CBD for Cats | https://www.milehighpawducts.com Mon, 14 Jun 2021 18:49:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.milehighpawducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cropped-MHP-Site-Icon-32x32.png CBD for Cats | https://www.milehighpawducts.com 32 32 163412008 5 Real Cat Stories and Dog Tales About the Benefits of CBD https://www.milehighpawducts.com/5-real-cat-stories-and-dog-tales-about-the-benefits-of-cbd/ Mon, 12 Oct 2020 20:55:00 +0000 https://www.milehighpawducts.com/?p=22140 5 Real Cat Stories and Dog Tales About the Benefits of CBD While CBD oil as a treatment for cats and dogs may be relatively new, that hasn’t stopped an endless stream of success stories from flooding the web. From true stories of cats and dogs brought back from the brink of death to tales […]

The post 5 Real Cat Stories and Dog Tales About the Benefits of CBD first appeared on .]]>

5 Real Cat Stories and Dog Tales About the Benefits of CBD

While CBD oil as a treatment for cats and dogs may be relatively new, that hasn’t stopped an endless stream of success stories from flooding the web.

From true stories of cats and dogs brought back from the brink of death to tales of CBD oil being used to ease the suffering and pain that older pets often experience, the benefits of these products has never been more clear.

Want to see for yourself?  Keep reading to learn five cat stories and dog tales that demonstrate the powerful effect that CBD products can have on our pets.

1. Dying Cat Makes a Comeback

More than 15-years prior, an Australian woman left home to get a Christmas tree and instead came home with a rescue kitten that she named Charli.

After over a decade together, Charli and her owners were incredibly close. So when Charli suddenly lost the ability to walk, they were worried. They rushed her to the vet, where they discovered he had a neurological disorder of some kind.

Unfortunately, money was tight, and Charli’s owners couldn’t afford thousands of dollars for diagnosis and ongoing treatments. They thought that their only option was to put down their beloved cat.

Then, they started researching CBD treatments. With nothing to lose, they gave it a try.

Within hours, Charli had begun to regain strength in her legs. She could sit up within a few days and was back to eating and drinking. Just a month later, Charli was her old self again, with very few signs of what she had gone through.

2. No More Fear of Fireworks

When Chicago-native Annie adopted a six-week-old mixed breed dog from a shelter, she quickly realized what a great choice she had made. Cubbie was easy to train, friendly, and healthy.

However, when Cubbie turned five-years-old, he developed a terrible fear of fireworks. Every Fourth of July, Cubbie would become incredibly scared and even destructive, tearing apart a brand new carpet.

One year later, he also became scared of thunderstorms.

Cubbie’s owner tried a variety of products, like Thunder Shirts and anxiety meds, but they didn’t work. Until Annie turned to CBD.

With the help of CBD oil, Cubbie can relax and enjoy time with his beloved owner, no matter how loud the thunder or fireworks get outside!

3. Cat with a Cancerous Tumor Gets His Life Back

When a British cat named Ginger developed a large tumor on his paw, his owner thought that he would have to be put down. 

Ginger was given steroids and medications by his vet, but the tumor continued to grow and the cat began to lose weight. With few options, the owner turned to CBD oil, simply as a way to ease his pet’s suffering.

Instead, the tumor began to shrink, Ginger gained weight, and he got his strength back. While it’s impossible to say whether CBD oil is responsible alone for all of these changes, it’s clear that it helped give a cat with no hope a new lease on life.

4. 12-Year-Old Boxer with Cancer Experiences Relief

No one wants to think about our beloved four-legged children aging, or about them facing terminal illnesses.

Unfortunately, our pets’ lives are far shorter than our own. And they can develop a variety of forms of cancer and other conditions, much as we can.

As one dog owner watched as his beloved Boxer faced not just a terminal cancer diagnosis, but also a bad cough, glaucoma, and dry fur and skin, he felt helpless. Even though he knew that his 12-year-old dog’s life expectancy was short, he wanted to do whatever he could to ease her suffering.

That’s when he turned to CBD.

By introducing CBD oil to her diet and medication plan, the owner watched in wonder as his aging boxer finally experienced some relief to her symptoms.

The dog’s fur became soft once more and even became as shiny as it had been when his pet was much younger. It also began to shed less than it had been.

Her eyes cleared, with the white marks that come with age and glaucoma beginning to fade.

With just a couple of drops of CBD oil daily, this owner was able to help make his beloved pet more comfortable, healthier, and happier, even as she faced cancer. 

5. Aging Cat Relaxes and Enjoys Comfort in His Old Age

It isn’t just dogs that can experience some relief and comfort in their old age with the help of CBD products.

Zaphod the cat was already 14 years old, and his owner worried that his health was declining fast.

He had once been a happy, active, affectionate cat. He would jump, pounce, and play daily. He also loved a good cuddle with his owners from time to time.

But now, the black cat enjoyed a few of the pastimes he once did. He slept a lot and didn’t move around very much. He would awake in the middle of the night and wander around in circles, meowing at nothing at all. 

Zaphod also no longer wanted to be touched by his human companions, let alone be picked up or cuddled.

Even though his owners knew he didn’t have a lot of time left, they wanted to make what time he did have a lot more comfortable. That’s when they decided to try CBD oil.

They started by adding a couple of drops of CBD oil to Zaphod’s food. Once they found the right dose, they noticed a big difference in their feline’s behavior. He can now be picked up and even cuddled, and in general, seems to be in far less pain.

Experience Your Own Cat Stories or Dog Tales of Success

If these cat stories and dog tales still don’t have you convinced, maybe its time to find out for yourself whether the rumors are true.

Whether you have an aging cat or a dog suffering from chronic pain or anxiety, CBD oil offers a natural, effective solution. Check out our CBD dosage calculator to find your pet’s perfect dose today!

The post 5 Real Cat Stories and Dog Tales About the Benefits of CBD first appeared on .]]> 22140 Bad Cat-itude? Here’s How to Make Your Cat Cuddle With You https://www.milehighpawducts.com/bad-cat-itude-heres-how-to-make-your-cat-cuddle-with-you/ Sat, 10 Oct 2020 20:50:00 +0000 https://www.milehighpawducts.com/?p=22133 Bad Cat-itude? Here’s How to Make Your Cat Cuddle With You Our felines friends aren’t always as affectionate as we’d like. With more than 95 million cats taking residence in households across the United States, chances are you’ve tried to snuggle with Puss only to wind up getting the cold shoulder. Do you ever wish that your […]

The post Bad Cat-itude? Here’s How to Make Your Cat Cuddle With You first appeared on .]]>

Bad Cat-itude? Here's How to Make Your Cat Cuddle With You

Our felines friends aren’t always as affectionate as we’d like. With more than 95 million cats taking residence in households across the United States, chances are you’ve tried to snuggle with Puss only to wind up getting the cold shoulder.

Do you ever wish that your cat would be more cuddly? You’re definitely not alone!

Cats typically only like attention when it’s on their own terms, but there are a few secret ways pet owners have successfully coaxed the loving, affectionate personality out of their housecats.

Here, we’re going to uncover the mystery of how to make your cat cuddle with you! Keep reading to learn how to transform your sourpuss into a total lovebug.

Don't Make the First Move

As tempting as it is, try not to make the first move when approaching your cat. Instead, murmur a brief “hello” to your pet and then go about your business by reading a book or folding the laundry.

Studies have shown that our aloofness only serves to attract cats! Soon your kitty will be trying to get near you. Only then should you proceed to pet, kiss, and coddle your furbaby. This will teach her that she gets rewarded when she approaches you and she’ll be more likely to do it in the future.

Take Advantage of Feeding Time

Like most animals, cats are very food-motivated. This means that they are easier to socialize and train when food is present and given as a reward.

Take advantage of your kitty’s breakfast and dinner by using it as a time to allow your cat to bond with you. When you’re pouring food into her bowl, say her name and talk to her in a gentle, sweet voice. As she’s eating, stroke her back softly and tell her how good she is.

Doing this will allow your cat to form a positive connection with being touched and petted, making her more likely to seek it out later on.

Engage in Play

When you’re a cat owner, it’s crucial that you make the most of playtime. 

Cats are animals that are easily stressed out, so engaging in daily playtime activities is a good way to keep them calm, happy, and healthy. It also makes them more trusting, too, which means more snuggles!

Let your feline relax and unwind by indulging them in some of the following:

  • toss small plush cat toys (like these toy mice!)
  • use a feather wand
  • roll a jingle-bell ball across the floor to be chased
  • sprinkle catnip in their favorite napping/perching spot
  • set up a box “jungle”
  • add scratching posts and perching trees around the house to encourage climbing

Even if your cat is not huge into playtime, that’s alright! Even just a few minutes of one of these activities a day can strengthen your bond and make your pet more loving.

Keep Them Inside

The secret to getting your cat to be lovable is having as many positive encounters with them as possible while you’re home. So, it’s simple: keep your cat indoors!

Although it sounds bad, your cat can’t really “ignore” you when they’re confined in a home with you. You’ll cross paths eventually, and it’s up to you to make the interaction a positive one! This will build trust, and your cat will warm up to you in no time.

Try Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

Our pets can’t tell us when they’re stressed, anxious, or not feeling well. Sometimes, our cats don’t want to cuddle with us because they’re preoccupied with one or more of these feelings!

Cats become stressed easily; a change in environment, loud noises, quick movements, and other negative pet interactions can all take a toll on kitty’s mental state.

Full-spectrum CBD oil is a great way to ensure that your cat stays happy, healthy, and anxiety-free. There are a variety of CBD oil products available on our site, so check them out! Also, don’t forget to review the CBD Dosage Calculator before administering droplets for your pet.

The components in the oil work to relax your cat’s nervous system, allowing them to get the relief they deserve from anxiety and stress.

Did you know that CBD oil can do even more for your cat than just making them more cuddly? It’s true! There’s a wide variety of health benefits that come with standard CBD dosage. Here are just a few of our favorites:

  • reduces inflammation
  • promotes a healthy appetite
  • regulates mood
  • increases energy
  • reduces the risk of seizures
  • relieves nausea
  • relieves joint and arthritis pain
  • relaxes muscles to relieve aches and tension

A healthy, happy, and relaxed kitty is one that will be more loving and affectionate towards her owner. If you’ve tried everything else and nothing seems to make your cat happy and snuggly, it doesn’t hurt to try CBD oil.

Check out the hundreds of satisfied reviews on our site from happy customers that have given CBD oil to their cranky cats and seen a transformation.

Now You Know How to Make Your Cat Cuddle

Our feline friends are mysterious, entitled, and sometimes refuse physical affection. But now that you’ve read this article about how to make your cat cuddle with you, you and your pet are that much closer to becoming snuggle buddies.

Are you interested in purchasing CBD for your pets to help them relax? If so, be sure to check out Mile High Pawducts so your cat can enjoy the vast array of health benefits that come along with full-spectrum CBD products!

The post Bad Cat-itude? Here’s How to Make Your Cat Cuddle With You first appeared on .]]> 22133 How to Get Your Cat to Eat Right Meow https://www.milehighpawducts.com/how-to-get-your-cat-to-eat-right-meow/ Tue, 06 Oct 2020 20:39:00 +0000 https://www.milehighpawducts.com/?p=22121 How to Get Your Cat to Eat Right Meow You love your feline furballs, and you want the best for them. If Fifi suddenly stops eating, of course, you get concerned. Sometimes it just comes down to your cat being a finicky eater. However, there could be an underlying medical issue that’s causing him or […]

The post How to Get Your Cat to Eat Right Meow first appeared on .]]>

How to Get Your Cat to Eat Right Meow

You love your feline furballs, and you want the best for them. If Fifi suddenly stops eating, of course, you get concerned.

Sometimes it just comes down to your cat being a finicky eater. However, there could be an underlying medical issue that’s causing him or her to feel unwell. Either way, you want to solve the problem and ensure your furbaby gets the nutrition it needs. 

We have some suggestions for how to get your cat to eat, including trying CBD for cats. Keep reading!

Why Cats Won’t Eat

If you’ve had cats for a while you know they have big personalities. They will demand scratches and then turn around and take a bite out of you. What if your baby won’t take a bite out of his food, though?

There could be several reasons:

  • The flavor of the food (personal preference)
  • Texture/shape
  • Shape/size of the bowl

Let’s get these down and discuss solutions.

How to Get Your Cat to Eat When It’s Food Issues

Often cats refuse to eat because of the food. Maybe your cat happily eats the same brand for months (or years). Then she suddenly turns her nose up and refuses to touch the exact same food.

Or perhaps you’ve yet the find one your cat will tolerate (the little stinker!)

Food issues can be frustrating since your cat can’t tell you what’s wrong. However, there are some fixes you can try.

1. Flavor

There are certain foods you don’t like. Cats can be the same way. If you’ve given him the same food for a long time, he may get tired of eating it.

(If you ate diced chicken every night for a year, wouldn’t you grow tired of it?)

Sometimes manufacturers will change the formula of a particular food or brand and your cat objects to a new ingredient or flavor. The easiest fix for this problem is to try a different brand. 

You might also try mixing in wet canned food in with dry to liven up mealtimes. 

2. Shape or Texture

Maybe a certain shape is easier for your cat to eat. Kittens or older cats may have problems with large chunks. Some dry foods may be too hard for cats to bite and chew.

Some cats simply prefer canned over dry food (or vice versa). Try food with different shapes and textures to see if you hit upon the right one.

3. The Food Has Gone Bad

Even food in a can will spoil after a while. Dry food can become stale or lose its taste if it sits in the bag for too long. If your cat refuses to eat, check the expiration date, and then inspect the food for signs of spoilage. 

4. The Shape of the Bowl

Believe it or not, the shape your cat’s food bowl can play a part in him refusing to eat. A bowl with a high lip may prevent your cat from getting his whole face in there. On the other hand, a flat dish may be harder for cats that can’t pick up food due to dental issues.

Other suggestions when it’s food preferences:

  • Try meat-flavored baby food or mix it in with the regular can/dry food
  • Add water to a can of tuna
  • Add warm, low-sodium chicken broth to canned/dry food (make sure there are no other added ingredients like onion powder or garlic)
  • Slightly warm food in the microwave or pour in a little warm water
  • Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the food
  • Sprinkle nutritional yeast powder over the food
  • Try putting a pet probiotic on the food

Now let’s move on to what could be going on with your cat’s health.

When It’s a Medical Issue

A refusal to eat because of food preferences can generally be solved with some experimentation. Medical issues present a different problem that may require a trip to the vet. 

Common medical issues that may affect appetite:

Dental or Tooth Pain

Do you like to eat when you have a toothache? Cats can have dental issues, just like humans. These can affect the teeth and gums, causing pain, bleeding, or abscesses. 

Respiratory Issues

Respiratory diseases can affect a cat’s sense of smell and taste. They can also inhibit breathing, which makes eating difficult.

Digestive Problems

If there’s a problem in the GI tract, stomach, intestines, or pancreas your cat may stop eating. Vomiting and diarrhea are also signs of digestive problems or obstruction.

Obstruction From Foreign Body

Cats eat weird things and sometimes these can get stuck in the stomach or intestines. Even a bad hairball can get stuck down there. An obstruction can cause vomiting or cause diarrhea.

Other medical causes:

  • Pancreatitis
  • Urinary obstruction
  • Constipation
  • Kidney disease
  • Stress or change at home

Once you determine the underlying medical issue, you will have a better chance of solving a refusal to eat. In some cases, a special type of food may be required.

Try the CBD Solution

There may be a solution you have not thought about. CBD oil can be given to cats. CBD is a cannabinoid that affects the central nervous system and its network of receptors. It works as an anti-inflammatory to ease pain and reduce anxiety, just like it does in humans.

Benefits of CBD for cats:

  • Relieve pain from arthritis or other joint pain (which might make it painful to eat or crouch at a food bowl)
  • Alleviate stress and anxiety (which can cause a cat to stop eating)
  • Stimulate appetite so your cat is hungry (yep, just like in humans)
  • Fix a bad attitude (do you have an aggressive demon cat? CBD may be a solution!)
  • Alleviate or reduce seizures (which can also affect a cat’s appetite)

Find out about the recommended CBD oil dosage for cats (or your dog if he’s having a similar issue with eating). 

Get Your Kitty Eating Again

When your cat refuses to eat it can be frustrating and a cause for concern. These solutions may help answer the question of how to get your cat to eat again.

If you’re ready to try CBD oil, place your order today and see how it makes a difference.

The post How to Get Your Cat to Eat Right Meow first appeared on .]]> 22121 Can Cats Get High From CBD Oil? https://www.milehighpawducts.com/can-cats-get-high-from-cbd-oil/ Fri, 02 Oct 2020 20:32:00 +0000 https://www.milehighpawducts.com/?p=22109 There’s a lot of confusion surrounding CBD since it essentially comes from the same plant as THC. This is a concern for most pet owners that don’t know much about the phytocannabinoids. So, if you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re wondering can cats get high off CBD? CBD for cats and dogs is nearly identical […]

The post Can Cats Get High From CBD Oil? first appeared on .]]>

There’s a lot of confusion surrounding CBD since it essentially comes from the same plant as THC. This is a concern for most pet owners that don’t know much about the phytocannabinoids. So, if you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re wondering can cats get high off CBD?

CBD for cats and dogs is nearly identical to CBD for humans. Of course, if you’re new to the CBD world, you’ve got a lot to learn. Keep reading to find out if cats can get high from CBD and other critical information you need to know.

Can Cats Get High From CBD?

The short answer is no, your cat can’t get high from any of their CBD products. Yes, CBD—which is short for cannabidiol—is found within the cannabis plant. However, it’s primarily found within the hemp variety of the cannabis plant. Incidentally, this variety holds very little concentrations of THC.

Why does that matter, you ask?

Well, for one thing, there are hundreds of phytocannabinoids within cannabis plants of all varieties. What separates them, aside from their medicinal qualities, is whether or not they’re psychoactive. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which is fancy terminology for no—it won’t get you or Mr. Jingles high.

Of course, the term “non-psychoactive” is a bit of a misnomer, as cannabidiol can affect your emotional and mental state. However, the difference is the way that CBD binds with the receptors in our cells. CBD so far is known to activate or bind to the C1 and C2 receptors throughout our brain and body. This goes for animals as well.

The interesting thing about CBD is the fact that it acts as both a reuptake inhibitor and an allosteric modulator. In other words, it can react with the C1 receptors in the brain by changing their shape. By changing the shape of cell receptors, it can affect their ability to bind with certain neurotransmitters and raise the level of endocannabinoids at work. 

This is how CBD provides its therapeutic and pharmacokinetic properties for a wide variety of ailments.     

THC and Pets Aren't a Good Mix

Can gets get high on marijuana? Yes, they can.

You’ve probably seen plenty of movies with stoner actors getting their dogs and cats high. You’ve probably done it too, or have at least one friend who says “they like it.” 

They don’t like it. And if they could talk, they’d tell you that themselves. 

THC is widely regarded as toxic to animals. This is because our furry friends have a lot more endocannabinoid receptors in their brains than we do. This makes them much more sensitive to THC.

Because of this sensitivity, your cat can become intoxicated simply from second-hand marijuana smoke filling up the room. More often than not, they’ll eat your unsupervised stash when left out on the table.

Each pet will react differently to THC intoxication. It can result in a loss of coordination, hyperactivity, vomiting, incontinence, pupil dilation, and in severe cases, seizures and tremors. Luckily, THC intoxication is rarely fatal in cats and dogs. 

Bottom line: keep your cat away from your stash and crack a window. 

But Doesn't CBD Contain THC?

As we mentioned before, CBD comes from the hemp variety of cannabis which has very little THC content. The trace amount that you’ll find in a full-spectrum CBD oil isn’t enough to get you high or even show up on a drug test for that matter. Legally, CBD products can contain up to 0.3% of THC or less. 

There are also broad-spectrum and CBD isolate products on the market for those who want to avoid THC altogether for themselves and their pets. You may even be wondering, what’s the point? in terms of including THC in these products. It all has to do with something known as the entourage effect. 

The entourage effect refers to to the synergistic effects that take place when all the chemical compounds of a whole plant extract work together. Each plant compound has a unique quality that lends itself to the other compounds present. This is what contributes to the strength of the CBD product in question.

The entourage effect is also what contributes to the shift in mood, emotional, or physical state after ingesting CBD. Essentially, It’s thought that the performance of a full-spectrum CBD product, containing all chemical and botanical compounds, will perform better compared to broad-spectrum and isolate extracts. 

Can We Both Use My CBD?

Technically, you and your kitty can use the same CBD oil. However, it’s not recommended. CBD isn’t a heavily regulated product, which means your full-spectrum CBD oil may contain more THC than stated on the label. In states where recreational marijuana is legal, you can get your hands on CBD products containing much higher concentrations of THC,

Additionally, your product may be made with poorly extracted CBD, additives, flavoring agents, and other chemicals that can harm your cat. They can harm you too, by the way.

Your best bet is to stick with pet-safe CBD for your furry friends. Always buy from a reputable company that’s transparent with their extraction process and certificate of analysis (COA). The COA will let you know the exact levels of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids in your product. It’ll also show levels of any pesticides, metals, or pollutants that made their way into the product.

Don’t buy CBD made outside of the United States, as it could be synthetic. Or, if it’s bad, there’s no way to trace it back to its source. Also, be sure to check the label for any unwanted additives, such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, citric acid, natural flavors, and so on.   

The Purrfect CBD For Cats

Now that you no longer have to wonder can cats get high off CBD? You should consider adding pet-safe CBD oil to your kitty’s daily regimen. It comes with a host of health and wellness benefits that can help your cat live a long and happy life. It’s also purrfectly safe!

If you have any questions regarding CBD for cats or dogs, we’ve got the answers. Contact us any time, we’ll be more than happy to provide you with some guidance.  

The post Can Cats Get High From CBD Oil? first appeared on .]]> 22109 5 Safety Tips for Cats and CBD https://www.milehighpawducts.com/5-safety-tips-for-cats-and-cbd/ Thu, 01 Oct 2020 20:30:00 +0000 https://www.milehighpawducts.com/?p=22106 5 Safety Tips for Cats and CBD Like humans, many animals can suffer from anxiety, and cats are no exception. Separation anxiety is one of the most common. Many people use CBD to treat anxiety in their cats. However, CBD can treat a lot more than just anxiety.  People also use it to treat pain, epilepsy, lack […]

The post 5 Safety Tips for Cats and CBD first appeared on .]]>

5 Safety Tips for Cats and CBD

Like humans, many animals can suffer from anxiety, and cats are no exception. Separation anxiety is one of the most common.

Many people use CBD to treat anxiety in their cats. However, CBD can treat a lot more than just anxiety.  People also use it to treat pain, epilepsy, lack of appetite, and many other problems.

As with any medicine, it’s important to use CBD oil properly to keep your pet safe. While CBD isn’t fatal, too much of it can cause sleepiness and digestive issues, which certainly won’t help matters.

We’ll offer some safety tips in this article to make sure this doesn’t happen.

1. Talk to Your Vet

The first step in keeping your pet safe through this process is to consult with your veterinarian. As of yet, the veterinary community has not accepted CBD. You can find a few vets that recommend it, but they’re in the minority.

The reason for this is that CBD is a fairly new ‘medicine.’ CBD has been a substance for a very long time, but it was only recently legalized. The 2018 farm bill allowed hemp to be grown for commercial purposes, which, by extension, legalized CBD.

Since CBD is still a new product, it has yet to be thoroughly researched. Though there don’t appear to be any serious or long-term risks, we don’t know for sure. There isn’t a big enough sample size of long-term users to make any determinations.

Many are confident that there simply won’t be any consequences based on the fact that we can’t prove there are any long-term effects of marijuana.

2. Use a Trusted Source

The other big issue with CBD being such a new product is that it’s not well-regulated. The approval of any new product usually means that many different companies rise to meet demands.

Not all of these companies are trustworthy, though, so it’s hard to make sure you’re getting a product that hasn’t been mishandled or tampered with. One of the best examples of this is K2, a drug that came out in the last twenty years.

Dealers sold it as a safer, legal alternative to marijuana. The problem was that the new drug was far more dangerous and even fatal in some cases.

Eventually, the government outlawed it. This may be part of the reason professionals are being so cautious this time.

The good news is that there are a lot of legitimate companies providing CBD as well. Their goal isn’t just to make money, but to provide quality care for your furry family members.

If your vet approves of CBD, they may also know of a few other good places to get it.

3. Search for Lab Results

Before we can buy from a real, ethical company we have to find one. There are a few different ways to do this, but one of the best is by looking up lab tests.

Since CBD is still under-regulated, many companies have taken it upon themselves to assuage public fears. To this end, these companies will often conduct laboratory tests to make sure their product is safe.

This helps the customers to trust the company, and the company to create better products.

The best companies will publish the results of these labs so that their customers have complete transparency.

4. Understand the Entourage Effect

Before going any further, we should point out that there are a few different types of CBD. One of these types is known as full-spectrum CBD, which means that it also has a bit of THC, the ingredient in marijuana that causes a high.

The level of THC in full-spectrum oil is very low. By law, it’s not allowed to contain more than .3%. Otherwise, it’s classified as marijuana and is therefore illegal in most states.

When discussing full-spectrum CBD, we need to address the entourage effect. The entourage effect is what happens when you mix multiple cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC.

The cannabinoids react with each other, increasing the overall effects of the CBD. The end result is that a full-spectrum CBD product may be multiple times more potent than a normal one.

5. Research Dosage

Like any medicine, CBD works best when a certain amount is given. Too much can result in unpleasant side effects. The good news is that none of them are serious.

When trying to determine dosage size, it’s best to go by weight. We would also suggest erring on the side of caution.

While the measurements go by weight, some cats or conditions may require higher doses than others. If you’re not sure which is best for your kitty, consult your vet. If your vet isn’t sure, start with a low dose. 

CBD for Cats: Safety Tips for Happy Pets

CBD has become a bit of a craze, and not just among people, but pets as well.

We’ve offered a few safety tips in this article, but there are more out there. It may be best to look into CBD safety more before committing to anything.

More safety advice and CBD products can be found on our website. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions.

The post 5 Safety Tips for Cats and CBD first appeared on .]]> 22106 Catnip Oil vs. CBD Oil: 3 Differences You Should Know https://www.milehighpawducts.com/catnip-oil-vs-cbd-oil-3-differences-you-should-know/ Wed, 30 Sep 2020 20:28:00 +0000 https://www.milehighpawducts.com/?p=22103 Catnip Oil vs. CBD Oil: 3 Differences You Should Know Dude…What’s your cat smokin’, man?  As a cat parent, you’ve no doubt heard this from friends and family watching dumbfounded as your cat does a triple lindy off the couch.  You gave your cat catnip oil, and now Fluffy is high as a kite, swiping away at […]

The post Catnip Oil vs. CBD Oil: 3 Differences You Should Know first appeared on .]]>

Catnip Oil vs. CBD Oil: 3 Differences You Should Know

Dude…What’s your cat smokin’, man? 

As a cat parent, you’ve no doubt heard this from friends and family watching dumbfounded as your cat does a triple lindy off the couch. 

You gave your cat catnip oil, and now Fluffy is high as a kite, swiping away at anyone foolish enough to go for the chips and salsa. Funny, but also embarrassing. But there is a better way! 

CBD oil is a superior alternative and is more beneficial. And despite its connection with marijuana, CBD oil doesn’t make your cat “high.” 

Read on for 3 differences you should know about catnip oil vs. CBD oil and why CBD oil is the obvious choice for calming Fluffy down.

1. The Physiological Effects Are Different

Bottom line: catnip oil gets your cat high, while CBD oil, although derived from cannabis, doesn’t. 

Catnip and CBD trigger different parts of your cat’s brain.

Catnip works by binding to receptors in your cat’s nose. Cats inhale nepetalactone – the volatile oil in catnip -, and that stimulates several areas of the brain, including the amygdala, olfactory bulb, and the hypothalamus.

Catnip also regulates emotional responses, which sometimes leads to aggression instead of stoner heaven. 

Cannabidiol (CBD), comes from the cannabis plant, which also produces marijuana, but doesn’t contain the psychoactive ingredient THC, which is what gets us humans high.

To be clear, CBD can contain trace amounts of THC, but the amounts are negligible to non-existent, especially in brands explicitly prepared for cats. Giving your cat CBD with too much THC (like brands manufactured for humans) can be toxic. 

Like other mammals, cats have an Endocannabinoid System, and the cannabinoid CBD attaches to receptors known as CB1 in the brain (which facilitates the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin) and CB2 in the body (affecting the immune system). 

2. The Duration and Benefits of Catnip Oil Are Short-Lived

When you give your cat catnip, it only lasts a short time. Your cat will run amuck for about 10 to 15 minutes and then maybe pass out. Then it’s a few hours before the catnip will have the same effect. 

CBD is better because your cat takes it regularly (once or twice a day). It builds up in their system, so the benefits are longer lasting. And furniture saving.

Speaking of benefits…you know the old saying “too much of a good thing…?

Just like the euphoria that catnip gives your cat, the benefits of catnip are also temporary. And while there is some overlap in the health benefits of catnip and CBD, such as the alleviation of stress and anxiety, the effects of catnip are fleeting.

Catnip should only be used in moderation because using it too often can make your cat immune. But once the catnip rave is over, so are the benefits.

The use of catnip is much better suited for training your cat not to scratch the furniture or for playtime. 

3. The Benefits of CBD Oil Are Long-Term

If your cat has chronic conditions, CBD oil is a superb alternative to catnip oil. Some of the amazing benefits of CBD oil include:

  • relieving stress and anxiety
  • treating inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis
  • reducing pain
  • lowering blood sugar
  • lessening aggression
  • treating skin conditions
  • helping the nervous and immune systems
  • decreasing insomnia  

CBD oil can also help your cat with more severe conditions such as:

  • cancer
  • kidney disease
  • gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel disease
  • epilepsy
  • respiratory problems such as asthma 

And unlike catnip oil, you can give your cat CBD oil on the daily, so the benefits are long-lasting. 

Is CBD Oil Safe for Cats?

Yep. But beware: there are lots of variations out there. If you’re using CBD oil for yourself, that’s great, but you should not give the oil you take to your cat. CBD Oil manufactured for humans contains unwanted additives and ingredients. 

Be sure to check the lab testing results. You should know CBD is not (yet) regulated by the FDA. You need to make sure the oil tests no higher than 0.3% for THC.

Some other things to take into consideration are the sourcing of the CBD and the company’s extraction process. 

Your best bet is choosing a full-spectrum CBD oil. In addition to Cannabidiol (CBD), there are other elements of the cannabis plant, such as Phytocannabinoids, Terpenoids, and Flavonoids. 

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all of these things creating the “entourage effect,” which means they complement each other and work together for the best overall effectiveness of the CBD oil. 

How Much CBD Oil Should You Give Your Cat?

Some general considerations are the age, weight, and ailment of your cat.

Because there are no FDA standard dosage instructions and there hasn’t been a lot of research on the subject, it can be tricky. But don’t worry, we have an excellent vet-approved dosage calculator. 

How to Give Your Cat CBD Oil

So CBD oil sounds great and all, but how does your cat actually take it? 

One of the best ways is the liquid form of CBD called tinctures. These come in a bottle with a dropper. You can try to put it in your cat’s food or water, but if they find that objectionable, you can use the dropper to administer directly into your cat’s mouth. 

Another option is chewable capsules. However, just as with the tinctures, your cat may look at you in contempt if you try this method. 

For skin conditions, you can use topical CBD that is applied directly to your cat’s skin. Don’t use it on open wounds, though. You may get a (justified) paw swipe.

Another option is to give your cat flavored CBD treats that may be more acceptable to your cat’s refined palate. 

There Is a Pawsome Alternative to Catnip Oil

There are significant differences between catnip and CBD, but there is no doubt that the effects and benefits of CBD oil are far superior to catnip oil. 

And the best CBD oil for your cat is full-spectrum CBD oil to ensure your cat is getting all the benefits of the “entourage effect” without partying like the dudes on “Entourage.” Check out our pawsome high-quality full-spectrum CBD oil products.  

So ditch the catnip oil, so Fluffy can come down off the ceiling and switch to CBD oil. Your cat will feel great and will Netflix and chill on the couch with you instead of tearing it to shreds. 

The post Catnip Oil vs. CBD Oil: 3 Differences You Should Know first appeared on .]]> 22103 Is Your Cat Dealing With Situational Anxiety? https://www.milehighpawducts.com/is-your-cat-dealing-with-situational-anxiety/ Tue, 29 Sep 2020 20:24:00 +0000 https://www.milehighpawducts.com/?p=22100 Is Your Cat Dealing With Situational Anxiety? In 2016, 80 million Americans owned pets. Seventy-four percent of these pet owners attributed improvements in their mental health to their furry friends. With unconditional love and constant companionship, pets help their owners handle daily stresses. In extreme cases, they even help their owners manage depression, anxiety, and other major mental illnesses. If you’re among […]

The post Is Your Cat Dealing With Situational Anxiety? first appeared on .]]>

Is Your Cat Dealing With Situational Anxiety?

In 2016, 80 million Americans owned pets. Seventy-four percent of these pet owners attributed improvements in their mental health to their furry friends.

With unconditional love and constant companionship, pets help their owners handle daily stresses. In extreme cases, they even help their owners manage depression, anxiety, and other major mental illnesses.

If you’re among those who have enjoyed the mental health benefits of pet ownership, you know that staying paws-itive is easier when you have four furry paws walking by your side. What you might not know is that your pets can struggle with mental illness too. 

Situational anxiety is a common mental disorder in cats. If you’re a cat owner, it’s important to know the signs so that you can help your cat when you recognize them.

Anxiety in Cats

The prevalence of anxiety among cats is similar to its prevalence among humans. It’s estimated that 18.1 percent of American adults struggle with anxiety disorders. According to a 2020 study, the percentage of cats suffering from anxiety is only slightly lower: 13 percent, and the percentage of veterinarians who say they have treated cats for anxiety is actually closer to 20-25 percent.

At either measure, anxiety in cats is common. In fact, it’s too common. When solutions are available, any number of anxiety sufferers of the two- or four-legged variety is too many.

Symptoms

Behavioral symptoms of anxiety in cats include:

  • Marking, or spraying urine outside the litter box
  • Increased vocalization
  • Agitation and aggression
  • Hiding
  • Destructive behaviors
  • Excessive or inadequate grooming
  • Shaking, pacing, clinginess, excessive skittishness, or other signs of unease
  • Changes in sleep or activity patterns

As anxiety progresses, symptoms can become physical as well. Cats with anxiety often exhibit skin and gastrointestinal issues. These include:

  • Excessive scratching and biting
  • Patches of dry or irritated skin and scabs
  • Hair loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Frequent vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Types: Generalized and Situational Anxiety

Two main types of anxiety afflict cats: generalized and situational. Paying attention to when and how frequently your cat exhibits symptoms of anxiety can help you and your vet arrive at a proper diagnosis.

Cats with situational anxiety exhibit anxious behaviors when they are exposed to certain triggers. Triggers might include:

  • Going on car rides
  • Taking trips to the vet
  • Moving to a new house
  • Introducing a new person or pet into the family dynamic
  • Experiencing changes in household routines, layout, or other arrangements
  • Being exposed to loud noises, like fireworks or machinery
  • Being left alone

In fact, separation anxiety is the most common specific type of situational anxiety in cats.

Cats with generalized anxiety, in contrast, live under constant stress and exhibit the above symptoms regularly, even in the absence of any apparent triggers.

Causes

Certain factors contribute to anxiety in cats. These include a history of abuse, multiple owners, and improper socialization during kittenhood. Older cats are also more likely to suffer from anxiety than younger cats, but it can occur at any age and in any breed. 

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing anxiety in cats is often a matter of ruling out alternative explanations for symptoms. Other health problems, including thyroid conditions, kidney disorder, and cancer, can mimic the symptoms of anxiety. Therefore, your vet will conduct a physical exam and may order blood and urine tests to rule out these causes.

If no other cause is present and the symptoms stem from anxiety, the next step is determining a course of treatment. Several options are available. 

Modify the Environment to Remove the Trigger

For situational anxiety, the most obvious solution is to remove the trigger or allow your cat to remove himself from it. Providing safe spaces, plentiful exits, comfortable bedding, and calming music are among the easiest environmental modifications to make.

However, completely removing triggers is often not possible. Families move, expand, and adopt new pets. Neighbors will set off fireworks. Cats must go to the vet, and they are invariably left alone for stretches of time each day.

Simply put, protecting your cat from all anxiety triggers is nearly impossible. Plus, some cats suffer from generalized anxiety with no obvious triggers. Other treatment options are, therefore, necessary. 

Behavioral Training

Behavioral training is one option. Working with a therapist or trainer, you may be able to decrease your cat’s anxiety using exposure therapy and positive reinforcement, including treats, playtime, praise, and attention. 

Prescription Medications

Certain prescription medications can also be used to treat anxiety in cats. However, these come with side effects, including sleepiness and stomach upset. Their long-term health consequences may also be uncertain. These factors, combined with the ongoing cost of prescription medications and the fact that they simply don’t work for some cats, make such options less than ideal.

Alternative Remedies and Supplements

Some owners try other remedies, including massage and acupuncture, to manage their cats’ anxiety. Although studies of these methods’ effectiveness are limited and they can be costly, they don’t bring any negative health effects. So it’s up to individual owners to decide what methods are worth trying.

Herbal diffusers and treats that contain l-theanine, chamomile, and catnip can also help some cats.

Increasingly, however, pet owners seeking safe alternatives to prescription medications are choosing CBD. In fact, CBD may be among the most effective options for your cat.  CBD addresses anxiety at its source, and it does so naturally. 

Cats — and humans — experience anxiety when their brains receive and overreact to stress signals. When anxiety triggers are more than your cat’s natural endocannabinoid system can regulate, the compounds in CBD can help. Cannabinoid therapy works by increasing levels of CBD and THC and, thus, enhancing your cat’s natural stress response. 

Choosing the right product and dose for your pet is important. The most effective CBD products are minimally processed 100% full-spectrum CBD oils, which include CBD, trace amounts of THC, and other compounds. Scientists who study and develop CBD treatments recommend these products because they capitalize on the “entourage effect.” This means that the various compounds in the hemp plant are most effective when they work together. Using the whole plant — choosing a full-spectrum CBD product — ensures that your pet receives the whole benefit of CBD treatment.

Other factors to consider when choosing a CBD treatment for your pet include safety and purity. The best CBD products are grown organically and undergo third-party testing to ensure the highest quality and safety.

When Your Cat Is "Feline" Anxious, CBD Can Help

You wouldn’t let your two-legged friends deal with their anxiety on their own, so you shouldn’t let your four-legged friends suffer alone either. Understanding the causes and recognizing the symptoms of anxiety, including situational anxiety, in cats is the first step in finding a treatment that works.

The experts at Mile High Products can help you explore the full range of options and choose the best one for your pet. Contact us or start shopping today.

The post Is Your Cat Dealing With Situational Anxiety? first appeared on .]]> 22100 5 Reasons for Cat Hair Loss and How to Treat It https://www.milehighpawducts.com/5-reasons-for-cat-hair-loss-and-how-to-treat-it/ Mon, 28 Sep 2020 20:24:00 +0000 https://www.milehighpawducts.com/?p=22097 5 Reasons for Cat Hair Loss and How to Treat It Has your cat started losing their hair? As pet owners, our animals aren’t only much loved but they are members of our family too. Fur loss in our cats can be a stressful, worrying time. Especially when you don’t know what is going on […]

The post 5 Reasons for Cat Hair Loss and How to Treat It first appeared on .]]>

5 Reasons for Cat Hair Loss and How to Treat It

Has your cat started losing their hair?

As pet owners, our animals aren’t only much loved but they’re members of our family too. Fur loss in our cats can be a stressful, worrying time. Especially when you don’t know what is going on or how to help them.

Don’t worry! Read on for 5 reasons for cat hair loss and what you can do about it today.

1. Allergies, Itching, and Overgrooming

When fleas bite, they can irritate any cat. But some cats have hypersensitivity to flea bites — or rather the antigens in flea saliva.

If your cat suffers from this, they get itchy to the point of misery if they encounter fleas. As a way of getting rid of the itch, many will end up overgrooming. The hair isn’t falling out, your cat is licking it so much they’re pulling it out.

Mange, scabies, and lice can also make your cat’s skin itch and cause overgrooming. There are also mites, food allergies, and allergens in the environment too. It’s best to get your vet to rule out any allergies as a first port of call (or pick up any that do exist).

Some cats may also suffer from compulsive overgrooming. This could either be from painful nerve damage in the skin. Or psychological reasons like stress.

2. Endocrine Disorders

Feline Hyperthyroidism is also another reason behind hair loss in cats. This is an overactive thyroid. It will cause weight loss and other symptoms alongside hair loss.

Other hormonal imbalances can cause hair follicles do die. This can also happen if the levels of steroids in the body are too high. With the hormones out of sync, new hair may not grow back once it falls out.

An example is Cushing’s disease. This is a metabolic disorder that produces too much cortisol.

3. Pain

If some cats are in pain, they will lick that area of the body. This isn’t because it’s itchy, it’s because it hurts underneath the skin and they don’t know how to stop it.

For example, cats with arthritis often lick the joint constantly because it hurts. For them, the licking helps relieve the pain they’re feeling. The issue is, while they’re licking away the pain they’re also licking away their hair.

It can happen with breaks and open wounds too. The first instinct to clean the area as a way of ‘fixing’ it. But too much fussing can cause baldness around the bone or injury.

4. Cancer

To everyone’s relief, cancer is rarely the cause of cat hair loss. It’s much more likely to be nothing as serious.

But it’s important to be aware of neoplasia which can cause hair loss in cats. Neoplasia is the term for abnormal growths from uncontrolled cell division.

There is a series condition secondary to cancer that can cause hair loss too. This is paraneoplastic alopecia, which is hair loss associated with moist, itchy skin.

5. Alopecia

You may see cat alopecia called Black Skin Disease. There are some tell-tale symptoms to look out for which include:

  • Hair loss
  • Patches of dark (black) skin
  • Symmetrical bald patches
  • Red, scaly skin
  • Crusty discharge and inflammation around bald patches

If not treated, alopecia can cause more harm than only hair loss. It can go on to affect the endocrine, lymphatic and immune systems.

An alopecia diagnosis doesn’t mean a life of pain and suffering for your beloved feline. It’s first important to consult your vet and work out the cause.

The Types of Feline Alopecia

To get to the root cause of the hair loss, your vet will ask about your cat’s lifestyle, habits, and behaviors. They will also do blood and skin samples. Causes include:

Congenital Alopecia

This type of alopecia is genetic and will be noticeable at birth. You’ll usually notice this early on and will need little treatment.

Parasitic Alopecia

You’ll see this caused by fleas, mites, lice, fungi, or ticks. It is often temporary and hair will regrow once the parasites are gone. Keeping on top of regular parasite prevention treatments can help prevent this.

Allergic Alopecia

This is the type of alopecia that occurs from external or internal allergens. It could be from food allergies. Or allergens in the environment like dust, a specific detergent, or even grass.

Psychogenic Alopecia

This is the type that’s caused by stress, depression, and anxiety. Triggers could come from separation anxiety, tension with other pets, or noise anxiety.

Ways to Treat Hair Loss and Alopecia in Cats

Most causes of alopecia will go away as you treat the underlying issues that caused it. Here are some ways you can bring relief to your beloved feline friend:

Remove Allergens

If allergies are the issue, remove any allergens that are causing inflammation. You may need to change their diet if it’s food-related, or even wash their feet when they come indoors. And check what they’re coming into contact with so you can determine the allergen culprit.

Reduce Anxiety and Stress Triggers

Work out what is causing the stress. If it’s too much noise lower your noise levels. If it’s tension with pets, give your cat their own safe space away or think about rehoming the offenders.

If there’s nothing you can do to reduce these stress (like if you live by a noisy road) there are options. CBD oil for cats can help reduce anxiety and relax them.

Use CBD Oil to Reduce Inflammation

Rather than a mountain of drugs, these natural remedies may get less invasive results. A benefit of CBD for cats is that it reduces inflammation. Hemp CBD also contains fatty acids that help promote skin and coat health. To calculate the right dose for your cat, check out our handy CBD pet dosage calculator.

Use CBD Salves

Another way to treat affected areas is to apply a CBD topical salve. CBD is often combined with other soothing natural ingredients into one salve. They reduce inflammation and promote the growth of new, healthy skin.

Cat Hair Loss Doesn't Need to Be Scary

So there you have it! Now you know these reasons behind cat hair loss you’re prepared.

It’s important to first take your pet to the vet to get a proper diagnosis. Not only will it help you work out the correct treatment, but it also rules out anything sinister.

If you think CBD oil can help your cat, visit us now. At milehighpawducts.com we’ve got a wide variety of products to suit your pet’s needs.

The post 5 Reasons for Cat Hair Loss and How to Treat It first appeared on .]]> 22097 6 Signs You Have a Stressed Cat https://www.milehighpawducts.com/6-signs-you-have-a-stressed-cat/ Sat, 26 Sep 2020 20:17:00 +0000 https://www.milehighpawducts.com/?p=22090 6 Signs You Have a Stressed Cat The average cat spends 15 hours a day sleeping, although some felines stretch that number to 20.  It’s hard to imagine such a well-rested creature would ever experience anxiety or stress. But your four-legged friend might be feeling that way, regardless of how much shut-eye they’re getting.  You don’t […]

The post 6 Signs You Have a Stressed Cat first appeared on .]]>

6 Signs You Have a Stressed Cat

The average cat spends 15 hours a day sleeping, although some felines stretch that number to 20. 

It’s hard to imagine such a well-rested creature would ever experience anxiety or stress. But your four-legged friend might be feeling that way, regardless of how much shut-eye they’re getting. 

You don’t want a stressed cat, either — such a state isn’t good for their minds or bodies. Nor is it good for you as a loving cat owner. You want your fur babies to feel good enough to sleep and meow at you to their heart’s content. 

To ensure they’re at their best, look out for these symptoms of stress.

Signs You Have a Stressed Cat

Your cat can’t explain what they’re feeling — not even with meows. Instead, you should look out for these five behaviors in your feline that point to internalized anxiety or stress. 

1. Hiding

Your cat may isolate themselves in a particular room or area of your home. This behavior often indicates that they feel stressed out. They may also be sick. 

Don’t confuse this type of behavior with the typical attitude associated with cats, either. Sure, they like their rest — we’ve already covered that.

However, they shouldn’t be spending all of their time alone. If they do, their chosen solitude may be down to stress or illness. 

2. Improper Use of the Litterbox

A cat who goes to the bathroom outside of their litterbox isn’t doing so to be mischievous. 

Instead, cats use this move as a sign that something’s wrong. It can stem from stress, although it won’t be a generalized case. There are reasons why cats fail to go in their litterboxes. 

They may be asking you to clean the litterbox. Or perhaps you’ve moved their litterbox, and they don’t like its new placement. Felines might also act out if you’ve reorganized furniture, changing up the layout to which they’ve grown accustomed. 

All of these situations cause stress to your four-legged friend. So, if they start going outside of the litterbox, think about why it might be happening and fix whatever it is that could be causing them to act out. 

3. Over-Grooming Themselves

Your cat grooms itself for multiple reasons. Of course, self-grooming rids their coats of dirt. But it can also eradicate fleas, and their saliva can help cool them on a hot day. 

As such, don’t worry if your cat grooms at a regular clip. When you should be concerned is if you notice that your feline friend is licking themselves until the spot in question goes bald — near-constant grooming is a surefire sign of distress. 

4. Changes in Appetite

Your cat may embody their anxiety by changing how and what they eat. 

Perhaps your pet has stopped eating treats or meals that they’d typically nibble. Other cats will act oppositely when stressed, eating everything in sight. They might even hang out in the kitchen and meow for more kibble. 

Sometimes, such behavior is the sign of a medical issue. Perhaps you’ve changed your cat’s diet recently, too — this can cause them to act out, as well. But in many cases, appetite changes are purely down to stress.

5. Aggression

Cats are notorious for their demeanor, which can be much more hot and cold than their doggie counterparts. 

However, your cat shouldn’t be physically lashing out at you. If your pet has started to act aggressively toward you or your family, it can be a major sign that they’re stressed. 

In most cases of stress-caused aggression, the behavior will appear alongside another symptom on this list. So, if your cat has stopped using their litterbox and has made an attack on you, they’re trying to send you a message — they’re stressed. 

6. Meowing More

Your cat already meows when they want something. But if you notice they’re vocalizing more often than before, it could be a sign of distress. 

This behavior is especially typical in older cats. Felines don’t quite grasp the concept of aging, so cognitive or physical changes leave them a bit confused. As a result, they start to meow. 

One way to tell if your cat’s meowing is stress-related is to consider the time of day. If they meow during the times when they’re usually awake, it’s likely a normal vocalization. However, if they’re making noise at times when they’d sleep, you should look into their reasons for getting loud. 

How Can I Calm My Stressed Cat?

Now that you know your pet is facing some stress, you will want to help them find balance once again. 

Always start with a visit to the vet. Sometimes, these behaviors stem from an underlying medical issue. For your peace of mind, get the vet’s confirmation that your cat’s physically healthy. 

You can try different methods to calm your cat’s stress from there. Perhaps your pet wants to play more. You might also try feeding them new, better food to soothe their mealtime meows. 

If your cat is isolating or hiding, slowly make yourself part of their safe space. Go in there to play or interact with your pet. Then, slowly encourage them to branch out and rejoin the party in the rest of the house. 

You might also consider giving your cat a CBD supplement. The all-natural substance has a slew of benefits for both dogs and cats — one of them is its anti-anxiety effects. 

Of course, your vet can help you decide if this is a good step for your stressed cat. Once you do decide to give them a regular dose of calming CBD, be sure you know how much they need to experience its soothing effects. 

Help Your Cat Fight Stress

Your stressed cat is lucky to have you in their corner. Together, you can overcome whatever it is that’s causing them anxiety. And then, you can return to your life with a cat who’s sleepy, goofy, moody and jumpy — all at the right times and in all of the right ways. 

And, if you’re ready to embark on a CBD journey with your cat, we’ve got you covered. Click here to learn more about our feline-friendly tincture for your four-legged friend. 

The post 6 Signs You Have a Stressed Cat first appeared on .]]> 22090 Cat Seizures: Why it Happens and How to Treat It https://www.milehighpawducts.com/cat-seizures-why-it-happens-and-how-to-treat-it/ Thu, 24 Sep 2020 17:39:00 +0000 https://www.milehighpawducts.com/?p=22169 Cat Seizures: Why it Happens and How to Treat It Are you worried your cat might suffer from seizures? Our furry feline friends are not only beloved pets, but they’re also members of our family. When they’re suffering, we suffer too; agonizing over how to help them. But if you’ve never seen a seizure before, […]

The post Cat Seizures: Why it Happens and How to Treat It first appeared on .]]>

Cat Seizures: Why it Happens and How to Treat It

Are you worried your cat might suffer from seizures?

Our furry feline friends are not only beloved pets, but they’re also members of our family. When they’re suffering, we suffer too; agonizing over how to help them. But if you’ve never seen a seizure before, it can be scary and you might not know what to do.

Don’t worry! Read on for our guide to cat seizures and what you can do to help your fur baby.

What is a Cat Seizure?

Before you do anything, you need to know what a seizure is. A cat seizure happens when a sudden electrical surge of activity happens in the brain (like in humans).

This surge can be due to many causes, from genetic, physical to environmental. Whatever the cause, it’s a complex change in chemicals that happens in your cat’s nerve cells.

Brain cells can either inhibit or excite other brain cells to send messages. A healthy brain will have a balance between the two.

When seizures occur, it creates too little or too much activity. This will cause an imbalance of cells, exciting the brain, or stopping activity. It’s what causes the electrical surges.

What Do Cat Seizures Look Like?

To lend a helping hand (or paw), you need to be able to identify what a cat seizure looks like. Witnessing your cat having a seizure is a high-stress, distressing situation. It will make you feel utterly helpless.

But those first moments will be crucial in identifying the source of the seizure. There are also signs you can look out for before your cat has a seizure that can warn you it’s coming.

The first stage of a cat seizure is the focal onset. Your cat will become dazed, or they’ll run and hide out of nowhere. They might even come to find you looking scared, vomiting, or yowling. Right before a seizure, your cat could appear nervous.

When the seizure starts, your cat usually will collapse on the floor and go stiff. They may then start having convulsions (uncontrolled muscle spasms). This may look like your cat is:

  • jerking their body
  • paddling their paws
  • snapping their jaw

It usually takes the form of random, uncontrollable movements. While this is scary to watch, you must take note of what exactly your cat is doing. Also, try to remember what they were doing right before it happened.

How to Help Your Cat Immediately

First, you want to keep your cat from harming themself. Though it’s advised for humans, do NOT put your fingers in your cat’s mouth. They’re not going to swallow their tongue, but you’re likely going to get bitten.

Check to make sure their immediate environment is secure and safe. Remove any sharp objects near them that they might catch themselves on.

Also, make sure no other pets or children are near them. If they’re on a high surface, get them onto the ground. This way, they won’t fall off and hurt themself
Stay calm, although it will be difficult, and pay close attention.

Try to time the seizure if you can. If it’s lasting longer than 3 minutes, or they go straight into another one it’s an emergency. You need to get your cat to the vet asap.

What Causes Cat Seizures?

Cat seizures usually belong to one of two categories: intracranial and extracranial. Intracranial seizures happen due to something inside the skull. This can include:

  • Brain infections
  • Brain tumors
  • Inflammation of the brain
  • Parasites in the brain such as feline toxoplasmosis
  • Brain trauma

Extracranial seizures occur due to something outside the brain. This can include:

  • Kidney/liver disease
  • Contact with tick or flea treatment that’s not meant for cats
  • Ingesting human medicines
  • High blood pressure
  • Infectious disease
  • Heatstroke

There is also the possibility that your cat has epilepsy which will cause these seizures. It’s important that you seek out the advice of your vet and get them to examine your cat as soon as you can.

Traditional Treatment

One seizure lasting under 5 minutes that’s ruled as epilepsy isn’t treated usually. Apart from stopping the initial seizure.

Seizures that last longer, clusters, or seizures that reoccur do get treated. This is usually with anticonvulsants like phenobarbital, gabapentin, or diazepam.

If it happens on the rare occasion your cat might not need medicine. If it’s happening more than every 6-8 weeks then speak to your vet. Your cat may need further treatment to prevent any long-term, further brain damage.

For cats that are stable and not seizing currently, treatment will likely be oral. It’ll be an oral anticonvulsant and treatment for whatever the underlying cause is.

For any medicines your vet prescribed, make sure to stick to the advised dosage. A sudden stop or change in dosage can bring the seizures back. Or, it could make them worse.

Treating Cat Seizures With CBD

It might seem odd, as cats, dogs, and humans don’t seem similar in a physiological sense. But what we all have in common is our Endocannabinoid System.

This system contains receptors that trigger when CBD enters the system and our bodies. CB1 and CB2 are most common, though there are other types.

Studies show that the Endocannabinoid System helps regulate neurological activity in our brains. It does this by blocking activity from certain neuronal channels.

CBD products can help bring order back to the unbalanced electrical activity in the brain. This helps with regulating and preventing seizures. It’s of particular benefit to cats who don’t qualify for traditional treatments. And there are those cats that have sensitivities or just don’t take to traditional drugs.

To make sure you’re giving your cat the right dosage, check out our great CBD dosage calculator.

Cat Seizures Don't Have to Be Scary

While cat seizures are terrifying to watch, it’s not the end for your beloved feline friend. It’s vital to stay calm when it first happens and note down every detail you can.

Note how long it lasts, what they’re doing, and what they were doing before it happened. Then get them to a vet as soon as you can for a proper diagnosis. This will help you find the right treatment for your cat’s needs. Be that traditional medicines or a more holistic approach.

If you think CBD can help your cat, visit our site today. At milehighpawducts.com we’ve got CBD products to suit all your cat’s needs.

The post Cat Seizures: Why it Happens and How to Treat It first appeared on .]]> 22169