In this article, the focus is on the following question: What can I give my cat for pain?

As any pet owner knows, one of the saddest situations to go through is watching a pet in pain. Today, the market is filled with optional products that can affect and improve the condition of the pet.

However, not all of them are organic or support the overall well-being of the animal. Holistic veterinarians are opening a new path for pet owners by recommending CBD oil for cats.

CBD for cats is a relatively new concept. However, it is supported by the holistic veterinarian community. However, before we get into CBD for cats, let's discuss common ways that people might think to handle a pet's pain.

Giving a Cat Benadryl for Pain

Benadryl is a brand name for diphenhydramine which is an antihistamine for humans. Some people choose to give Benadryl to a cat when they see it is in pain. According to PetMD this is probably okay in a low dose. However, it may not be the best way to handle a pet's pain because it can cause side effects such as extreme drowsiness. Further, high doses of this can be poisonous to cats and dogs - which can cause serious problems and even death.

Giving a Cat Aspirin

Aspirin and Ibuprofen are both absolute no-nos when it comes to your cat. Humans and cats do not metabolize things like aspirin in the same way. So even if you give your cat a low dose of Aspirin or Ibuprofen it could be extremely dangerous or deadly. Never ever give your cat Aspirin or Ibuprofen!

Very simply states, don't assume your cat is just a tiny human. She's not. Therefore, you can't simply give a cat less of something okay for human consumption and assume it's okay for cat consumption.

Research on CBD and Cats

Today the number of research projects that have explored the possibility for CBD usage for cats is still relatively small due to past federal regulations. However, the research shows that the effects on the health of the pets are beneficial.

Casara Andre, DVM, cVMA, owner of Veterinary Cannabis, an education and consulting company and part of the Cultivate Veterinary Wellbeing, a co-working community for veterinary professionals near Denver, Colorado., has this to say about her personal experience with hemp/cbd oil for pets.

According to her, after she started administering CBD oil to her cat:

“I bought tinctures from a medical dispensary, and after a couple of weeks, I saw even more dramatic progress in her playfulness, willingness to go outside, and her ability to jump on things and groom herself more effectively.”¹

Casara Andra also hosted the first-ever Cannabis Veterinary Medicine Symposium in Denver, in October 2017. The symposium was for veterinary professionals, pet owners and those in the cannabis industry.

Pet owners that have shared compelling stories about how CBD helped their pets have helped popularize this pet product.

How can CBD help my cat?

If you google “what can I give my cat for pain?” over 323,000,000 results show up. One of the options to consider is CBD oil.

CBD is just one of the active substances found in the cannabis plant that can support and promote the health of the user. Today, there is an overwhelming number of research projects that show CBD can be beneficial. Despite the fact that the majority of these research projects focus on humans, the benefits can still be applicable as cats have an endocannabinoid system just like people do.

The endocannabinoid system regulates the immunity, mood, sleep and pain in humans and animals (dogs and cats). The cannabinoid receptors are in almost every part of the body, including the brain, the immune system, and the nervous system.

CBD works by influencing these receptors in both humans and animals.

CBD can be beneficial for supporting the overall health and wellness of cats. According to preliminary reports of the ongoing in vivo research projects and anecdotal evidence from cat owners, giving CBD oil to cats could help with pain, in particular that associated with the aging process.

Note of importance, it’s crucial as a cat owner to consult with a veterinarian before administering any CBD product. Holistic veterinarians have more practice on the subject, and they are familiar with the dosage. This is distinct from the CBD dosage for humans.

Even though CBD use in pets is becoming more common and accepted, each pet requires an individual dosage. Aside from CBD oil, there is the possibility for CBD treats.  

How to tell if your cat is in pain

As a pet owner, another aspect that you should consider before giving your cat any foods that supports the health of the pet: How to tell if your cat is in pain.

Sometimes it is hard to notice the condition of the pet, especially with cats, because they tend to be more independent. However, any time a pet - including a cat - withdraws more than normal, then it might be a red flag for a health problem or bodily pain.

Biting

The first sign for a cat in pain is biting and scratching even though the owner is someone who is familiar. This happens when someone touches or shows an intention to reach the painful area.

Breathing

Another sign is the breathing of the cat, which transforms into a faster and shallower breathing pattern. When the movement of the abdominal muscles becomes more apparent, or if the pet doesn’t allow caressing in that area, it’s possible the cat is in pain.

Heart Rate

An increased heart/pulse rate and changes in the purring and the eyes are one of the most reliable signs for a cat in pain. The pupils in the eyes will become larger (dilated) — depending on the original injury or ailment process.

Bathroom Habits

Cats with back pain may also change their bathroom habits because they experience difficulty to defecate. Any pain in the body of the animal can also lead to the slowed motility of the intestines, and thus constipation.

Even if the cat owner doesn’t notice any of the changes mentioned above, once the energy levels drop and the mobility of the pet reduces, it becomes rather apparent that the cat is experiencing pain.

If the cat is hiding more than usual, it’s because they tend to disappear when in pain. If any part of the cat’s body is showing signs of swelling, it’s time for a visit to the veterinarian.

Natural pain relief for cats – CBD pet drops

You can use CBD pet drops to provide natural pain relief for cats because of the calming and analgesic properties.

Hempure CBD Pet Drops are 100% THC-free. That means that there is no possibility your pet will suffer any psychoactive side effects.

Moreover, Hempure’s premium formula provides CO2 extracted, broad-spectrum profiles. The synergistic compounds like fatty acids and terpenes support and advance the health of the cat.   

Furthermore, CBD supports the overall health of the pet. If, as a cat owner you’re still wondering, “What can I give my cat for pain?”, then CBD pet drops are an organic solution that produces excellent results.

Sources:

1. Sarah Rumple, High Time For Cannabis Research, May 2018, Trends Magazine, https://www.aaha.org/public_documents/trends/cannabis_research.pdf.