A cancer diagnosis in our beloved cat can be devastating. It makes us feel frightened and helpless, we would like to help him get better.
There are many treatment options available that can help improve a cat’s quality of life during its recovery. In recent years, cannabidiol, also known as CBD, has been investigated as a potential treatment option for cats with cancer.
CBD is a compound extracted from the cannabis plant that does not produce the psychotropic effects associated with marijuana. Instead, CBD has been shown to be useful in alleviating pain, reducing anxiety and improving mood in many animal species, including cats.
Recent studies have shown that CBD can help cats with cancer manage symptoms associated with the disease and its treatments, such as chemotherapy. For instance, CBD can help reduce pain, inflammation and nausea, as well as improve appetite and sleep.
Of course, as with any medical treatment, it is important to talk to your vet before administering CBD to your cat. A specialist can provide information on the appropriate dose and guidance on precautions to be taken.
In the following, we will explore the benefits of CBD for cats with cancer in more depth and give you tips on how to use it safely and effectively for your pet.
What benefits does CBD have on animals?
Cannabis was already used thousands of years ago by humans to treat ailments of various origins. Today, humans not only seek alternative remedies for themselves, but also for their pets, which have become, to all intents and purposes, life companions.Here are some of the main benefits of CBD for animals:
- Reduction of anxiety and stress: CBD can calm and relax animals, also decreasing aggression;
- Pain relief: CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help relieve pain in animals suffering from chronic diseases or injuries;
- Improved sleep: CBD can help animals sleep better, reducing disturbances and improving sleep quality;
- Treatment of epileptic seizures: CBD has been shown to be effective in the treatment of seizures;
- Improved appetite: CBD, being an anti-emetic, can help animals improve their appetite, especially when they are sick, convalescent or under treatment;
- Immune system support: CBD can help strengthen the immune system of animals, helping them fight disease and maintain good general health.
To achieve these benefits, we will see that it is essential to buy high quality products specifically for pets and formulated with appropriate ingredients.
How does CBD help cats with cancer?
From some studies, both on humans and animals, it appears that CBD for cats with cancer may even reduce the growing of cancer cells. This thesis is still being researched in more detail.
However, apart from this, CBD has many other proven properties that help to reduce and make more bearable the symptoms associated with cancer or its treatment such as pain, nausea and loss of appetite. CBD may also have anxiolytic properties, which could help cats cope with the stress and anxiety associated with the disease.
The symptoms of a cat with cancer can vary depending on the disease and the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased activity and energy
- Weight loss
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Fever
- Increased thirst and urination
- Shortness of breath or coughing
- Changes in behaviour, such as irritability or lethargy
- Loss of fur or changes in fur colour
- Increased body temperature
- Swelling, often painful
If your cat presents one or more of these symptoms, it is important to take it to the vet for evaluation before starting treatment.
What are CBD products for cats?
Given the boom in CBD in recent years, the products on the market have become increasingly numerous and varied.The best CBD products for cats with cancer are:
- CBD oil for cats: available in different concentrations and formulations, it can be added to cat food or administered directly on the tongue to reduce stress, anxiety and inflammation;
- CBD cat snacks: CBD biscuits are also available for cats and can be used as a reward or as a food supplement;
- CBD spray for cats: CBD sprays can be used to help reduce stress and anxiety in cats, you can apply it to the affected area by first spraying it on a cotton pad and then gently wiping it over the fur.
Before choosing a product from these always remember to consult your vet to make sure it is safe and appropriate for your cat’s situation.
How to administer CBD oil to a cat
If your vet has given you the go-ahead to use CBD oil for your cat, remember to buy a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer and carefully follow the instructions on the packaging.
Once you have the product in your hands, how many drops of CBD to give to cats? Usually, the dose of CBD oil for cats is calculated according to their body weight. There is therefore no universal answer.Most CBD oil packages for pets recommend administering 1-5 mg of CBD per 4.5 kg of body weight, once or twice a day.
However, this dose may vary depending on the concentration of the product. We always recommend starting with the minimum recommended dose and increasing it gradually, if necessary, while closely monitoring the cat for any adverse reactions.You can administer CBD oil directly into your cat’s mouth, mix it with food or water or apply it to the fur. It is important to choose the method of administration that works best for your cat and the disorder you want to treat.
Are there cases in which CBD should not be used?
The answer is Yes. There are some cases in which CBD for cats with cancer should not be used.
In general, it is important to talk to the veterinarian following the cat before administering any type of supplement or alternative treatment, such as CBD. In fact, the vet might advise avoiding CBD if the cat is already taking specific drugs for cancer or other diseases, as it could interfere with the efficacy of such drugs.
Furthermore, CBD should not be used if the cat has a history of allergic reactions to the compound or suffers from severe liver or kidney problems. In these cases, CBD could worsen the animal’s health problems and cause unwanted side effects.
Finally, CBD should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment for cancer in cats.If your cat has been diagnosed with cancer, it is important to follow your vet’s instructions for treatment, which could include chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. CBD could be used in addition to these treatments to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with cancer and improve the cat’s quality of life.
Always make sure you choose quality products
When it comes to choosing CBD products for your cat with cancer, it is essential to choose only high-quality products. Make sure to look for products that have been third-party tested and that have been created using sustainable cultivation techniques.
Visit the Maria CBD Oil shop, where you will find a wide selection of high quality CBD products for pets, including your cat.Find the right product for your cat’s needs and make sure you give your furry friend the support he/she needs during this difficult time.