How to Give CBD Oil to Cats: 6 Vet-Approved Ways
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Dogs might be man’s best friend, but there’s something to say for the cats of the world as well. Most cats are loving, independent, playful, and certainly just as important to their pet parents as dogs are.
That’s why as a cat parent, you want only the best for your feline pal, including giving them the best supplements to keep them healthy and happy as they age. Many pet parents would like to help with their cat’s health problems in a natural way, and you may have heard about the benefits of providing cats with a dose of CBD (cannabidiol) oil. Some people claim how CBD oil can improve their cat’s quality of life, give them more energy, and help their aging bones.
But what exactly is CBD oil and how different it is from hemp oil? Both products come from the same species of plant (Cannabis sativa) but they are sourced from different parts of the plant. CBD oil is obtained from the plant’s stalks, flowers, and leaves; while hemp oil or hemp seed oil is sourced from the plant’s seeds. Both products have minimal amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the substance that makes people “high.”
The biggest question on most cat parents’ minds is how they’re supposed to get their cat to take CBD oil since cats are stubborn creatures that seem to do what they want. Never fear; in this list, we’ll give you six simple ways to administer CBD oil to your cat.
Please Note: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved the use of any CBD or hemp-based products in pets. The lack of regulations can be a safety concern for cat owners interested in using natural products like this. If you plan to administer CBD oil to your pet, you should always consult with your veterinarian before doing so.
The 6 Simple Ways to Give CBD Oil to Cats
1. Feed It Directly
Depending on the type of CBD oil you purchase, the cat might lick it off the dropper when it’s presented to them. While this is the simplest way to give the oil to your cat, you need to be aware of the dosage.
You can also put the recommended dose in your hand and let the cat lick it. However, you don’t want to force the dropper into your cat’s mouth.
2. Add to Cat Food
When cats reject CBD oil directly into their mouth, the next step for most cat parents is to add the oil to their cat’s food. Take the CBD oil and measure out the recommended dosage, then add it to the top of the food in the cat’s dish right before offering it to them. This works in wet or dry food. Just make sure to spread it evenly over the top of the meal, so it’s not all in one place. Mix the food to spread it out, and then feed it to your cat.
3. Use CBD Treats
Some cats aren’t going to eat CBD oil, no matter how you hide it. CBD-containing treats come in several varieties online, but you should examine the CBD concentration to make sure they are suitable for your cat’s size and health problem you are aiming to help with. You should also check the ingredient list to ensure they do not include any ingredients that may cause allergies to your cat and the calories in each treat. You’re giving your cat CBD to improve their health, and you should stay away from unreliable or disreputable brands.
4. Add It to Cat Treats
You can also add CBD oil to the cat treats you already give your cat. If your cat loves the occasional bite of chicken, a sip of tuna water, or their commercial treats, adding them to your cat’s favorites is a great way to make sure they eat the treat and get the oil in their system at the same time.
5. Put the Oil in Their Empty Bowl
You may not have thought of it, but it’s worth trying putting the CBD oil in the cat’s empty food bowl. You’ll want to get a CBD oil formula that has some flavor in it, such as the sardine-based CBD oil, as most cats can’t resist the smell or flavor of the sardines. Spread the recommended dosage of sardine-based oil around your cat’s food bowl and they’ll come running.
Leave the oil there for a bit, without food in the bowl, and see if the cat licks the bowl and gets used to the taste for the best results. This is only if the above tips don’t work for you, but it is an option many pet parents have had success with.
6. Rub the CBD Oil on the Cat’s Paws
We saved this tip for last because it is wasteful and can also be quite messy. If none of the methods above work for you, then you can try rubbing the CBD oil on your cat’s paws. Since most cats are perfectionists about their grooming and can’t stand to have anything on their paws, they’ll lick the CBD oil off their paws as soon as they realize it’s there.
However, you also run the risk of your cat just taking off when they feel the oil on their paws and getting the mess all over your carpet or hardwood floors. It’s an option that we don’t recommend unless nothing else works.
What You Need to Know About CBD Oil for Cats
Now that you know a few different methods for giving CBD oil to your cat, we’ll give you a few CBD facts.
Is CBD Oil Good for Cats?
Most pet parents intend to use CBD oil in cats with similar benefits to those that it can provide to humans. To date, the full extent of the potential benefits of CBD oil in cats have not been studied and are not completely understood yet. Health conditions such as stress, anxiety, joint pain, and inflammation are just a few of the problems CBD oil could potentially help your feline with. However, it is essential to remember that CBD oil products are not FDA-approved, and the oil can’t be used as a cure for any specific illness or disease. If you think your cat is sick, it’s in your cat’s best interest to contact your vet.
What Is the CBD Oil Dosage for Cats?
As with any other supplement or medicine, the dosage you give your cat will differ according to the condition you are treating, their body weight, age, and current health situation. If you’re unsure about the proper dosage for your cat, contact your vet for a recommendation.
Conclusion
CBD oil may help your pet, but it is currently unregulated, and you must ensure you discuss its use with your vet and you purchase it from a reliable producer. There are several ways to make sure your cat takes the supplement; you just have to find the one that works for your pet. Remember, it’s essential to contact your vet before you give your cat CBD oil for the first time.
Featured Image Credit: Velement, Shutterstock
