CBD Oil for Cat Asthma: A Holistic Approach to Feline Health

For cat parents, their feline friends mean the world to them. So, when health issues like asthma come into the picture, it is incredibly worrying. CBD oil is a rising star in the wellness world that’s making waves for its potential in managing all sorts of ailments. Pain relief, reducing inflammation, and soothing chronic discomfort are just some of the perks CBD has to offer. And guess what? Some studies show that CBD has the potential to help a cat breathe a little easier, too!

Dive into how CBD oil is a potential game-changer for cats with asthma as this article discusses the science, benefits, and things to watch out for.

Understanding Feline Asthma

Just like humans, cats develop asthma, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the lower airways. This inflammation makes it harder for air to flow in and out of the lungs, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and, in severe cases, life-threatening asthma attacks.

Allergens in the environment usually trigger asthma in cats. A cross-sectional study showed that “Housing conditions like pollutants, stress, and obesity are major risk factors for feline asthma development,” (Rodrigues, J., et al., 2020). Think dust, pollen, smoke, and even certain household cleaners. Yes, even the favorite essential oils are possible culprits! Environmental allergies are often to blame for asthma flare-ups, causing the immune system to go into overdrive, which leads to pesky inflammation.

Symptoms of asthma in cats range from mild to severe. Some cats just have a little wheeze now and then, while others struggle with chronic inflammation in their airways, leading to more severe symptoms like rapid breathing, lethargy, and open-mouth breathing. Recognizing these early signs is crucial for pet owners so that they are able to manage the condition before it becomes severe.

Why CBD Oil?

Some pet parents are wondering, “Does CBD oil help my asthmatic cat?” CBD (cannabidiol) comes from the hemp plant or cannabis sativa. It’s been making waves in the pet wellness world because it’s believed to offer benefits like reducing inflammation, calming the immune system, and possibly even opening up airways during an asthma attack. And, importantly, CBD doesn’t contain the psychoactive component (THC) of the cannabis plant, so it does not make a cat “high.”

When it comes to asthma, the inflammation in a cat’s airways is the enemy. With this, “Feline allergic asthma diagnosis and therapeutics are improving with the development of more sensitive and specific diagnostics, enabling targeted therapies for the allergic inflammatory cascade in pet cats,” (Reinero, C., 2011). As holistic healing is becoming popular, CBD oil’s anti-inflammatory prowess comes in as an adjunct in managing feline asthma. CBD oil is packed with anti-inflammatory properties (Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E., 2019) which potentially helps soothe those inflamed airways. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system—a complex network in all mammals that helps regulate things like inflammation, immune response, and overall total body homeostasis. By stimulating the receptors in this system (especially the CB2 receptors), cat CBD oil potentially reduces airway inflammation, giving asthmatic cats a much-needed break from all those wheezing.

But that’s not all—full-spectrum CBD oil potentially functions as a bronchodilator, helping to relax and open up those airways, which makes a massive difference if a cat is in the middle of an asthma attack. Although no specific study in feline asthma yet, a human study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology says that “delta1-THC, a component of full spectrum CBD oil, produces bronchodilatation in asthmatic patients,” (Hartley, J., Nogrady, S., & Seaton, A., 1978). Moreover, a more recent study with a literature review concluded that “THC (CB1 receptor agonist) has bronchodilator effects, warranting clinical investigation for asthmatic patients with β 2-agonist resistance,” (Ashton, J., & Hancox, R., 2018). Thanks to the entourage effect found in full-spectrum CBD oil. 

How Does CBD Oil Help Asthmatic Cats?

The list below breaks down some of the major ways CBD oil for cats potentially helps manage feline asthma.

Reducing Inflammation: Since inflammation is a key player in asthma, CBD’s ability to target and reduce inflammation significantly helps asthmatic cats (Vuolo, F., et al., 2019). This is especially important for cats with chronic inflammation needing long-term support.

Bronchodilation: CBD helps open up airways, improving airflow (Webb, M., Sickles, S., Weaver, C., & Osborn, J., 2020). This is a huge relief during an asthma attack when a cat needs to breathe more easily.

Muscle Spasm Reduction: Some studies suggest CBD helps relax the muscles in the airways, preventing them from tightening up during an attack (Bozkurt, T., Larsson, O., & Adner, M., 2016). This means easier breathing for a feline friend.

Stress and Anxiety Relief: Stress makes asthma symptoms worse. CBD is well-known for its calming effects, so it potentially helps reduce stress in asthmatic cats, making them less likely to experience flare-ups (Lookfong, N., Raup-Konsavage, W., & Silberman, Y., 2022).

In fact, a study from 2019 showed that CBD reduced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in mice with allergic asthma (Vuolo, F., et al., 2019). While research on cats is still in its infancy, these early findings are promising.

How to Safely Use CBD Oil for Cats

Thinking about giving a feline friend a dose of CBD? Below are the things to know.

Vet Approved: Always, again—ALWAYS, check with the cat’s attending veterinarian before introducing any new treatments to a cat’s routine. Vets guide pet parents on the correct dosage, check for potential interactions with other meds, and help monitor for any adverse effects.

Choosing the Right Product: Not all CBD oils are created equal, and a furry friend deserves the best cat CBD oil in the market. Look for:

• Full-spectrum CBD oil includes other beneficial compounds from the hemp plant, taking advantage of the entourage effect.
• Third-party lab testing to ensure the product’s potency and purity.
• CBD products are specifically formulated for pets to ensure they are safe for cats.

Start Low and Slow: With CBD, it’s crucial to start with a low dose and see how the cat reacts. Every cat’s different, and it is highly discouraged to give a cat too much CBD all at once. Instead, gradually increase the dose while keeping an eye on how a cat is doing.

Watch the Weight: A pet’s weight plays a role in determining the right dose. Bigger cats likely need more CBD, while smaller ones need less.

Other Holistic Approaches for Managing Cat Asthma

While CBD oil is a fantastic addition to a feline asthma toolkit, it’s not the only option out there. A holistic approach means considering all aspects of a cat’s lifestyle, diet, and environment. 

Environmental Control: Since many cats with asthma are sensitive to environmental allergens, reduce these triggers. Switch to dust-free litter, avoid certain essential oils (especially ones known to irritate airways), and keep a home free of smoke and heavy perfumes.

Diet and Weight Management: Obesity worsens asthma symptoms (Sutherland, E., 2014). Keeping a cat at a healthy weight is crucial for overall health and managing respiratory issues. If a cat needs to lose weight, work with the cat’s vet to develop a safe plan that includes a healthy diet and exercise.

Probiotics and Omega-3s: A healthy gut does wonders for the immune system. Probiotics help balance the gut microbiome, which plays a role in reducing inflammation. Plus, adding omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) to a cat’s diet further helps with inflammation.

Important Considerations for Cat Owners

No wonder—cat parents are eager to help their cat feel better, but there are a few important things to keep in mind.

Consult The Cat’s Vet First: Always talk to the vet before trying new treatments. They’ll help avoid any potential risks, especially if a cat is on other medications.

Stick to Conventional Treatments: CBD oil is considered a complementary therapy, not a replacement for conventional asthma medications like steroids or bronchodilators. Skipping these is dangerous for a cat.

Monitor Closely: After introducing CBD oil or any other new treatments, watch the cat closely. Keep a journal of their symptoms, noting any improvements or concerns. This info is super helpful for pet parents and veterinarians.

Is CBD Oil Safe for Cats?

While CBD oil is generally safe for cats, there are a few things to watch out for. Too much CBD causes side effects like lethargy, changes in appetite, and digestive issues. Starting with a low dosage and gradually increasing it helps minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

Additionally, not all CBD products are created with the same quality standards. Always choose reputable brands that offer third-party lab results to ensure giving a cat the safest product possible.

Bottom Line

Asthma is a serious condition, but with the right management plan, asthmatic cats still live their best life. CBD oil for cat asthma offers a promising natural therapy that helps reduce inflammation, open up airways, and keep cats calm. Pair it with conventional treatments and other holistic approaches to help a feline friend breathe easier.

Remember, each cat is unique, so finding the right balance of treatments takes some trial and error. But with patience, care, and a little help from CBD, cats enjoy better health and more asthma-free days ahead. 

References

• Ashton, J., & Hancox, R. (2018). The Case for Cannabinoid CB1 Receptors as a Target for Bronchodilator Therapy for β-agonist Resistant Asthma. Current drug targets, 19 11, 1344-1349. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389450118666170615101220.
• Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 9(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010021
• Bozkurt, T., Larsson, O., & Adner, M. (2016). Stimulation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors prevents nerve-mediated airway hyperreactivity in NGF-induced inflammation in mouse airways. European journal of pharmacology, 776, 132-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.02.045.
• Hartley, J., Nogrady, S., & Seaton, A. (1978). Bronchodilator effect of delta1-tetrahydrocannabinol. British journal of clinical pharmacology, 5 6, 523-5. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1365-2125.1978.TB01667.X.
• Lookfong, N., Raup-Konsavage, W., & Silberman, Y. (2022). Potential Utility of Cannabidiol in Stress-Related Disorders. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2022.0130.
• Reinero, C. (2011). Advances in the understanding of pathogenesis, and diagnostics and therapeutics for feline allergic asthma. Veterinary journal, 190 1, 28-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.09.022.
• Rodrigues, J., Carolino, N., Nunes, F., & Duarte, S. (2020). Cats’ housing conditions and feline asthma: A cross-sectional study on determinant and conditioning factors. Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society, 71. https://doi.org/10.12681/JHVMS.22466.
• Sutherland, E. (2014). Linking obesity and asthma. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1311. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.12357.
• Vuolo, F., Abreu, S., Michels, M., Xisto, D., Blanco, N., Hallak, J., Zuardi, A., Crippa, J., Reis, C., Bahl, M., Pizzichinni, E., Maurici, R., Pizzichinni, M., Rocco, P., & Dal-Pizzol, F. (2019). Cannabidiol reduces airway inflammation and fibrosis in experimental allergic asthma. European Journal of Pharmacology, 843, 251–259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.11.029.Webb, M., Sickles, S., Weaver, C., & Osborn, J. (2020). Increased Pulmonary Function Following Administration of a CBD‐Containing Compound NCMB‐1 in Fibrotic Lungs of African Green Monkeys. The FASEB Journal, 34. https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.05699.