Hemp cat treats are reported to offer numerous benefits. In this article, will try to bridge the gap between the known and what's yet to be discovered when it comes to CBD for cats.
The known: Studies and research on the CBD potential benefits to cats.
The unknown: Can cat CBD treats for cats help your feline friends?
- Hemp Cat Treats vs CBD Cat Treats: What Do These Mean?" href="#strong-data-mce-fragment-1-span-data-mce-fragment-1-data-color-transparent-hemp-cat-treats-vs-cbd-cat-treats-what-do-these-mean-span-strong">Hemp Cat Treats vs CBD Cat Treats: What Do These Mean?
- Nutritional Aspects of Hemp Cat Treats" href="#strong-data-mce-fragment-1-span-data-mce-fragment-1-data-color-transparent-nutritional-aspects-of-hemp-cat-treats-span-strong">Nutritional Aspects of Hemp Cat Treats
- Macronutrient Profile of Hemp-Based Treats" href="#strong-data-mce-fragment-1-span-data-mce-fragment-1-data-color-transparent-macronutrient-profile-of-hemp-based-treats-span-strong">Macronutrient Profile of Hemp-Based Treats
- Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals" href="#strong-data-mce-fragment-1-span-data-mce-fragment-1-data-color-transparent-micronutrients-vitamins-and-minerals-span-strong">Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals
- Essential Fatty Acids in Hemp" href="#strong-data-mce-fragment-1-span-data-mce-fragment-1-data-color-transparent-essential-fatty-acids-in-hemp-span-strong">Essential Fatty Acids in Hemp
- How CBD Treats May Help" href="#strong-data-mce-fragment-1-span-data-mce-fragment-1-data-color-transparent-how-cbd-treats-may-help-span-strong">How CBD Treats May Help
- 1. Supporting Normal Inflammatory Responses" href="#strong-data-mce-fragment-1-span-data-mce-fragment-1-data-color-transparent-1-supporting-normal-inflammatory-responses-span-strong">1. Supporting Normal Inflammatory Responses
- 2. Supporting Normal Emotional Balance" href="#strong-data-mce-fragment-1-span-data-mce-fragment-1-data-color-transparent-2-supporting-normal-emotional-balance-span-strong">2. Supporting Normal Emotional Balance
- 3. Supporting Comfort and Normal Sensory Function" href="#strong-data-mce-fragment-1-span-data-mce-fragment-1-data-color-transparent-3-supporting-comfort-and-normal-sensory-function-span-strong">3. Supporting Comfort and Normal Sensory Function
- 4. Supporting Neurological Health" href="#strong-data-mce-fragment-1-span-data-mce-fragment-1-data-color-transparent-4-supporting-neurological-health-span-strong">4. Supporting Neurological Health
- 5. Supporting Normal Appetite and Digestive Function" href="#strong-data-mce-fragment-1-span-data-mce-fragment-1-data-color-transparent-5-supporting-normal-appetite-and-digestive-function-span-strong">5. Supporting Normal Appetite and Digestive Function
- Dosage and Administration Based on Studies" href="#strong-data-mce-fragment-1-span-data-mce-fragment-1-data-color-transparent-dosage-and-administration-based-on-studies-span-strong">Dosage and Administration Based on Studies
Hemp Cat Treats vs CBD Cat Treats: What Do These Mean?
Hemp cat treats are often made from hemp oil extracted from the hemp plant. Hemp can be rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and may have other nutritional benefits. Hemp must contain little to no THC content by law, which means that it doesn't have a psychoactive component.
On the other hand, CBD oils are used to make CBD cat treats. CBD oil is most often derived from the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant. This 2023 study, outlines that CBD cat treats may support overall wellness and also have little-to-no THC content.
Hemp treats and CBD treats are often very similar. Hemp cat treats contain CBD, particularly when they're made from full-spectrum hemp extract. Products labeled as "CBD treats" may also be made from full-spectrum hemp extract. This is why you need to look at the package to understand what you're getting.
The suggested benefits from hemp cat treats come from the active ingredient cannabidiol (CBD), which research suggests may provide emotional and physical support to our furry friends.
Difference Between Full Spectrum CBD and Isolates
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds naturally present in hemp. This includes trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%), other cannabinoids like CBG and CBN, and various terpenes.
CBD isolate, on the other hand, is described as pure CBD with all other compounds removed. While isolates offer precise dosing, full-spectrum products may provide enhanced benefits due to the entourage effect.
Nutritional Aspects of Hemp Cat Treats
Hemp has a rich nutritional profile as detailed in this study. The study also concludes that hemp's nutritional value may complement your cat's diet.
Macronutrient Profile of Hemp-Based Treats
Macronutrients often found in Hemp include:
Protein
Hemp seeds, often used in these treats, contain high-quality plant protein. Given cats are obligate carnivores and require animal-based proteins, the protein in hemp can serve as a supplemental source.
Fats
Hemp seeds are rich in healthy fats, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Carbohydrates
Another study looked into Hemp carbohydrate content. A hemp treat usually contains moderate amounts of carbohydrates, primarily from hemp seeds and any additional ingredients like pea flour or sweet potato.
Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals
This research states that Hemp can be a source of various essential vitamins and minerals, that may support overall feline health. Such as:
Vitamin E Supplement
Hemp seeds are naturally rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports normal immune function and skin health.
B-complex vitamins
Hemp contains several B vitamins which are important for energy metabolism and overall cellular function.
Minerals
Hemp seeds provide minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Some cat CBD treats may also be fortified with additional minerals like calcium iodate and sodium selenite.
Folic acid
Folic acid, rich in vitamin B, supports normal cell division and growth.
Essential Fatty Acids in Hemp
One of the standout nutritional features of cat CBD is their fatty acid profile and below are the discussed fatty acids in this article:
Omega-6 fatty acids
Hemp is particularly rich in linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid. Linoleic acid supports skin and coat health, potentially contributing to a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Hemp also contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. While cats have a limited ability to convert ALA to the more bioactive forms EPA and DHA, it can still contribute to overall fatty acid balance.
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
This omega-6 fatty acid, present in hemp, is less common in typical cat diets and may offer additional support for skin health and normal inflammatory responses.
How CBD Treats May Help
While research specifically on cat CBD treats is limited, studies on preliminary veterinary observations suggest several mechanisms through which these treats may support feline health.
1. Supporting Normal Inflammatory Responses
CBD for cats may help maintain a normal inflammatory response in felines, and the following is what this study concludes about the possibilities:
COX Enzyme
Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes take part in producing prostaglandins, which are important in regulating inflammation in cats. The study suggests that CBD may interact with these enzymes, potentially supporting the body's ability to maintain a normal inflammatory response.
LOX enzyme
Lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes are involved in the production of leukotrienes, another group of inflammatory mediators. This research indicates that CBD may also interact with these enzymes, further supporting the body's natural inflammatory response.
Cytokine
CBD was observed to influence the production and activity of various cytokines; signaling molecules involved in immune responses. This interaction, as the study suggests, may contribute to maintaining normal immune function and inflammatory balance.
2. Supporting Normal Emotional Balance
Environmental stress such as travel and changes in routine may cause some disharmony in your cat's usual mood. Van Veterinary Journal states that CBD treats may help support a calm and relaxed disposition in cats. It goes into further detail and mentions:
Serotonin Receptors
CBD was observed to interact with serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation and emotional balance in cats. This observation led them to conclude that CBD-calming treats may help maintain a sense of calmness in cats by supporting normal serotonin signaling.
GABA
The study also suggested that CBD may influence the activity of GABA in cats, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a role in relaxation. If GABA signaling is enhanced, CBD may support a cat's ability to maintain a normal, relaxed state.
Cortisol
The journal also states that CBD was observed to influence cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress responses, in cats. This concludes that cat CBD may help cats maintain emotional balance during occasional environmental stressors.
3. Supporting Comfort and Normal Sensory Function
CBD treats for cats may help maintain physical comfort and normal sensory function in cats as this study concludes. The study further states that it can be particularly beneficial for maintaining quality of life in senior felines or those with active lifestyles. Here is more elaboration on the study's findings:
Vanilloid Receptors
These receptors are involved in the perception of discomfort and temperature and CBD is observed interacting with them. The modulation of these receptors by the CBD may help support normal sensory function and comfort levels in cats.
Endocannabinoid System Support
The endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating pain perception. CBD in this study, is observed that it may help support the normal functioning of this system in cats.
Neurotransmitter
CBD has been observed to influence various neurotransmitters involved in pain signaling, such as glutamate and glycine. This modulation may help support normal neural function related to sensory perception.
4. Supporting Neurological Health
Based on this study, CBD treats for cats may offer support for overall neurological health in cats. The study dives more into the subject and states that:
Antioxidant properties
CBD may have antioxidant properties, these properties help neutralize unstable molecules, called free radicals, that can contribute to cellular stress.
Neurogenesis support
Neurogenesis is the process of forming new neurons. The research alludes that this could potentially help maintain normal cognitive function in cats.
5. Supporting Normal Appetite and Digestive Function
For picky eaters or cats experiencing occasional digestive upset, a study was carried out that offers insights into how CBD cat treats may offer support for maintaining digestive function in cats. Such as:
CB1 receptor interaction
CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system are found in high concentrations in the digestive system and they influence gastric secretion and intestinal motility. CBD’s interaction with them may help support normal appetite regulation and digestive function in cats.
Serotonin receptor modulation
Serotonin also plays a role in digestive function and nausea regulation and CBD for cats may help maintain normal digestive comfort.
Motility support
CBD may influence gastrointestinal motility and help maintain overall digestive health and comfort.
Enteric nervous system support
The endocannabinoid system is present in the enteric nervous system, which regulates various digestive functions. CBD's interaction with this system may help support normal digestive processes.
Dosage and Administration Based on Studies
Factors that affect proper CBD dosage and administration are a must to look into if you want to buy CBD cat treats. Let's discuss some general principles established by this study:
Factors Affecting Optimal Dosage
For you to know the right amount of CBD oil for your feline friend, here are some factors to consider but as you do so, first reach out to your cat's vet and seek their guidance on these factors:
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Body weight: Larger cats may require more CBD to achieve the same effects as smaller cats.
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Overall health condition: A cat's general health status may affect how it processes CBD.
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Age: Senior cats may metabolize CBD differently than younger cats.
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Individual sensitivity: Like humans, cats may have varying sensitivities to CBD.
The study also underscores the importance of starting the dosage with a small amount, which your vet may have already informed you about, and observe your cat's response before any adjustments. Keeping notes on their behavior while gradually introducing the hemp-derived CBD cat treats is a good practice that will help your vet keep up.
Bioavailability of Different Administration Methods
Another study researched different convenient methods of CBD administration; the following were covered:
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Hemp Treats: May have a slower onset due to digestion, but the effects could last longer.
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CBD Oils: When added to food, may be absorbed more quickly than treats.
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Topical applications: Absorbed through the skin in local areas.
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CBD chews: Similar, if not the same as hemp treats.
Onset and duration of effects
The onset and duration of effects from CBD cat treats based on this study found that they can vary:
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Onset: Effects may begin within 30-60 minutes after ingestion, but this can vary.
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Duration: The duration of effects could last several hours, depending on factors like metabolism and dosage.
Conclusion: What We Learned about Hemp Treats for Cats
As we've explored, Cat CBD may offer several potential benefits for feline health, from supporting normal inflammatory responses to maintaining normal digestive comfort. Their unique nutritional profile, including essential fatty acids and antioxidants, could complement your cat's diet in meaningful ways. Note that: It's crucial to approach these treats as part of a comprehensive wellness plan, not a standalone solution.
