - Be sure to set aside a safe place for your feline, maybe with a cozy bed, so they always have a space they can retreat to and feel more comfortable. Not having a safe place, or feeling like there isn't one, can be hard on a cat, so let them have that hiding spot.
- Music - Some cats respond well to music. Is there a music your cat likes? Soft music and melodies like those in classical music may be just the thing to help your cat to relax. Be sure to keep the music soft and volume low.
- Consistency - Cats love consistency, especially being fed at the same times every day. Just ask every cat owner waking up with a paw on their face! If their schedule looks a little all over the place, and sometimes it will need to be, try to introduce some consistency in timing.
- Other supplements - There's a few natural supplements that may help your cat relax, aside from CBD, such as L-Theanine, or Chamomile. Be sure to consult with your vet, though, which brings us to:
- Ask your vet! Our CBD products are formulated by cat loving expert veterinarians, but each cat is different, and talking with your vet is an excellent idea to get a full range of options to help your kits. Always ask your vet before beginning any kind of supplementation for your cat.
Is CBD safe for cats?
The short answer is, yes. The long answer is that it may depend on your cats current health, such as if they have any organ issues particularly in the liver. A 2023 study by Waltham Petcare Science Institute found that healthy cats tolerated CBD well when regularly given 4mg/kg body weight over 26 weeks. The article does mention to work with your vet and test regularly if your cat has any kind of liver issues.
https://www.waltham.com/new-study-looks-tolerability-cbd-cats
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10847353/
Always consult with your vet especially if your cat is taking other medications or supplements.
Remember: Quality matters. Our CBD products are full spectrum and contain all helpful terpenes for a holistic entourage effect (as opposed to "broad spectrum" or other lesser versions of CBD.)
Calm Paws CBD only carries USDA Organic CBD, made right here in the U.S.A., third party tested and approved by the National Animal Supplement Council (N.A.S.C).
We only carry the best CBD for cats:
- Veterinarian formulated by kick-butt cat-loving experts
- Made in the U.S.A
- USDA Organic
- Approved by the N.A.S.C.
- Third-party lab tested for quality and purity!
How to use CBD for your cat
Each cat is different, and if you decide CBD is right for your furry family, then we recommend starting at the lowest dose and working your way up from there because each cat is different, and if your cat responds well, then less is needed.
Conclusion
Pet-safe CBD may be a great option for your cat. While the research is ongoing there have already been promising studies and waves of anecdotal evidence regarding the efficacy of CBD in cats and its ability to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote overall wellness.
CBD isn't the only option to help your cat relax. Please consult with your vet and explore non-supplemental options first, such as environmental changes we described above under "Non-CBD Options..."
Consider for your cat: Feline Stress Releaf 180™ with Organic Ashwagandha and Catnip
Why consider this product?
- Has all of the benefits provided by CBD, and
- Catnip, known to reduce stress and anxiety in felines and promote play, and
- Organic Ashwaganda, well known for its stress and anxiety reducing properties
As always - we're here to help! Please feel free to contact us from our Contact page with questions about our cat-specific products.