Using CBD oil to help your cat's underlying pain is a potential option that has some support from early research and a large base of anecdotal from cat owners who have tried it.
That said, it's important to keep in mind that official research hasn't concluded that CBD oil can effectively help cats with their pain. This article discusses how CBD could support cats with pain, giving you the overview needed to make a decision about purchasing a CBD product for your cat.
Should You Use CBD for Cat Pain?
To start, note that research suggests that long-term daily feeding of CBD at 4mg/kg of body weight is safe for healthy cats.
Further, while there aren't large-scale studies on the efficacy of CBD on pain in cats, small scale studies have been successful. One study showed that a cat's chronic pain score decreased from 13 points down to 5 points after a 30 day treatment.
The key takeaways to keep in mind here are that CBD oil is generally well-tolerated by cats, and that it can be effective in treating pain symptoms for at least some cats.
More confident claims can be made once research expands, but there isn't evidence that CBD oil doesn't help cats with their discomfort.
How Does CBD Help Some Cats with Pain?
CBD oil can help with discomfort in cats in a couple of ways.
First, CBD oil interacts with a cat's endocannabinoid system which influences pain perception. CBD can dull the severity of the experience of pain, improving quality of life and reducing overall discomfort.
Second, the NIH states that CBD exerts a number of beneficial pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is often the key cause of pain in cats with chronic pain. Reducing inflammation can have an overwhelmingly positive effect on symptoms of discomfort.
Third, CBD can help to holistically support joint health, mainly by its effect upon pain perception and overall contribution to the inflammatory response. Senior cats are often plagued by joint issues that cause pain, and improving their joint health can reduce that pain.
Conclusion
In summary, CBD oil is generally considered safe and has shown to improve pain symptoms in some cats in limited studies. While there isn't large-scale research, the small-scale research is promising.
CBD oil may support your cat's discomfort in a handful of ways such as influencing pain perception, influencing the inflammatory response, and promoting overall joint health.
If you'd like to learn more about CBD oil for cats, Lolahemp has a wealth of research on this subject.
Frequently Asked Questions About CBD for Cat Pain
Can CBD help reduce pain in cats?
Some early studies and anecdotal reports suggest CBD may reduce pain symptoms in certain cats, but large-scale research is still lacking.
Is CBD safe for cats?
Research indicates that long-term CBD use at appropriate doses is generally well-tolerated and safe for healthy cats.
How long does it take for CBD to help a cat’s pain?
Some cats may experience benefits within a few days to a few weeks, depending on individual response and dosage consistency.
Can CBD reduce inflammation in cats?
CBD has documented anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation-related discomfort in some cats.
Should CBD replace veterinary pain medications?
No. CBD should not replace prescribed medications. It may be used as a supportive option under veterinary guidance.