In the seemingly imperturbable world of felines, anxiety and aggression can surface in subtle ways, often escaping our attention. Cats, notoriously independent creatures, may struggle with an underlying anxiety, stemming from various sources, which can manifest itself through undesirable behaviour such as aggression or insomnia.

Whether it is changes in the home environment, the presence of new animals or even medical disorders, feline anxiety is a widespread problem that requires a gentle and natural solution.

While many conventional solutions may involve side effects or require complex adaptations, we will dive into a more natural approach: cannabidiol, better known as CBD.

CBD, extracted from the cannabis plant, has attracted increasing interest as an alternative remedy. More and more cat owners are exploring its potential benefits for mitigating anxiety and aggression in their feline companions.

In this article, we will attempt to delve into the condition of anxiety in cats, shedding light on the many triggers that can affect the psychological well-being of our furry friends and, above all, on possible cures.

We will evaluate together all the pros and cons of treating anxiety in cats with CBD, exploring its safety, efficacy and how it can integrate harmoniously into your pet’s daily life.

Can anxiety in cats be treated with CBD?

Managing anxiety in cats with CBD is a topic that has gained increasing attention and interest among pet owners. It is important to emphasise that CBD does not treat anxiety in the traditional sense, i.e. by simply eliminating the symptoms.

CBD is one of several cannabinoids produced by cannabis, known for its potential calming and anti-inflammatory effects. In humans, it has been studied for its impact on the endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in regulating various physiological processes, including stress and anxiety.

In this sense, it does not merely alleviate symptoms. It is a holistic approach, a remedy that rebalances the organism at the root, in depth. It does not only calm the animal, but it also tries to eliminate at body level that imbalance that generates stress.

In the context of cats, some owners have reported improvements in anxiety and aggression-related behaviour when administering CBD in appropriate doses. It is essential to always consult a veterinarian before undertaking any treatment, including the use of CBD. Veterinarians can assess your cat’s specific situation, consider possible underlying causes of anxiety, and make personalised recommendations.

Like any medicine or remedy, results may vary from animal to animal. Safety and efficacy depend on the quality of the product used, the correct dosage and veterinary supervision.

The most prudent approach is to integrate CBD use with other stress management practices, creating a reassuring environment for your cat and addressing the underlying triggers.

Benefits of CBD on animals?

Scientific research on the effects of CBD on animals is still at an early stage and empirical evidence must be interpreted with caution. However, the tests carried out so far are encouraging and show CBD for cats as a valid and practical remedy.

Here are some of the potential benefits of CBD on animals, as indicated by some research and testimonies:

• Stress and anxiety management: CBD is known for its calming effects and can be used to reduce stress not only in humans but also in animals; it is particularly relevant in situations such as thunderstorms, travel or changes in the environment;
• Alleviation of pain and inflammation: it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can be useful for animals with both acute and chronic complaints;
• Support for digestive problems: some pet owners have reported improvements in cases of digestive problems, such as nausea or appetite disorders, when administering CBD, due to its anti-emetic properties;
• Support for neurological conditions: there is some evidence to suggest that CBD may have benefits for animals with neurological disorders, such as epilepsy;
• Improvement of sleep: CBD treats insomnia both through the management of anxiety, thus its calming power, and by facilitating the animal to slip into the deeper sleep phase.

The most encouraging aspect of CBD is that it achieves all these results naturally and by working towards long-term benefits.

How many drops of CBD to give the cat?

The dose of CBD to be given to the cat depends on several factors that must be considered if you want to achieve the desired effect.

The factors are:

• Cat’s weight: To calculate the CBD dose, it is necessary to know the cat’s weight; for a small cat, the minimum dose is sufficient, as opposed to a larger cat that needs a higher dose;
• Product concentration: the concentration of CBD in the product (2.5%, 5%, 10%, etc.) will determine the amount of cannabidiol present in each drop;
• Reason for administering CBD: The dose may vary depending on the reason for administering CBD to the cat (e.g. to treat anxiety in cats with CBD the dose required is lower than for chronic pain).

To have a reference range, a 5 kg cat should receive a dose ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 mg CBD.

For example, 5% CBD oil contains 5 mg CBD per millilitre of oil. If your cat weighs 5 kg and you are using 5% CBD oil, you should administer 1-4 drops of oil per day.

The general rule is always to start with a low dose and increase it gradually until the desired effect is achieved.

How to give CBD to cats?

CBD is usually administered to pets orally, i.e. by inserting the drops directly into the cat’s mouth with the help of the dropper provided.

The steps to follow if you intend to use CBD oil for cats are:

1. Keep the cat in a comfortable and safe position;
2. Open your mouth gently;
3. Pour CBD drops directly onto the tongue or the sides of the mouth;
4. Close the mouth and gently massage the chin to encourage swallowing.

If the cat does not accept the drops directly into the mouth, they can be added to food or milk.

Alternatively, CBD is also available in treatment form, such as biscuits or tablets. These treatments are often easier to administer to animals than drops.

To achieve the beneficial effect, you must ensure that the cat swallows the entire product.

Cats are animals of habit, so it is important not to disrupt their routine too much with the intention of following the cure as this may increase anxiety instead of calming it.

What is the major side effect of cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol is generally considered safe when used correctly and in appropriate doses, and studies have never revealed any serious contraindications of cannabis for cats. However, it is important to note that each individual may respond differently to dietary supplements, including CBD-based ones.

In some cases, side effects may occur, although they are usually mild and temporary. The major side effect associated with CBD may be fatigue. Some people and pets may experience feelings of tiredness or drowsiness after taking CBD, especially in high doses. It is important to always follow the advice of your vet and the product manufacturer on the dosage of CBD for your cat.

Another point in its favour is that CBD is not psychoactive, so it does not cause the ‘intoxicating’ effects associated with THC, the other main compound in cannabis.

Usually side effects, or lack of effects, occur due to improper use of the product or because it has interacted with another treatment in progress. This is why it is important to always consult your vet before starting treatment, even if we are talking about a natural product.

Furthermore, it is crucial to use quality products, verified through independent laboratory tests, to be sure of the purity and concentration of CBD claimed.

Above all, in order to avoid contraindications, it is very important to buy products designed and created especially for animals. These products have a specific formulation that differs from products designed for human use. For example, they do not contain THC or terpenes, which animals are unable to assimilate.

CBD products suitable for all cats

In a world where anxiety can silently creep into the lives of our beloved feline companions, the search for natural solutions is a must. CBD has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional medications, offering a reassuring approach to managing feline anxiety.

If you have decided to embark on this path to wellness for your beloved cat, we invite you to explore the range of high-quality CBD products for cats available in the Maria CBD Oil shop. With an unwavering commitment to quality and safety, Maria CBD Oil offers products specially formulated for the needs of your feline friends.

Don’t let anxiety get in the way of the special relationship you have with your furry friend. Discover the potential of CBD and start the journey to shared well-being today. Visit the Maria CBD Oil shop and give your cat the serenity he deserves to improve the quality of his life, and yours too.