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Having a nervous cat in your home can be difficult. Seeing your beloved pet become fearful and nervous over everyday things is distressing, and it can also take a toll physically on your kitty. Many pet parents have decided to turn to CBD (cannabidiol) to help their kitties handle situations better throughout the day.
With CBD becoming more popular each day, you may wonder how long CBD takes to work in cats. The reality is that how fast CBD oil works in your cat depends on the product used, the dose administered, and your cat’s metabolism. As a general answer, after ingestion, it takes approximately 1 hour for CBD to start having detectable effects in your cat. Still, there is quite a bit more you should know about CBD oil and your cat. Let’s learn a few of them below.
How Does CBD Work?
Important note: The FDA has not yet approved the use of CBD or any other hemp-containing products in animals to treat any ailment. The lack of regulations can be a safety concern for cat owners interested in using natural products like this. If you plan to administer CBD to your pet, you should consult with a veterinarian before doing so.
Almost all animals, including cats, have an endocannabinoid system. Their bodies produce the endocannabinoids that travel throughout the bloodstream and send messages to determine how cats are going to react to certain situations and what is taking place. Most of your cat’s bodily functions are affected by these endocannabinoids in your feline. It is similar to the endocannabinoids that are found in cannabis.
When you give your cat CBD oil products, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in their body. By doing so, the CBD may help relieve stress and bring things back to homeostasis.
Keep in mind that there aren’t any large-scale studies assessing the safety and efficacy of CBD oil in cats, and most of the information and claimed benefits are extrapolated from dogs and humans. There is, however, anecdotal evidence from pet parents suggesting that CBD is helpful. The key is the dosage. Always follow the guidelines suggested by a qualified veterinarian. For example, CBD oil should be used with caution in cats with liver problems, and it may interfere with other medications your cat is taking.
Will Any CBD Oil Work?
Unfortunately, the answer to whether you can use CBD oil for people on your pets is no. As we mentioned above, dosage and potency are important when it comes to your cats and other pets. Human CBD is designed to be stronger. Giving this product to your cat, even in a small dose can be dangerous. It is best that you understand the dosages and potency amounts of any CBD you offer your cat and stick to those designed for pets. Additionally, some CBD products may contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is highly toxic for cats. Also, please note that while CBD is generally safe for cats, the marijuana plant is very toxic for them.
How Long Does It Take CBD to Work?
The exact way CBD oil is metabolized in cats is not yet understood, but the main organ involved in processing it is the liver. CBD gets absorbed into your cat’s bloodstream. Once in the blood, it affects your cat’s endocannabinoid system. Factors like your kitty’s metabolism, diet, health status, liver condition, dose, and genetic makeup determine how long this process takes, but in most cases, you’ll find it happens within one hour.
Final Thoughts
When CBD is given to cats orally, it typically begins to take effect within about 1 hour, though this can vary depending on the dose, type of CBD, and the individual cat’s metabolism. Full effects are usually seen within 1 to 2 hours of ingestion. These effects may last for several hours, but more research is needed—particularly studies involving specific doses and larger numbers of cats—to establish consistent and reliable data. CBD use in pets is still a relatively new field, so it’s important to consult a veterinarian before giving CBD to your cat.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
