· By Veronika Broukal
CBD for cats
Bild: Unsplash
CBD is not a medicine and is by no means a full-fledged alternative to veterinary therapy. If you are unsure whether your pet is ill, please consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Also, please never use a product intended for humans.
The term CBD is becoming more and more associated with pets. In this article you will find out whether and how you should give your cat CBD.
What is CBD?
Strictly speaking, this term describes Cannabidiol, a phyto-cannabinoid. Commercially, CBD is often understood as a product that mainly contains Cannabidiol, but often also other cannabinoids, mixed with a carrier oil, for example based on hemp. But what exactly are cannabinoids? They are found in the plants Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica and were only associated with intoxicants until a few years ago. But it was through them that scientists discovered the endocannabinoid system, which is found in various parts of the human body and also, for example, cats. In fact, certain substances are also produced in our bodies that bind to the receptors of this system, these are called endocannabinoids. Also because of this discovery, the therapeutic importance of cannabinoids has become increasingly important in recent years.
What can CBD do for cats?
First of all, it should be emphasized that CBD oil must never contain a THC content above 0.2%. So you don't have to worry about your cat being drugged!
As with many other substances, most studies exploring CBD are conducted on human subjects. In recent years, more and more studies have been carried out on dogs and cats, which mainly deal with dosage, acceptance and possible harmful effects on the organism.
The following possible effects are attributed to CBD:
- More balance
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory
- Calmed gastrointestinal tract
- Increase in mobility
Broad spectrum versus Isolate
When searching for CBD products online, the terms full and broad spectrum, as well as, isolate are inevitable. But what do they mean and how do they differ?
As previously mentioned, CBD oils often contain a variety of cannabinoids. A product labeled Broad Spectrum maps almost the entire profile of the hemp plant (except for prohibited levels of THC). In contrast, an isolate only contains CBD, which is extracted via additional production steps. Both types are available for cats.
What should you look for when buying CBD products?
Since CBD products are not always subject to the same legal provisions as classic medicines, consumers have to pay particular attention to quality. Since cats do not tolerate certain substances in the hemp plant (terpenes), you should pay particular attention to this feature!
A reputable product for cats meets at least the following requirements:
- Origin from the EU or at least stated
- Free from terpenes
- Full statement of cannabinoids contained
- Certification of the absence of substances such as heavy metals
You can find some interesting studies on CBD in pets here:
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