CBD Oil for Cat Seizures & Epilepsy: Effectiveness & Tips
By Ashley Bates
Updated on
If you have a cat with seizures or epilepsy, you’re likely looking for natural methods to control these episodes and help your cat live a fuller and healthier life. CBD oil is ever-growing in popularity for humans to treat numerous issues. But did you know that this is also available for your four-legged friends?
Truth is, that while it will work great for some cats, for others it may not. We’re going to go over exactly how CBD controls seizures in cats. But how useful is CBD oil for this specific ailment? Let’s get into the science.
What Is CBD Oil?
It might be a bit confusing if you’re unfamiliar with the oils and substances derived from marijuana plants. Essentially, CBD is extracted carefully from the marijuana plant after it is broken down.
Humans, as well as pets, can use this oil for relaxation and various other health benefits. But CBD oil is very different from THC. CBD does not have the capability of getting your pet “high,” as it lacks the necessary component—THC. Instead, it is purely medicinal, used to treat pain, seizures, and other ailments.
CBD For Seizures in Cats
You might be wondering how CBD does anything for seizures. It’s actually quite scientific. The CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system that your cat has within their body already.
The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is a regulating system that manages many body functions. Some of these functions include mood, memory, pain, appetite, metabolism, and so on.
The CBD binds with cannabinoid receptors called CB1 and CB2. For cats, these receptors are majorly associated with the brain and nervous system but extend to several organs throughout the cat’s body.
To understand how CBD works better for seizures, it’s essential to know what it links to in the brain that solves the issue. Hemp CBD oil has two very important compounds called cannabidiol and cannabidivarin.
These components affect a pain receptor in the brain called TRPV1. While it is a pain receptor, it is also directly linked to epileptic activities where the brain misfires. The cannabidiol and cannabidivarin bind to these receptors, preventing epileptic seizures by inhibiting the TRPV1 in the hippocampus portion of the brain.
Studies have shown that CBD has incredible antiepileptic and anticonvulsant properties in the compound. In fact, with proper application, it may even work better in your cat’s system than your own.
While more research certainly needs to grow as the industry booms, it shows nothing but positive effects on these types of scenarios.
How This Benefits Your Cat
To put all of this together, CBD oil essentially helps your cat maintain the function of its nervous system by nourishing these components and the brain that are otherwise out of sync. By supporting nerves and brain activity, your cat seizure management should improve.
What’s even more interesting, and probably something you definitely want to see, is that CBD is actually more potent in animals than humans. That means it is more likely to control seizures in cats than in humans.
How Effective Is CBD for Cats
In case your vet hasn’t already explained, seizures and epilepsy spawn from the misfiring of neurons in the brain, also known as neural inflammation.
Essentially, that means the way that your brain communicates through electrical pulses where neurons are abnormal and do not distribute correctly. By binding to these receptors, the CBD inhibits the malfunction of neurological misfiring.
While it might not eliminate seizures, it definitely can control them. But plenty of lab tests have been done for mice, rats, and dogs. Few studies have been conducted on cats specifically.
Will It Work for All Cats?
Every cat is completely unique. CBD oil might work fantastically for some cats but not as well for others. It will just depend on the severity and any additional complications of your cat-specific epilepsy or seizure style.
Many pet owners choose this method to treat their animal seizures because it is effective and all-natural. So, you aren’t pumping your cat full of synthetic drugs that could potentially have other side effects or consequences.
To know your cat’s effectiveness, you’ll just have to try it. Alongside your veterinarian, you can select the CBD oil that seems like the best fit. Then you can monitor your cat’s seizure activity to determine its effectiveness.
How to Choose the Right CBD Brand
Our best recommendation for choosing the right CBD brand is to ask your vet directly. There are tons of options on the market, all with their own special presentation. Some of them are entirely organic, while others have added benefits.
If you want to shop around and browse through the different product descriptions, sites like Amazon and Chewy have many options.
How to Use CBD Oil for Your Cats
The method of CBD that you choose for your cat will vary depending on the individual. When it comes to pets, you can select CBD oil itself, or you can also choose to get CBD treats. CBD oils are most effective since they work faster and cost less.
But if your cat is exceptionally particular and won’t let you apply it for any reason, they can’t turn down treats. CBD treats are more expensive and work slower in the system.
Final Thoughts
If your cat suffers from epilepsy or seizures, CBD oil is very good to try to reduce its symptoms. Granted, it’s not a cure-all, but it’s definitely an excellent additive for symptom management. Please note that nothing in this article is to replace medical advice given by your veterinarian.
Always check with your vet to ensure that you’re giving your cat safe and recommended products to ensure ultimate effectiveness. Then, monitor your cat closely for adverse reactions or successful reduction of seizure activity.
Featured Image Credit: Erin Stone, Pixabay
