Research reveals that grumpy moods and pleasant afternoon naps are not the only similarities cat lovers share with their cats.
Like humans and dogs, cats have an endocannabinoid system. Your cat may therefore experience various health benefits from cannabinoids such as CBD.
This article explains how CBD works and explores its many possible health benefits for cats.
How does CBD work for cats?
The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is a network of receptors throughout the central nervous system and other biological systems that can interact with cannabinoids such as CBD and THC.
By influencing these receptors through its anti-inflammatory and antipsychotic properties, CBD has shown potential to protect and support the body and improve the integrity of the systems it regulates.
This interaction is what allows CBD to offer possible benefits such as pain relief, stress management and reduced aggression.
Now that we have a general understanding of how it works, let us explore how CBD might improve our companions' lives, all nine of them! :)
CBD may ease your cat's arthritis and joint pain
Dogs were once thought more likely to develop arthritis. Recent studies have shown that cats, especially older ones, suffer from arthritis as much as dogs do.
According to a 2011 study, 61% of cats aged six or older had arthritis in at least one joint, rising to 82% among cats aged 14 or older. It can cause reduced mobility, constant pain, low energy and other symptoms that make life unpleasant. Aging is inevitable, but CBD may help improve the situation.
With strong anti-inflammatory properties, CBD may help reduce inflammation and limit its spread. Researchers have also found that it may lower perceived pain by activating and desensitizing vanilloid receptors in the brain.
CBD may help reduce stress and anxiety
Like us, cats can experience different levels of stress and anxiety alongside many of the same distressing symptoms. Common stressors include environmental changes, conflicts with other cats, poor human–cat relationships and health problems or disorders.
Moderate stress might put your cat in a grumpy mood for a day, but prolonged stress can lead to deteriorating health, poor grooming, behavioral problems, poor eating habits and much more. Owners often fail to notice their cat's stress, compounding the problem.
Research has suggested that CBD helps ease stress and anxiety by modulating cortisol, the stress hormone, and influencing brain receptors responsible for mood and neurological activity. This finding points to CBD's possible role in reducing stress levels or changing how the brain responds to stress signals.
CBD may regulate your cat's eating habits
Regular eating habits are very important for a cat's health. Reduced appetite can result from dental problems, mood issues and countless health conditions.
Dr. Linda Ross, an associate professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, says: “Poor appetite means your cat is not feeling well.”
Ross recommends trying to identify the root cause when you notice an eating problem. It may be as simple as a change in diet or feeding time, or it may arise from mood or health problems.
Although causes vary, CBD may help improve appetite and address possible underlying issues such as mood disorders, hormonal imbalance, inflammatory bowel syndrome or stress.
CBD may help treat a cat's bad mood
Although the “Grumpy Cat” image has become an internet joke, it may reflect a serious problem arising from low energy, hormonal imbalance or other underlying issues.
CBD may help improve mood-related problems by easing underlying causes such as stress and anxiety.
It may also work synergistically to maintain homeostasis by interacting with brain receptors responsible for regulating mood and overseeing hormone production.
CBD may help reduce your cat's epileptic seizures
Unfortunately, cats, like humans, can have epilepsy and seizures of varying frequency and severity.
Seizures occur when abnormal electrochemical activity develops in the brain, often due to brain injury or other brain conditions.
Although little research specifically addresses epileptic seizures in cats, the number of studies with promising findings has grown. One of the best-known is a 2015 study reported by the American Epilepsy Society, in which researchers found that CBD reduced both seizure frequency and severity, with an average reduction of 45%.
CBD and your cat: final thoughts
Through its ability to offer natural relief for many conditions, CBD may improve your cat's overall quality of life and help keep it healthier for longer.
As researchers learn more about this remarkable cannabinoid, we may find further ways it can benefit pets.
Because research remains insufficient, we strongly recommend consulting your veterinarian before giving CBD to your cat. Although we work to present comprehensive, well-researched information, every human and animal body is unique and should be assessed individually.
