Guide for Introducing CBD to Cats

Why would a cat need CBD? They’ve got nine lives, right?

Turns out, cats can benefit from CBD in just the same way that humans and dogs can. All vertebrates, including our feline friends, are endowed with an endocannabinoid system that allows CBD to interact with the body. Basically, it’s the ultimate gift for health and wellness.

Our recommended serving size for our own Companion CBD Oil is 5 drops, up to two times per day or as directed by a veterinarian. Bluebird’s Companion CBD Oil for Pets contains 1 mg of CBD per drop of oil, so that you can easily and precisely customize the serving size your pet needs. Ultimately, you and your vet will be able to determine the best frequency to meet the needs of your pet.

Because cats are famously guarded about...well, everything, we’re here with three easy steps for introducing CBD to your cat. 

1. First things first - consult your veterinarian. Don’t skip this step! It is absolutely crucial to talk to your vet prior to making any changes to your pets’ diet. It’s also a really helpful opportunity to discuss any anxieties or concerns you may have. Your vet should be able to talk to you about whether CBD is right for your cat, what products or brands to look for, how much to give them, and what changes you might expect to see. You can also count on your vet to monitor progress with you and make alterations as needed to get the desired results.
   
   
2. Find a reputable CBD brand. This is the most time-intensive step but is well worth the energy. We all want the best for our fluffy friends after all, don’t we? There are a plethora of CBD companies to choose from, but not all of them invest the appropriate amount of care and quality assurance into their products. That’s why it’s important to research CBD brands ahead of time and find one that offers third-party lab tests for every single batch of product. We also recommend looking for companies with quality certifications such as cGMPs and the U.S. Hemp Authority certification to ensure they are manufacturing their products in accordance with the highest standards of excellence.
   
   
3. Go for it! For most cats, the easiest method will be adding a CBD oil directly to their food. Cats can be resistant, to put it nicely, when it comes to putting things in their mouths. By adding it directly to their food, you can bypass the discomfort (read: violence, bloodshed, mass destruction) of wrestling with your kitty and let them eat it on their own. 

However, the downside to that method is that, depending on their level of pickiness, your cat may just eat around the CBD-covered food or even flat-out refuse to eat at all. In this case, you may have to bite the bullet and try applying it directly to their mouths. 

We have had feline customers who graciously accept CBD without fuss, though, so not all hope is lost! We recommend letting your cat sniff the dropper a little bit to start. Squeeze out a very small drop of oil to let them have a taste. 

After giving your kitty a consistent daily serving of CBD for a couple of weeks, you can begin to adjust the number of servings or the concentration of CBD to achieve the desired effect. We always recommend keeping a daily log of how much CBD you give to your cat, at what time, and any particular behaviors you notice both before and after administering the CBD. This is also a great tool to take into your vet check-ups so they can also get a clear picture of how CBD is affecting your cat. 

Most people find that once they get over the initial hump of figuring out to give CBD to their cats, it’s an easy, stress-free, and rewarding experience for all parties involved. However, if you do have any questions along the way, we’re here to help! You can contact us at info@bluebirdbotanicals.com to talk to one of our CCRs and get more tips.

Ready to try adding CBD to your pet's wellness routine? Check out our Companion CBD Oil for Pets to get started!