Having a nervous cat in your home can be difficult. Besides seeing your beloved pet fearful and nervous over everyday things that happen around the home, it can also take a toll physically on your kitty. Many pet parents have decided to turn to CBD to help their kitties handle situations better and help them throughout the day. While this is a great technique that is becoming more popular each day, it may leave you curious as to how long does it take CBD to work in a cat? The answer to that question is that CBD given to cats for the purposes of helping with their anxiety typically produces a noticeable effect in 15 to 45 minutes. Still, there is quite a bit more you should know about CBD oil and your cat. Let’s learn a few of them below.
How Does CBD Work?
The FDA has not yet approved the use of CBD or any other hemp-containing products in animals to treat any ailment. If you plan to administer CBD to your pet, you should consult with your veterinarian before doing so.
Many animals, including cats, have an endocannabinoid system. Their bodies produce the endocannabinoids that travel throughout the bloodstream and send messages to determine how cats are going to react to certain situations and what is taking place. Most of your cat’s bodily functions are affected by these endocannabinoids in your feline. It is similar to the endocannabinoids that are found in cannabis.
When you give your cat CBD, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in their body. By doing so, the CBD may help relieve stress and bring things back to homeostasis.
Keep in mind that there aren’t any long-term studies to prove that CBD works for cats (particularly for feline anxiety), but many pet owners have anecdotally mentioned that CBD helps their pet. It also seems as if CBD is considered safe for pets to use (based on preliminary dosage studies on healthy adult cats). When given in proper doses to your kitties, you’ll find that it may help them relieve anxiety, fear, and even pain in some cases. The key to remember is the dosage. Always follow the guidelines suggested by your veterinarian.
Will Any CBD Oil Work?
Unfortunately, the answer to whether you can use CBD oil for people on your pets is no. As we mentioned above, dosage and potency are important when it comes to your cats and other pets. Human CBD is designed to be stronger. Giving this product to your cat, even in a small dose can be dangerous. It is best that you understand the dosages and potency amounts of any CBD you offer your cat and stick to those designed for pets. Human-grade CBD oil may also contain THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) which is toxic for cats. Also please note that while CBD is generally safe for cats, the marijuana plant is very toxic for them.
How Long Does It Take CBD to Work?
Processing CBD oil requires a trip through the stomach and the intestine. While in these areas, the CBD gets absorbed into your cat’s bloodstream. Once in the blood, it will carry out its designed effects on your cat’s endocannabinoid system. Factors like your kitty’s metabolism, diet, health status, liver condition, the dose, and genetic makeup help determine how long this process takes but in most cases, you’ll find it happens within 15 to 45 minutes.
Once it takes effect, your cat can reap the benefits of CBD oil for up to 6 hours. If you see signs of upset stomach, irritability, or appetite changes then most likely you’ve given them too much.
Final Thoughts
When CBD is administered to cats for the purpose of controlling an anxiety episode (such as during a thunderstorm or fireworks) – its effects are usually noticeable in under an hour, provided it is dosed properly. CBD for pets is still a relatively new area of research, and it’s advised to consult with your veterinarian before deciding to administer CBD for your pet.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
