What is CBD?
CBD, cannabidiol, is one of two major active ingredients found in medicinal cannabis; the other is THC, also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and non-intoxicating. This means it will not cause the characteristic “high” associated with the plant-based treatment.
The lack of sedation or intoxication makes CBD a popular option for many seeking relief from symptoms associated with chronic conditions. With limited research available, we still don’t have exact details on how safe and effective the treatment may be.
Despite this, the market surrounding medicinal cannabis continues to grow, and a multitude of products are now available across the globe. In recent years, you may have noticed an increase in CBD products being made for cats.
As cats can often go through similar issues to us, such as anxiety or pain, we take a look at whether or not CBD may prove an effective treatment option for our feline friends.
Is CBD safe for cats?
Clinical research on how CBD may affect cats is virtually non-existent. Reports from veterinarians and pet owners, however, suggest that the treatment has a very favourable safety profile for cats.
While reactions may differ, the risks seem to be minimal and side effects tend to be mild. A few of the reported side effects include feelings of sleepiness or a mild stomach cramp.
As CBD products may vary in quality, it’s important to make sure you’re getting your treatment from an authorised source.
Products that are not subject to third-party testing and regulation may contain harmful toxins or bacteria. As such, black-market products should be avoided at all costs, as the risks are far higher and may cause short-term and/or long-term damage to your pets.
Remember, THC is not considered a safe treatment option for pets, and your cat should never be given a product that contains the psychoactive substance.
How is CBD regulated in Australia?
CBD is classified as a schedule 4 prescription-only medication in Australia. It is legal for both humans and pets provided a valid prescription has been granted by an authorised medical practitioner.
If you’d like to get CBD oil for cats, you’ll need to first consult with a qualified vet. A few conditions will need to bet met before a vet will grant a prescription, namely:
CBD makes up 98% or more of the total cannabinoids in the product
- The CBD in the product will need to make up 98% of the ingredients. If there is too much THC or other compounds, it will not suitable.
Any cannabinoids other than cannabidiol must be only those naturally found in cannabis
- If there are compounds included that are not from the cannabis plant, it should not be used for cats.
The pet owner must consent to using an unlicensed and potentially harmful treatment
- As research on CBD is limited, owners must understand that the treatment may cause potential issues.
The pet must receive appropriate monitoring to identify potential side effects
- A prescription will not be granted in cases where the pet will not receive sufficient monitoring.
CBD products are subject to strict manufacturing requirements to maintain a consistent standard of quality across the board.
What CBD products exist for cats?
Now, anyone who’s ever tried to give medication to a pet will know it’s not the easiest task in the world. Fortunately for us, certain CBD products are made to cater towards pets.
If you’re wondering where to buy CBD oil for cats, the only way is via a qualified veterinarian. Purchasing CBD from an unauthorised source is illegal and may be harmful to your pets.
The product prescribed for your cat will likely depend on the condition and what method of consumption is easiest for your pet. A few of the most commonly available products for cats include:
- CBD oil
- CBD cat treats
- CBD topical products
CBD oil for cats can be mixed into foods or water to help for easier consumption and is the most popular of the available products for pets.
For pets who refuse to let the cat CBD oil into their mouths, a cat treat with CBD infused into it may work better. In cases where your cat has dry or damaged skin causing pain, a CBD topical product may work.
What are the benefits of CBD for cats?
While research is limited, we can make deductions based on how CBD affects us and reports from pet owners and vets.
As cats deal with many of the same issues that we do, the hope is that CBD may prove beneficial in providing relief for cats too. For the most part, CBD for cats is used for the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Pain
As mentioned above, however, research on the efficacy of the treatment is largely limited. The evidence that suggests it may be beneficial in these circumstances is anecdotal and unreliable, albeit promising.
For now, cat owners should be cautious when administering CBD and only on the recommendation of a qualified medical practitioner.
Summary
CBD, or cannabidiol, seems to be a generally safe treatment option for cats. However, we still have little to no scientific evidence on the efficacy of this treatment for pets. Reports from pet owners and veterinarians suggest that it may prove beneficial in providing relief for some symptoms.
In Australia, pet owners can access legal cannabidiol for their pets with a valid prescription from a qualified medical practitioner. A few regulatory requirements will need to be met before a vet considers granting a prescription for CBD.
The therapeutic potential of CBD is readily being explored, with researchers reviewing how it impacts anxiety, pain, insomnia, and more.
Purchasing CBD from an unauthorised source holds much higher risks. The lack of third-party testing means there’s no way of knowing exactly what ingredients are included in the products. Pet owners should only ever consider purchasing CBD from a legal source.
For more information on the relationship between CBD and cats, feel free to speak to one of our highly qualified experts today.