As a cat lover, you always want to see your feline friend looking happy, energetic, and comfortable. But if you’ve been noticing signs of discomfort or stress in your cat, you may wonder if CBD could be a natural way to support your cat’s wellbeing.
People turn to CBD for various potential health benefits, including gut health, joint health, tension relief, and much more. Could it have the same effect on cats? More research needs to be done, but so far, the science looks promising.
We’ve created this guide to answer all your questions about how CBD affects cats, what the science shows, and whether CBD may be helpful for your little mouser.
Why Does CBD Affect Cats?
To understand how CBD works in cats, we’ll need a quick primer on the science of CBD.
CBD is similar to naturally produced molecules in most vertebrates and invertebrates called endocannabinoids. These endocannabinoids interact with a system of receptors found throughout our bodies and brains, known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
CBD is what’s known as a phytocannabinoid. Because phytocannabinoids are so similar to our cats’ endocannabinoids, they can also interact with the ECS.
Why Is the ECS Important?
The ECS regulates vital bodily functions from head to toe, including:2
- Gut health
- Memory
- Mood
- Appetite
- Immune system
- Pain regulation
The ECS is a crucial piece of how animal bodies work. This is why CBD also appears to impact bodily functions significantly. While research is still ongoing, many scientific studies are investigating CBD benefits for an array of health issues.
Some of the areas where the use of CBD is being studied include:
- Managing discomfort
- Supporting joint health
- Supporting gut health
- Easing tension and stress
- Supporting the immune system
