Cannabidiol (CBD) products for pets is one of the fastest growing trends to hit the pet industry in years.
According to Pet Product News:
Although many regulatory issues are not settled, 39 percent of dog owners and 34 percent of cat owners agree that they like the idea of cannabidiol (CBD) supplements for their pets, according to market research firm Packaged Facts.
The report, Pet Supplements in the U.S., 7th Edition, also revealed that 29 percent of dog and cat owners agree that they would be interested in purchasing CBD supplements for their pets if they were legal.
Pet supplement sales growth has been increasing steadily since 2014, according to the Rockville, Md.-based market research firm. The strongest year of the current five-year period, 2018, registered 5 percent growth in U.S. retail sales driven by factors including the improved economy, the overall pet market’s strong ongoing focus on health and wellness, and the still growing impact of pet owners who view their pets as family members.
What Is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in hemp and cannabis plants. It benefits the body’s endocannabinoid system, which affects digestion, mood and sleep.
Endocannabinoids are chemical messengers in the body that regulate digestion, mood and sleep to help keep the body chemistry balanced.
CBD has been shown to have anti-anxiety, anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties.
Is CBD Right For My Cat?
There have been positive results for senior cats with arthritis, those suffering from seizures, anxiety and persistent nausea. Keep in mind, though, that results vary from cat to cat.
With legality still inconsistent from state to state, research to determine if you live in a hemp-legal state. For those in a hemp-legal state, you can order hemp products online.
Research Before You Buy
According to an article in the Fall.Winter 2018/19 issue of Modern Cat magazine, with the fast growth of CBD products, quality can be a big issue. Products may not contain enough CBD to be effective, or they may contain THC (the chemical that produces the “High”).
Recently the FDA discovered 90% products they tested contained little or no CBD or did not match lable ingredients. Ask for a certificate of analysis from the supplier before purchasing.
How Much Should I Give My Cat?
The Modern Cat article quoted veterinarian Dr. Katherine Kramer: “The rule of thumb is .5 mg per pound of body weight.”
Because of the limited number of clinical trials, veterinarians are not legally able to prescribe CBD to pets at this time.
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) encourages CBD research about its safety, dosage and use in animals. If you have an AHVMA registered vet in your area, consult them for questions you have about CBD usage. Click here for a listing of AHVMA vets in your area.
CBD Products
If you’d like to try these products with your cat, they’re available in many forms:
- Oils (liquid dietary supplements)
- Edibles,
- Oral spray
- Tinctures (for those needing a higher CBD dosage).
Some brands to check out include: Grizzly Pet Products, Austin and Kat, CannaHemp, Green Coast Pet, and Medipet.
If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your veterinarian. When taking your pet for vet visits, let your vet know you’re using CBDs.
Have you used CBD products for your pet? If so, were they effective in helping your pet? Please leave a comment to let us know.
Written by Karen
