This humble plant has changed not only the way my family lives their lives but since implementing it into our pets’ diets and meal plans, the change too has been significant, and all for the better.
They look healthier, seem fitter (from what we see when taking them out for walks or how the kids play with them in the garden for hours without tiring), and we only wished we had been told about it sooner. Rather late than never though right, as the old saying goes.
Table of Contents
The beginning
We were having lunch one Sunday at a little boutique café on the riverside with a group of friends. We love going there because they allow pets at the restaurant as they have outdoor seating, but also the fact that the walks along the embankment with the dogs are serene and tranquil. The perfect stroll to unwind from the business that has become our life.
I was chatting to a girlfriend as we walked and she mentioned she had noticed a big turnaround in her puppy and 2 kittens (a full house is an understatement if you ask me) since they changed their diets to more organic ones, using whole foods and naturally grown supplements. One in particular known as CBD – also going by the more technical name of Cannabidiol. After an hour or so I was on my phone ordering a few sample varieties to test on a trial basis.
Our next steps
She mentioned that they initially began using it for themselves after far too many months of ill health episodes and painful mornings and weekends, and with much success too, but that is a tale for another day.
What they did find out, however, as they progressed and grew in their CBD adventure was that the benefits it offered animals were just as plentiful as what they were experiencing and they immediately began researching the theory.
The theory soon became a reality as they read hundreds of reviews and success stories of other pet owners, and my friend and her husband made the decision there and then to simply put the entire family, furry members included, onto a CBD implemented eating lifestyle, and the rest is history as they say.
When you hear and read some of the amazing tales and successes of CBD for animals, be sure to keep an open mind, be willing to try something new, and embark on a new chapter in your lives. Although you will find out it is a distant cousin of the marijuana family, as both are derived from the Cannabis Sativa family, the CBD side of the family tree is THC free (or at least a maximum of 0.03% should only be present) and thus makes it safe for human and animal consumption.
Effects on illness and pain
As with humans, research into the potential effects of CBD oil on various diseases is still ongoing and it can be said that we have just “scratched” below the surface. Nevertheless, research conducted has shown a huge potential for the effects of cannabinoids and terpenes on certain diseases.
CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects and is considered a natural analgesic.
Animals, just like humans in themselves, contain an endocannabinoid system that manages homeostasis – the process of keeping the body and cells in optimal conditions for functioning. The endocannabinoid system affects sleep, immunity, appetite, disposition, and more, which bothers both humans and cats.
Cats have quite similar problems as humans, so acting on cats is similar to acting on humans. CBD oil is most commonly used today to reduce stress, insomnia and reduce pain, especially in muscles and joints.
According to the results seen so far, CBD oil helps cats with:
- Stress
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Appetite
- Pain
Our experience
Starting we were, I would honestly say, nervous and a little hesitant. How could a humble plant, having had no chemical influence placed upon it offer the long list of positives that we had heard so much about? After-all was it not the way that certain and specific compounds and elements reacted to one another that resulted in invariants? We jumped in with both feet nevertheless, and thankfully so.
For us, the changes were seen within a mere week of use, we felt better, practically pain-free, and woke up rejuvenated in the mornings as opposed to the usual lethargic ambiance that was in the air during the week.
If it hadn’t been for our awe at the efficiency of the product we may have noticed the significant changes in our pets sooner, but notice we did. Our cats, dare I say it so naively, seemed to be in a better mood? They were prancing and purring around the house as if they owned the place, all the while sporting what looked like new coats, thicker, fuller, and shinier.
We may laugh now, and perhaps did a little too when it all began happening, but this is because we had been using chemical-based medicinal products for decades yet the problems persisted. Then comes along the wonder ingredient that is the CBD plant and the world is better for it.
CBD completely gave us a new lease on life, and by the cuddles and coziness we were receiving from our animals we knew they could feel something was different, and for the greater good. To learn more and get your hands on what could be the answer you have been looking for all along, see more guide here to read and review which products will be best suited to your pet and their needs. Industry professionals are always on hand to offer expert advice and guidance, and taking their opinions on board will help guide you in taking that initial step in the right CBD direction.
Side effects of CBD oil for cats
To date, no serious side effects of CBD oil for animals have been reported or detected. Problems most often occur with improper dosing or excessive amounts of CBD. Cats can then appear sedated – the first sign of an overdose with CBD oil.
Also, digestive problems are possible, so the oil should be dosed carefully and gradually, as we mentioned, increasing the dose every 5-10 days until the effects are achieved.
Although it can be an unpleasant experience, an “overdose” of CBD is not life-threatening for a cat, but if it does occur, visit a veterinarian.
A final thought from us
As you may know, not all varieties or methods to take the ingredient will work for each individual which is why the versatility of CBD is so appealing, and what sealed the deal for us at the end of the day. We have 2 different cats, each with different personalities and nutritional needs, and although we ordered opposite products for them we had the utmost convenience of doing so from one company. Win-win.