CBD for Cats with Digestive Issues: Does It Help?

Our feline friends are a bit of a mystery, wrapped in fur and enigma. One moment, they’re purring like a tiny motorboat, basking in the sunbeam’s warmth. The next, they’re staging a dramatic protest against their once-beloved tuna dinner or gifting us an unexpected hairball masterpiece on the freshly vacuumed carpet.

Digestive troubles turn a serene household into a feline soap opera, leaving both cat and owner feeling a little frazzled. But what if there was a natural way to bring back the harmony? A gentle nudge towards a happier, healthier tummy? CBD is a potential solution for a kitty.

Understanding CBD and The Cats Tummy

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound extracted from hemp that has been gaining significant attention in the realm of holistic wellness. Unlike its more notorious cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects. In other words, it won’t make a feline friend feel “high.”

The Endocannabinoid System: A Cat’s Inner Harmony

CBD works its magic by interacting with the cat’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This intricate network of receptors is spread throughout the body, playing a crucial role in maintaining balance and regulating various bodily functions. Think of the ECS as a conductor, orchestrating everything from mood and sleep to appetite and immune response. CBD acts as a gentle nudge, subtly influencing the ECS to promote harmony and overall well-being.

CBD’s Soothing Touch on Digestion

When it comes to a cat’s digestive health, CBD offers a helping paw. Studies suggest that CBD interacts with receptors in the digestive tract, offering potential relief from a variety of tummy troubles. “CB2 receptor activation shows promise as a promising therapeutic target in gastrointestinal inflammation, regulating abnormal motility, modulating intestinal inflammation, and limiting visceral sensitivity and pain,” (Wright, K., et al., 2008). It’s like a warm hug for a cat’s gut, helping to soothe inflammation, reduce nausea, and stimulate appetite.

In essence, CBD doesn’t just mask the symptoms of digestive issues; it works at a deeper level to help a cat’s body find its natural rhythm.

CBD and Common Digestive Woes

From the occasional bout of nausea to the dreaded hairball hack-a-thon, digestive issues wreak havoc on a cat’s well-being. But don’t despair, CBD is a natural solution that potentially helps.

Taming Tummy Troubles: Nausea and Vomiting

Some feline friends turn their noses up at food or experience an upset stomach. Whether it’s motion sickness from a car ride or a reaction to medication, nausea and vomiting leave a cat feeling miserable. CBD’s anti-nausea properties offer a gentle reprieve, helping to calm their queasy tummy and restore their appetite. “Cannabidiol (CBD) in cannabis reduces vomiting and nausea-like behavior by activating somatodendritic 5HT1A autoreceptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus,” (Rock, E., et al., 2012).

Rekindling the Flame: Loss of Appetite

A cat refusing their favorite treats? It’s enough to send any pet parent into a panic. Loss of appetite is a sign of various underlying issues, from stress to illness. Preliminary studies in animal models showed that “2AG, an endocannabinoid, stimulates feeding in rats by acting at central CB1 receptors,” (Kirkham, T., et al., 2002). CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system helps stimulate their appetite, encouraging them to rediscover the joy of mealtime. 

Soothing the Fire Within: Inflammation

Inflammation often lies at the heart of many digestive problems, causing discomfort and disrupting a cat’s delicate balance. “Cannabidiol (CBD) shows promise as a promising drug for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) therapy without psychotropic effects, making it a potential candidate for developing a new class of anti-IBD drugs,” (Esposito, G., et al., 2013).  CBD’s renowned anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the irritated gut lining, promoting a healthier digestive tract and reducing the likelihood of flare-ups.

Taming the Hairball Beast

Hairballs – the bane of every cat owner’s existence. Excessive grooming, often triggered by stress, leads to those dreaded hairball surprises. CBD’s calming influence helps reduce anxiety-driven grooming, leading to fewer hairballs. An animal trial showed that “Edible THC: CBD formulations show synergistic potential in reducing anxiety and depressive-like symptoms after chronic stress, with stronger effects than either substance alone,” (Pérez-Valenzuela, E., et al., 2023). This shows one of the benefits of entourage effects seen in full-spectrum CBD formulations.

Additionally, some CBD oils are formulated with MCT oil, a natural lubricant that helps hairballs pass more smoothly through the digestive system.

Getting Things Moving: Constipation

Constipation is no fun for anyone, including cats. It causes discomfort, lethargy, and even more serious health issues if left untreated. CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort helps get things moving again, promoting regular bowel movements and a happier, healthier kitty.

Choosing the Right CBD Oil and Dosage

Just like choosing the finest tuna for your discerning kitty, selecting the right CBD oil requires a discerning eye. Not all CBD oils are created equal, and it’s crucial to prioritize quality and safety when it comes to a furry companion’s health.

• Pet-Specific Formulas: Always opt for CBD oil specifically formulated for pets. Some human CBD products contain ingredients that are harmful to cats, so it’s best to stick to those designed with their unique needs in mind.
• Third-Party Lab Testing: Reputable brands will provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent laboratory. This document verifies the product’s purity and potency, ensuring it contains the advertised amount of CBD and is free from contaminants.
• Organic and Natural Ingredients: Look for CBD oils made with organic hemp and natural carrier oils. Avoid products with artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, as these irritate a cat’s sensitive digestive system.

Finding the Perfect Balance: Dosing CBD for Cats

Just as cat parents do not feed their cat an entire can of tuna in one sitting, it’s important to start with a conservative dose of CBD and gradually increase it as needed. A general guideline is to start with 0.20 mg of CBD per pound of body weight.

• Consult the Cat’s Veterinarian: Before embarking on a CBD journey with a cat, consult a veterinarian. Veterinarians guide owners to choose the right CBD product, determine the appropriate dosage, and monitor a pet’s progress. However, not all veterinarians welcome the idea of using CBD on pets as research is still ongoing. In this case, consult holistic veterinarians for proper clinical assessment of the pet’s needs. Open discussions with them provide answers to questions, address any concerns, and ensure the pet’s CBD journey is a safe and successful one.
• Observe and Adjust: Every cat is unique, closely monitor the cat’s response to CBD. Look for any changes in behavior, appetite, or energy levels. If any adverse effects are noticed, discontinue use and consult a veterinarian.

The Art of Administration: Giving CBD Oil to A Cat

So, a premium CBD oil tailored to a cat’s needs has been carefully selected, and paw-rents consulted their cat’s veterinarian to determine the perfect dosage. Now comes the moment of truth: actually getting that golden elixir into a finicky feline. Fear not, for Paws and Claws is here to guide paw-rents through the process with finesse and feline-approved techniques.

The Direct Approach: A Swift Dose of Wellness

If a cat is a cooperative type, a direct application is the most straightforward route. Using the dropper that comes with the CBD oil, carefully measure out the prescribed dosage. Gently tilt the cat’s head back and aim for the side of their gums or under their tongue. This allows for faster absorption into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. “Liquid vehicles significantly influence mucosal permeation and deposition of cannabidiol (CBD) in liquisolid systems, affecting drug release and potential transmucosal applications,” (Tabboon, P., et al., 2022).

Culinary Camouflage: Mixing CBD with Food

For those cats who turn their noses up at anything remotely medicinal, a bit of culinary trickery is in order. Try mixing the CBD oil with a small amount of the cat’s favorite wet food. The potent flavors of the food effectively mask the taste of the oil, making it a more palatable experience. Just ensure they finish their entire meal to receive the full dose!

The Treat Temptation: A Delicious Dose of CBD

If a paw-rent is not comfortable with the thought of wrestling a dropper into their cat’s mouth, CBD-infused treats are a saving grace. These delectable morsels combine the joy of a tasty snack with the potential benefits of CBD. Pre-measured for convenience, they make dosing a breeze. Plus, most cats will happily gobble them up without a second thought.

Patience and Observation: The Keys to Success

Remember, finding the perfect administration method requires a bit of trial and error. Some cats take to CBD oil like a duck to water, while others need a bit more coaxing. Be patient, observe a cat’s response, and don’t hesitate to adjust the dosage or method if needed. The goal is to make CBD a positive and stress-free experience for both cat parents and their feline companions.

A Final Word: Always Consult The Vet

While CBD shows promise in supporting digestive health in cats, it’s essential to remember that every cat is unique. What works for one does not necessarily work for another. That’s why it’s crucial to consult the cat’s attending veterinarian before starting a cat on any new supplement, including CBD.

They help paw-rents assess the cat’s individual needs, rule out any underlying medical conditions, and ensure CBD is a safe and effective addition to their wellness routine.

Conclusion

Paw-rents are highly encouraged to do further research and talk to the cat’s veterinarian if they are curious about CBD and its potential benefits for a cat’s digestive health. With careful consideration and proper guidance, CBD is possibly the key to a holistic approach to a happier, healthier life for feline companions.

References

• Esposito, G., Filippis, D., Cirillo, C., Iuvone, T., Capoccia, E., Scuderi, C., Steardo, A., Cuomo, R., & Steardo, L. (2013). Cannabidiol in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Brief Overview. Phytotherapy Research, 27. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4781.
• Gamble, L. J., Boesch, J. M., Frye, C. W., Schwark, W. S., Mann, S., Wolfe, L., … & Wakshlag, J. J. (2018). Pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical efficacy of cannabidiol treatment in osteoarthritic dogs. Frontiers in veterinary science, 5, 165. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full  
• Kirkham, T., Williams, C., Fezza, F., & Marzo, V. (2002). Endocannabinoid levels in rat limbic forebrain and hypothalamus in relation to fasting, feeding and satiation: stimulation of eating by 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol. British Journal of Pharmacology, 136. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjp.0704767.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2018). An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/  
• Pérez-Valenzuela, E., Hudson, R., Uzuneser, T., Felice, M., Szkudlarek, H., Rushlow, W., & Laviolette, S. (2023). Sex-Dependent Synergism of an Edible THC: CBD Formulation in Reducing Anxiety and Depressive-like Symptoms Following Chronic Stress.. Current neuropharmacology. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159X21666230912101441.
• Rock, E., Bolognini, D., Limebeer, C., Cascio, M., Anavi-Goffer, S., Fletcher, P., Mechoulam, R., Pertwee, R., & Parker, L. (2012). Cannabidiol, a non‐psychotropic component of cannabis, attenuates vomiting and nausea‐like behaviour via indirect agonism of 5‐HT1A somatodendritic autoreceptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus. British Journal of Pharmacology, 165. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01621.x.
• Rozental, A., Gustafson, D., Kusick, B., Bartner, L., Castro, S., & McGrath, S. (2022). Pharmacokinetics of escalating single‐dose administration of cannabidiol to cats. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 46, 25 – 33. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvp.13100.
• Silvestro, S., Mammana, S., Guglielmino, A., Sancarlo, D., & Cutuli, G. (2020). Use of cannabidiol in the treatment of feline idiopathic cystitis. Veterinary Sciences, 7(3), 101. https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/7/3/101
• Tabboon, P., Pongjanyakul, T., Limpongsa, E., & Jaipakdee, N. (2022). In Vitro Release, Mucosal Permeation and Deposition of Cannabidiol from Liquisolid Systems: The Influence of Liquid Vehicles. Pharmaceutics, 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14091787.
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• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2020). FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD). https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd  
• Veterinary Cannabis Society. (n.d.). Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine. https://veterinarycannabis.org/
• Wright, K., Duncan, M., & Sharkey, K. (2008). Cannabinoid CB2 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract: a regulatory system in states of inflammation. British Journal of Pharmacology, 153. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjp.0707486.