Cats can be better pets than dogs for some people. They don’t need much taking care of like dogs do—you don’t need to walk your cats or play with them every time as they can be happy playing on their own, not to mention that they just sleep most of the time. As part of taking care of them, attending to their medical needs is necessary. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), owning a cat could cost $705 annually, around 40 percent of which accounts for medical exam and health insurance, via Money Under 30.
To keep our feline friends healthy and maintain their overall well-being, many pet owners give them cannabis products. Known for providing a wide range of medicinal benefits in humans, cannabis is also becoming popular in addressing some of the medical needs of our pets. Cannabis plants contain two major medicinal compounds—cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the chemical that has psychoactive effect, which can get the user “high.”
THC has many therapeutic effects, but it remains illegal at the federal level and in some states in North America. What better option we have is CBD, specifically hemp-derived CBD, which is legal in all 50 states.
CBD has properties that can help treat conditions such as pain, inflammation, seizures and behavioral problems. CBD may be helpful for cats in treating inflammatory bowel disease (CBD), pancreatitis, arthritis, cancer and asthma. These are common in cats, and many kitties suffer because of a lack of pharmaceutical options for them compared to dogs, according to Boulder Holistic Vet.
“I believe that within two or three years, [CBD] will be a commonly offered option in veterinary hospitals for pain and inflammation reduction, neurological conditions and mild behavioral concerns,” said Veterinarian Dr. Sarah Brandon, a founder of Canna Companion USA.
“It’s not a cure-all and we certainly don’t advocate the discontinuation of [other treatments] without consulting your cat’s veterinarian. But cannabis does have its place in the feline world and we’ll see more of it as time goes on.”
There are very few side effects CBD has on cats, the most common of which is mild lethargy that subsides within four days. Other side effects are softer tools and frequent bowel movements. Very rare effects wherein you should stop giving cannabis products include vomiting and increased skin itchiness, per Animal Wellness Magazine.
To ensure that safety of your pets, it is important to choose a product that is specifically formulated for them. There are several CBD products available on the market today. One of the most reputable suppliers of quality CBD pet products is Florida-based Diamond CBD. Diamond CBD’s products are made of 100 percent hemp-derived CBD with zero THC. Its process ensures that raw materials are of premium quality and other ingredients are all natural.
Diamond CBD has two CBD products for our feline companions—Pet CBD Food For Cats and Medipets for Cats—which are added to the cats’ food, treats or water once or twice a day. These are specially designed to support the overall wellness of cats and help them feel more relaxed and more in control. Customers have reported improvements in their cats’ aggressive behavior, self-trauma, cognitive problems, excessive vocalization and urination or marking problems.
