They may not have language, but that doesn’t mean that our furry friends can’t communicate with us: and, when it comes to cats, they’ll definitely let you know when they’re in distress. In fact, cats, just like us, are capable of complex emotional states such as anxiety, depression, stress, and agitation. This can sometimes make living with them challenging, especially when they begin to show aggression towards family members or other pets.
Of course, you love your cat, and you want to help. Preferably, of course, without resorting to heavily drugging the animal; and, of course, it would be heartbreaking to have to send them away if you couldn’t get the situation under control.
Recently a new, possibly better solution has become available. CBD has emerged as a potential treatment for both people and pets . In recent years, cannabidiol, better known as CBD – one of the active compounds in the cannabis plant – has received a considerable amount of media attention for its purported ability to help with certain conditions. Countless people take it in the hopes that it will help with insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other issues; many swear by it. So can CBD help with anxiety and aggression in cats? Let’s find out.
Recognizing Anxiety In Cats
While cats are able to experience anxiety, depression, and aggression just as humans are, diagnosing it can sometimes be difficult. Some of the symptoms may be obvious; a cat with anxiety may hide, show aggression, or destroy property. In other cases, it may not be as obvious.
Just as we do, cats have personalities, and just because a cat isn’t especially friendly or social, there doesn’t mean there is anything necessarily wrong with it. You might just have a shy animal on your hands! However, if your cat is constantly hiding, and you rarely see it at all, this is abnormal and could be a sign of anxiety. By the same token, if your cat is overly friendly, and refuses to leave your side no matter what, it may be a symptom of a mood disorder.
Similarly, all cats groom themselves regularly, as a matter of habit, and some are fussier than others when it comes to cleanliness; however, if you are dealing with an animal that cleans itself constantly, to the point where you even see bald spots on its body where the fur has been completely licked away, then this may be a symptom of anxiety.
Unusual bathroom habits can be another telltale sign that you have an anxious feline. Refusing to use the litter box, and instead leaving urine or feces in other areas, can indicate a stressed out animal. Note, however, that there can also be other causes of improper litter box use; urinary tract infections or a simple dislike of the kitty litter you’ve picked out can cause similar issues.
A changed attitude towards food can be a similar sign; it could mean anxiety, or it could be a sign of a different underlying health problem if your cat starts refusing to eat (or begins eating a lot more). Anytime your cat’s eating habits change in a major way, a trip to the vet is in order.
Feline Aggression
Another common behavioral problem found in cats is aggression; this can be one of the saddest issues to befall your cat, since it frequently leads pet owners to give their beloved animals up. Many shelters report that they are given aggressive animals, and if the condition is not properly treated, the cat may not have a chance of being adopted again.
There are several clear signs that your cat has become aggressive; fur standing on end, continuous hissing with the ears back, and a tense body posture. An overly aggressive cat may attempt to bite or scratch people in the household, or seek out fights with other animals, leading to injuries on both sides.
There are many reasons why an animal may become aggressive; poor training, a history of abuse or trauma, or a painful medical condition are chief among these. If your cat constantly seems angry or on edge, take it to the veterinarian immediately.
Considering CBD
Once you’ve eliminated physiological reasons for your cat’s anxiety or aggression, such as dental problems or issues with digestion, then it’s time to consider treatment. There are, of course, medications that veterinarians can prescribe to help a stressed-out animal, but many pet owners would prefer to calm their pets without pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD has been used to treat a variety of conditions, both in humans, and in dogs, cats, and other animals. Notably, it has been reported to help soothe anxiety and aggression, as well as reduce the types of chronic pain that may contribute to these conditions.
There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence for the efficacy of CBD for cats, however, the actual science behind it is still in the process of being fully researched and understood. Still, many pet owners find it to be worth trying, but only after they answer the question of safety.
Is CBD Safe For Animals?
Giving CBD to an animal can actually prove to be riskier than giving it to a person, and so it should be done with care. This is because CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, and while a good CBD oil won’t contain any THC – the active compound in marijuana – the industry isn’t especially well regulated yet. Although THC may have psychoactive effects on humans, it isn’t harmful; the same cannot be said for cats. That’s why it’s critically important to provide your animals with a safe, laboratory-tested CBD oil, purchased from a reputable company.
Giving CBD To Your Cat
When it’s consumed by humans, CBD is often administered in the form of an oil, or as a chew. However, you may have some difficulty getting a cat to consume it in this matter. For animals, it’s usually better to purchase a CBD spray, which you can then use to spritz their food or to a treat.
There aren’t a lot of studies done on CBD for cats, but many people have reported success; however, since the science is still in its infancy, you’ll have to do some experimenting of your own. After you have ensured you have a safe, laboratory tested product, start by giving your pet a small amount of it each day. Gradually, you can increase the amount and keep an eye on the results. Once you achieve your desired effect, maintain that dosage for a while and you may just find that your furry friend has a new lease on life.
