CBD may help your cat sleep better if their restlessness is caused by physical discomfort or stress. Cannabidiol products work by interacting with a cat's endocannabinoid system which influences feelings of pain, anxiety, and can even sleep.
It's important to note that CBD may not help your cat's sleep right away, but could have progressive benefits over time. It depends on your cat, the product, and the issue causing lack of sleep.
This article will quickly cover how CBD can influence feline sleep for the better, as well as a few notes on finding the right product for your cat.
CBD May Help Cats Sleep Better
While there haven't been peer-reviewed studies on the use of CBD for sleeping issues in cats, anecdotal evidence from cat owners suggests that it can have a powerful impact.
Evidence to support CBD as a feline sleep-aid:
- CBD has showed the ability improve sleep in humans, particularly when sleep was disrupted by stress.
- Research has shown that CBD is well-tolerated and safe for cats.
- Early studies show that CBD could relieve separation anxiety, displaying potential anti-anxiety effects.
In many cases, the results we see from human trials extend to dog and cat research because cats, dogs, and humans all share the endocannabinoid system. While research hasn't proved that CBD can help cats with sleep, pet owners report that it does in many cases.
How to Use CBD for Your Cat's Sleep
CBD oils and treats can work quickly for cats, but they may not take effect right away. If your cat sees benefits, it will be from CBD's influence on the issues that are preventing your cat from sleeping.
CBD doesn't work as a sedative or a sleeping pill. It works as a support that may help with issues causing sleep disruptions, and that can take a few weeks to set in.
- Start by giving your cat a weight-appropriate dosage. The general rule of thumb is 1mg of CBD per 10lbs of your cat's weight, twice daily.
- Observe your cat to see if they show any improvements in sleep over the course of the next week or two.
- If you don't see results after three weeks, consider increasing the dosage slightly.
- Always discuss using cat CBD with your veterinarian, especially if your cat is already taking medications.
Benefits vs. Risks of Using CBD for Cat Sleep
The most important benefit is that your cat could sleep easier. Additionally, your feline friend might show reduced stress, less discomfort, and improved mobility although these benefits aren't guaranteed.
Overall, CBD has the potential to provide substantial benefits to feline well-being when used correctly and safely.
The key risks are drowsiness and digestive upset. If you give your cat too much CBD, or you aren't careful about dosing frequency, you might notice drowsiness.
Digestive upset tends to be caused by the carrier oils or additional ingredients used in cat treats. If your cat has an upset stomach after using a CBD product, check the ingredients and try an alternative with different ingredients.
Conclusion
CBD is a natural option to try in hopes of helping your cat sleep better. It's not a sedative, but rather a potential relief for the issues that commonly cause cats to lose sleep.
Be sure to find a CBD product formulated specifically for cats, and discuss the use of CBD with your cat's veterinarian, especially if your cat is taking medications.
The best option is Lolahemp's CBD oil for cats, vet-formulated to be safe and effective for our feline friends.
You should know if it is working after a few weeks of consistent, weight-appropriate dosages. If you'd like to learn more about CBD oil for cats, explore our site or contact us with any questions you have.
