Using CBD For Cats When Traveling
Last updated: 10th Dec 2023
If your cats are anything like ours, they despise being in a car. They panic and shrink to the floor, trying hard to turn into nothing. You can tell how incredibly uncomfortable and anxious they are. But there’s a simple solution, at least for shorter trips, CBD.
Yes, you can successfully utilize CBD for cats traveling to help calm their anxiety.
A survey conducted online in the United States reported that nearly 12% of pet owners give or are giving CBD to their cats, most commonly for treating conditions like osteoarthritis (OA), seizures, cancer, or anxiety.
Depending on the extent of the travel, this can be a fantastic solution to help ease your cat into the idea of travel. You may have a little traveling cat after a few years. But let’s start small. The best use we’ve seen for CBD and travel is for a short journey to the vet.
Understanding Travel Anxiety in Cats
Cats love following a particular habit, and disrupting their routine can generate stress. When confronted with travel, they may show symptoms such as excessive meowing, hiding, pacing, loss of appetite, or even vomiting. These signs demonstrate that your cat might feel anxious and uncomfortable during the trip.
The Benefits of CBD for Cats
CBD is a natural compound derived from the hemp plant. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system to enable balance and relaxation. Here’s how CBD can help reduce travel anxiety in cats.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
CBD has soothing effects that can help alleviate anxiety in cats. It interacts with brain receptors that control mood and emotions, promoting a sense of calmness. By administering it to your cat before and during travel, you can help them feel more at ease and reduce their stress levels.
Promoting Relaxation
Traveling can be overwhelming for cats, leading to muscle tension and restlessness. CBD has been shown to have muscle-relaxing properties, which can help your feline friend unwind and relax during the journey. It promotes relaxation and makes the travel experience less stressful for your cat.
Alleviating Nausea and Motion Sickness
Many cats tend to feel nauseous and experience motion sickness when traveling, which can worsen their anxiety. However, CBD (cannabidiol) reduces nausea and relieves symptoms of motion sickness. Administering CBD to your cat before undertaking a journey lowers the chances of them experiencing motion sickness and creates a more relaxed travel experience.
Supporting Overall Well-being
CBD has several benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Promoting overall well-being strengthens your cat’s immune system and makes them more resilient to travel stressors. It can also help regulate their appetite and improve their sleep, ensuring they stay healthy throughout the journey.
What’s the Right Pet CBD Dosage For Cats With Anxiety?
When it comes to providing CBD dosage for your cats, calculation is critical. It’s important to note that your cats can’t overdose on CBD, so don’t become too afraid.
The most useful thing you can do with dosing is to be consistent. It will be tough to understand if your dosing is correct. Still, consistency is vital for cats because they are creatures of habit. As a general rule, a cat shouldn’t be ingesting more than 10mg of CBD at once.
Using that high dosage should also be reserved for cats in severe pain. So, you can use a dosage chart such as the one below. Still, we recommend only using the low to medium dose, as anxiety shouldn’t call for a “high dose” of CBD to be treated.
We recommend sticking to a medium dosage once a day or a small dosage twice daily. It depends on when your cat is most anxious.
It might be better for your cats to give them a more potent dosage in the morning if that’s their most anxiety-inducing period.
Administering CBD to Cats
When using CBD to help reduce travel anxiety in cats, choosing high-quality products specifically developed for pets is important. CBD oil is a commonly used product that can be readily given to your cat by adding a few drops to their food or treats. However, it’s critical to talk to your vet before giving your cat any new supplement, like CBD, to guarantee you use the right dose and it’s safe for your pet.
FAQs
How can CBD help when traveling with pets?
CBD products can assist in managing travel-related stress or anxiety in cats, promoting a sense of calmness and relaxation during trips.
Can CBD be beneficial for both cats and dogs during travel?
Yes, CBD products can be used for both cats and dogs to help alleviate stress or anxiety associated with travel.
What are the best CBD products for cats during travel?
Look for high-quality hemp-derived CBD products specifically formulated for cats. CBD oils or treats designed for pets are commonly used for travel-related stress.
How can CBD make air travel or trips to the vet less stressful for cats?
CBD's calming properties can help reduce anxiety and discomfort during air travel or visits to the vet, making the experience less stressful for cats.
Is CBD safe to use for cats when traveling by car?
Generally, CBD is considered safe for cats, but it's essential to consult your vet for proper dosage and advice, especially when traveling by car.
Can CBD help with general car travel anxiety in cats?
Yes, CBD can potentially ease car travel anxiety in cats, helping them stay calm and relaxed during journeys.
What's the best way to administer CBD to cats while traveling?
CBD oils or treats are convenient methods. Oils can be mixed with food, while treats are easy to give directly, making them suitable for travel situations.
Are there specific considerations for using CBD oil for cats on long trips?
Ensuring proper dosage and gradually introducing CBD before the trip can help acclimate your cat to its effects, ensuring a more comfortable experience during long travels.
Can CBD assist in managing stress-related behaviors in cats while traveling?
Yes, CBD might help alleviate stress-related behaviors such as pacing, excessive meowing, or hiding during travel.
Where can I find the best CBD products for my cat's travel needs?
Look for reputable brands offering high-quality CBD products specifically formulated for pets. Vet-recommended or certified products are often a good choice for pet care needs.
