Do you know all the amazing benefits of hemp oil for cats? If not, your cat could be missing out on a lot. Hemp oil has the potential to make a life-changing improvement in your cats' overall well-being.
As a cat owner, you always want to take the best care of your pet's health. You might notice at times that certain over-the-counter remedies may contain many unknown ingredients that aren't always natural. Hemp oil offers the perfect solution for you to start caring for your cat's wellness.
This article will cover why hemp oil is an effective holistic product for your cat. You'll find out why it's one of the most popular options today amongst all cat owners around the world!
What Is Hemp Oil for Cats?
Most people shrink away once they hear the word "hemp." People often associate it with marijuana and automatically think that hemp can get you or your pets high. However, it's actually the opposite -- hemp oil is a non-intoxicating, naturally-occurring chemical compound that doesn't produce any feelings of being high.
Aside from it not having any psychoactive qualities, it has several fantastic benefits! Hemp oil is much different from hash oil because hash oil comes from the flower of the plant. To get hemp oil, manufacturers cold press hemp seeds to get hemp oil or hempseed oil. The final result creates an oil that ranges from a clear to dark green color.
Hemp oil has been used since ancient times as medicine. In 1500 BC, the Chinese, Indians, and Middle Easterners all used it to treat various ailments. In the 1800s, Europeans also started using hemp for its medicinal properties.
Much like with humans, hemp oil has significant benefits for pets. Hemp seeds are considered a superfood that has high amounts of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fibers, and essential fatty acids to provide a strong, nutritious boost to your cat's health.
Different Types of Hemp Oil
There are different types of hemp oil, each with different benefits and uses. Here are the most common ones you might find:
- Hempseed Oil
There are two types of hempseed oil - refined and unrefined. Unrefined hemp seed oil typically has a green color and a nutty flavor. Its green color is an indication that it still contains hemp's nutritional value. Manufacturers derive this oil through a cold-press process. However, it has a short shelf-life and needs refrigeration after opening.
Refined hempseed oil is clear and lacks nutritional value. Its clear color results from bleaching and deodorization. It has a longer shelf-life because manufacturers often use them for body care and manufacturing products.
- CBD Hemp Oil
CBD hemp oil is popular for regulating many of the body's functions through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The CBD works by interacting with the receptors in the body and supporting the ECS. Most people use CBD hemp oil to alleviate discomfort, indigestion, poor sleep, or body aches and soreness in their cat. The hemp extract is typically mixed with a carrier oil, such as hempseed, coconut, or flaxseed oil, for additional benefits. CBD oil can be used to make edibles, provide a boost to your meals, or be swallowed directly.
What Is Full Spectrum Hemp Oil?
When CBD is extracted from hemp, it starts as full-spectrum hemp oil. Full spectrum products contain all of the compounds in hemp, including both CBD and THC. Full spectrum products are the most effective type of hemp or CBD oil because all the compounds (terpenes, flavonoids, cannabinoids) work together to boost the effects of CBD. This synergy of the compounds is called the "entourage effect."
Although it does contain traces of THC, these minuscule amounts aren't enough to make you or your cat high. You might also find broad-spectrum CBD oil products, which provide exactly the same benefits but do not contain any traces of THC.
What Is Broad Spectrum Hemp Oil?
At Pet Hemp Company, we sell broad spectrum CBD oil, which means that it does not contain ANY THC at all. Although the THC in full spectrum products isn't enough to get your cat high, broad spectrum is extremely popular because there is absolutely no THC included. This is great for pet owners that want to avoid THC for whatever reason. And don't worry because the entourage effect is still extremely effective and will still provide significant benefits for your cat!
Benefits of Hemp Oil for Cats
Here are some of the main benefits of hemp oil for cats:
- Relieves Nervous or Anxious Behaviors
Many cats are easily scared and constantly feel nervous and anxious. Hemp oil may help in reducing these symptoms of fear and nervousness. It helps calm them, especially when you're traveling with them, moving homes, or watching fireworks.
- Dietary Boost
Aside from hemp oil's therapeutic properties, you can also administer it as a part of their diet. The nutritious benefits of hemp oil can give a boost to your cat's general wellness, which may improve their quality of life.
- Relieves Discomfort
Hemp oil, especially CBD hemp oil, can be advantageous for its relieving and soothing properties. It can help relieve joint soreness and muscle aches. It's also great for older dogs who may not be able to move like they once could.
- Digestion Problems
Hemp oil may help improve your cats' appetite. If your cat isn't eating for some reason (injury or sickness), hemp oil can provide calming effects that may provide a boost to their appetite and digestion.
Side Effects of Hemp Oil for Cats
The best thing about hemp oil is that it has barely any side effects. Most pets tolerate hemp oil very well and don't experience any side effects at all. However, it's important to remember not to expose it to extreme heat, or it will produce peroxide, a harmful toxin to your cat's health.
Some of the possible side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Change in appetite
- Slight drowsiness or fatigue
- Diarrhea
Hemp oil is not dangerous or harmful to your cat's health. However, each pet is different, so it's best to consult your vet before giving hemp oil to your cat. It's also important to keep an eye out for low-quality hemp oil products which could contain preservatives and additives that aren't good for your cat.
Is Hemp Oil Safe for Cats?
Hemp oil is generally safe for cats, but we still recommend consulting a veterinarian if you're concerned about its specific effects. Since hemp oil is largely unregulated, it's easy to buy fake or low-quality products in the market. Therefore, if you're looking to purchase CBD oil for cats, make sure you do the proper research to ensure you're buying the best quality product.
What to Look for in a Brand?
With so many brands to choose from, how do you decide what's good and what's bad? You might accidentally buy a low-quality product without knowing, but don't worry -- we're here to help you determine what you should look for in a quality product!
- All-natural, organic ingredients
Healthy ingredients are probably one of the most important factors to a clean and beneficial hemp oil. Some brands may attempt to cut costs by adding GMOs or preservatives to increase shelf life or flavor. However, studies show that these synthetic ingredients can be damaging to your cat's wellness.
Non-organic products contain pesticides and other harmful chemicals or hormones. You should always stick to buying organic products because they are typically healthier and safer.
- 3rd-Party Testing
Third-party labs test products and provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) to ensure that they are safe to consume. On top of that, COAs can show the entire cannabinoid profile of the hemp oil to ensure that the hemp oil complies with all regulations.
- Customer Reviews
Look for customer reviews and testimonials to read real experiences from other people. Find out whether or not a brand has good customer policies or if people are happy with their products. It's an important part when researching any brand to determine if it's right for you!
References:
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/senior-dementia-in-cats-3384896
- https://herbalvetusa.com/blogs/news/hemp-oil-for-cats-and-the-treating
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is There a Difference Between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil?
People tend to refer to both CBD and hemp oil interchangeably, which can be confusing. Though CBD oil comes from hemp, there are some differences between the two. Hemp oil has no CBD content, whereas CBD oil is very well-saturated with CBD.
Both have their unique benefits. CBD oil is made using the stems, leaves, and flowers from the hemp plant, but hemp oil only uses hemp seeds. Hempseed oil is rich in nutrients and fatty acids, important for many health reasons. However, the main benefit of CBD oil mostly focuses on the calming and holistic benefits of CBD. CBD can help treat several ailments and improve your cat's overall wellness.
Can I Use CBD Oil for Dogs and Horses?
CBD oil can be useful for pets of all kinds! Giving daily doses of CBD to your dog or horse can have many of the same benefits as it does to cats. However, you might need to buy larger and more potent CBD oil for them since cats are much smaller in size. Pet Hemp Co. CBD oil only contains two ingredients, so it's generally safe for both humans and animals!
Is CBD Oil Legal?
Yes, CBD oil is completely legal under the 2018 Farm Bill! Be careful not to confuse CBD with marijuana and THC, which aren't legal. Though hemp and marijuana are both in the cannabis family, the main difference is the amount of THC in the plants. All CBD products must be hemp-derived to stay legal.
The 2018 Farm Bill also states that any hemp or hemp-derived product cannot contain over 0.3% THC. If the hemp product contains over 0.3% THC, it's officially classified as marijuana, which is still federally illegal.
Does CBD Oil for Cats Have Flavor or Taste?
Pure CBD hemp oil for cats usually has an earthier, bitter flavor. Some brands may add flavoring to their CBD oil to make it more appealing for cats, but these additives may be unhealthy for your cat. It's important to limit the number of extra ingredients to keep the product pure and natural. You can try adding CBD hemp oil to your cat's favorite treats or food to disguise the flavor a little more!
How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Cat?
We recommend calculating the proper dosage for CBD oil based on your cat's weight. Although there are currently no official dosage guidelines for CBD, basing it on their weight is a good place to start. Eventually, you'll want to adjust it to match your cat's tolerance. Just remember that how much you give them is also affected by their tolerance, age, or ailment that they're dealing with!
To start, we recommend giving your cat about 0.25mg of CBD per pound of body weight for a normal dose. So for a 10-pound cat, you'll want to give them about the equivalent of 2.5mg of CBD in oil drops. For a stronger dose, calculate about 0.5mg of CBD per pound of body weight. You would give the same 10-pound cat 5mg of CBD for a more concentrated, powerful dose.
Of course, you might want to start even lower than 0.25mg per pound if your cat hasn't taken CBD before. Then, as they get more accustomed to the effects, you can slowly bump up the dosage until they reach the desired effects.
How Often Can I Give My Cat CBD?
Whether you give your cat CBD treats or oil, the effects typically last from about 6-8 hours. This means that you probably will only need to give them CBD about once or twice per day. However, this can vary depending on if your cat has built up a stronger tolerance or if they're dealing with a more serious ailment. In that case, your cat may need three doses in a day to feel the same effects.
If a particularly stressful event is happening (like a thunderstorm or fireworks on the 4th of July), it might be helpful to give them a slightly stronger dose or re-dose quicker. As long as you are cautious and carefully monitor your cat's behavior, they'll be okay. Even if you accidentally give them too much, it's almost impossible for them to overdose. Just give them some time to sleep it off, and they'll wake up feeling more refreshed!
How Long Does It Take for CBD Oil to Work For Cats?
CBD hemp oil for cats can take up to an hour to take effect. Generally, any CBD product they ingest will take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, but their age, weight, diet, tolerance, and fatigue can also affect the onset and duration times. Expect the benefits of CBD oil to last about 6-8 hours!
Is CBD Right For My Cat?
So how does hemp CBD oil work and can all cats benefit from it? Well, CBD has the potential to help treat and provide relief for many health issues your cat may experience. It's a natural remedy that has very few risks and an extensive list of benefits. From soothing your cat's discomfort to promoting better sleep to regulating appetite, CBD is an easy, no-hassle way for you to help your cat live a stronger, better life.
The best thing about CBD is that it's extremely safe and has almost no side effects. It won't get your cat high, and most cats tolerate it very well. Although experiencing side effects is rare, cats may feel slight drowsiness, dry mouth, or diarrhea. We highly recommend consulting a vet if you're unsure about how CBD will affect your cat!
Will CBD Oil Make My Cat Sleepy?
Hemp-derived CBD oil has a soothing, calming effect that can potentially make your cat sleepy. If given in higher doses, the CBD oil can make your cat tired or sluggish, leading them to fall asleep. However, you don't need to worry because they just need to sleep it off! They're still reaping all the amazing benefits of CBD!
You can start with a lower dose of CBD oil if your cat continues to experience sleepiness. Continue to lower their dosage until you find the amount that works for them! You can also consult a vet for more specific advice on how much CBD to give your cat and how it might affect them.
Why Do Our Customers Love CBD Oil for Cats?
Pet Hemp Co. customers love our CBD oil for cats and continue to come back over and over because they know they are getting high-quality products at some of the best prices on the market! Our customers can shop at Pet Hemp Co. worry and stress-free because pets are our number one priority. We take every measure to ensure our products stay completely natural using only the best ingredients and hemp we can find, so that we can confidently say you'll find the best CBD oil with us.
In addition, we have some of the best customer service policies you'll find! We offer free shipping on ALL orders, no matter what size, because we encourage you to try different and new products for your feline friends. And if you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply send it back within 30 days and get your full order refunded, no questions asked! Join the Pet Hemp Co. family today and find out why people stick around!