HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HEMP FOR CATS

In a very short period of time, hemp pet products have become incredibly popular. There is an entire industry now based on hemp wellness treats and tinctures, formulated specifically for dogs and cats. This is certainly understandable, given the exploding popularity of hemp wellness products for humans. 

To understand what all the hubbub is about, perhaps we should first take a look at just what hemp is.

What Is Hemp?

Hemp is a crop that has been grown for human consumption for thousands of years. As previously noted, hemp oil is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t create an intoxicating effect. Instead, hemp binds to receptors in the body, regulating and balancing many processes, including immune response, communication between cells, sleep, appetite and metabolism, memory, and more.

Given all of these potential benefits, it’s no wonder — particularly after hemp became widely legal after the Farm Bill of 2018 legalized its production — that it has become the go-to wellness supplement for millions of people.

But What About Cats?

Cats, like humans and other mammals, have their own internal regulating system. Because of this, veterinarians and pet owners alike have explored hemp as a natural wellness supplement for pain (particularly in older cats), soreness, stress, and the daily emotional challenges our furry friends encounter on a regular basis.

Of course, before giving any pet a new supplement, owners should always consult their veterinarian first. It’s important for pet owners to do their own research, as well, so that they can be sure what they’re giving their fur babies is safe and effective. And make sure that research is for cats, specifically. We like to lump them in with dogs from time to time, but they can react to foods and supplements quite differently.

So, Is Hemp Safe for Cats?

Research on hemp usage in animals is still in its early stages, but the growing consensus is that it is generally safe to give to cats. 

Some cats have experienced minor gastrointestinal issues from hemp oil consumption, but this can largely be remedied by lowering the serving size. There is also the possibility that hemp products can interact with prescribed medications for some pets and interfere with their absorption.

The question then becomes, what is the best way to give a cat hemp? The answer comes in multiple parts.

What Is the Correct Serving Size for a Cat?

Cats, like humans and snowflakes, are unique from individual to individual. So, what works for one, might not work for another.

And as with humans trying hemp for the first time, a first serving for a cat should always be conservative and small. Since most hemp products for pets are formulated for both cats and dogs together, a good rule of thumb is to get a product for small dogs and cut that serving in half. If one finds that to be an effective serving, great! 

Chances are, though, that pet parents will have to edge their way up to find the Goldilocks serving — the one that’s just right. It’s important to remember that hemp, particularly in edible form, takes a while to absorb into the body’s systems. So, one shouldn’t expect instantaneous results. It’s also important to wait until the following day before trying to bump up a serving. 

Finding the right serving size takes patience and observation. After 30 days, one should have a solid understanding of how much hemp to give the cat in order to achieve the desired results. It’s also worth noting that cats may develop a tolerance, so servings may need to be adjusted from time to time. 

What’s the Best Hemp Product for a Cat? 

Hemp for cats comes in a variety of forms, from oil tinctures to chews to biscuits. Every cat has its own peculiar tastes. So, while some might love a little chew, others might walk right past it and go sit in the accompanying UPS box.

The best bet, for those not wanting to waste their money on a treat the cat refuses to eat, is to find a good oil tincture. This gives the owner the flexibility to either give it directly to the kitty, via a dropper, or for the finicky types, to drop a serving into their favorite food. 

Oil tinctures also allow for more accurate and consistent serving sizes, as well.

Anything Else?

Yes! If there are three things a pet owner should always be on the lookout for, they are (in order) quality, quality, and quality! Did we drive that home enough? Quality!

The world of hemp is somewhat like the Wild West. Everyone’s looking to stake a claim to some segment of the marketplace. While this has been great in terms of selection for the consumer, it’s also meant that several less-than-scrupulous companies have entered the marketplace. And with them have come a lot of poor-quality products.

Loving pet owners should always scan the packaging for third-party lab testing. Every reputable hemp company uses third-party lab tests in order to provide complete transparency about what’s in the product and where it came from.

Purity can be an issue with hemp, and poor-quality products often contain toxins and heavy metals the hemp plant has absorbed from the soil. Lab reports will list these things. Organic hemp products are largely free of these issues, and their lab reports reflect it. 

Hemp grown in the U.S.A. is also a good thing to look for, given the heavy regulation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in comparison with countries like China.

It’s also a good idea for pet owners to look at consumer reviews to understand what other owners have experienced with the product. The company should have plenty of reviews online from other customers about the product’s quality, their pet’s overall experience, and customer service.

 We Love Our Kitties

Hemp has become a go-to for cat owners looking for a natural way to relieve pain or inflammation in their pet. It’s also become a popular way to curb anxiety in stressed-out kitties.

For owners looking to take a plunge into the world of hemp for pets, personal research and professional advice from a trusted veterinarian are a must.

It might take a little extra effort, but our kitties are worth it!