Table of Contents
Introduction
Traveling with cats can be challenging, to say the least. Unlike dogs, most cats are not naturally enthusiastic about car rides or new environments, and will often become agitated, anxious, or even physically unwell. Their constant distressed meowing and attempts to get out of their carrier can quickly make a journey stressful for both the cat and you.
Many cat owners are turning to CBD for Cats to address this problem. It presents a natural remedy for easing their feline companions’ travel-related anxiety. In this post, we will explore how CBD can help alleviate your cat’s travel stress, making journeys calmer and more manageable for both of you.
Understanding Feline Travel Anxiety
It’s important to recognize signs and causes of travel anxiety in cats. You can learn to identify when your feline friend might be under stress and when intervention is necessary.
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Signs of Anxiety: Specific anxiety-induced behaviors in cats can indicate their discomfort during travel. Watch out for:
- Excessive meowing or howling
- Trembling or shaking
- Panting and drooling
- Hiding (or trying to hide) in confined spaces (like under seats)
- Aggressive behavior, such as biting or scratching
- Refusing to eat or use the litter box
- Going outside the litterbox
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Causes: Various triggers can prompt a cat’s travel anxiety:
- New Environments: The unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells of a new place can be overwhelming.
- Car Rides: The vibrations, movement, and noise inside a vehicle may cause nausea or stress.
- Unfamiliar People or Pets: Meeting new faces or encountering other animals during travel can make cats nervous.
- Changes in Routine: Cats thrive on routine, and traveling disrupts their established habits and territory, leading to anxiety.
Knowing these signs of travel anxiety can help you prepare better for journeys. Let’s look at how CBD could help mitigate these issues.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound derived from the hemp plant. It is one of over a hundred cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp plants, and unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it doesn’t have psychoactive effects, meaning it won’t get your cat “high.”
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signaling system that helps maintain balance in the body. While research on the ECS in pets is still emerging, it’s known to play a role in regulating mood, stress, appetite, and immune response. By interacting with the ECS receptors, CBD promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety in cats.
Benefits of Using CBD for Traveling with Cats
CBD is gaining popularity among pet owners for its potential to make journeys more comfortable for their feline friends. Here’s how CBD can specifically benefit cats during travel:
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Calm Behavior:
- CBD may help soothe a cat’s nerves by interacting with receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
- This interaction could promote a sense of calm, potentially reducing excessive meowing, scratching, and other anxious behaviors.
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Reduced Nausea:
- Travel often causes nausea and motion sickness in cats, leading to drooling, vomiting, and general distress.
- CBD can often help minimize these effects, allowing cats to feel more comfortable on the road.
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Pain Relief:
- For cats with underlying health issues or who are older, long journeys can exacerbate aches and pains.
- CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate discomfort, keeping cats more relaxed throughout the trip.
How Relievet Helps Mioki
He has become much more mellow, less anxious; he is still very playful but; the CBD has not stopped him from activity, however he does like his naps daily! He is a good little kitty, my Mioki!” - Carole C.
Products Mioki uses:
Read more in case studies
How to Give Your Cat CBD for Travel
Proper administration is key to ensuring your cat benefits from CBD while traveling. Here’s a guide to help you give it effectively:
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Forms:
- Oils: Liquid CBD oils can be placed directly into your cat’s mouth using a dropper, making them quick and easy to administer. It can also be mixed into food for fussier eaters.
- Treats: CBD Cat Treats are an appealing option if your cat is more food-motivated.
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Dosage:
- A usage calculator will make it easy to determine the correct amount of CBD to use for your cat.
- Start with a low dose to see how your cat responds, gradually increasing it until the desired effects are achieved. Studies have shown that 4mg/kg was effective at calming dogs during car rides, whose response to CBD is similar to cats.
- Monitor your cat’s behavior closely to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
- Discuss CBD with your veterinarian to make sure it’s the best option for your cat’s health journey, and so that the effects can be monitored over time.
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Timing:
- Give CBD at least an hour before travel to allow time for its calming effects to set in.
- For longer journeys, consider giving a follow-up dose midway through if needed (while following the directions on the bottle/jar).
Carefully selecting the CBD products you use and consistent monitoring will make the experience better for you and your cat. In the following section, we’ll discuss some safety tips to ensure your feline friend remains healthy and comfortable while using CBD.
Precautions and Safety Tips
Follow these best practices to ensure your cat’s safety and well-being when using CBD:
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Consultation:
- Consult with your veterinarian before introducing CBD to your cat if they have existing health conditions or are on medication. Your vet can help tailor the dosage and recommend reputable products.
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Quality Control:
- Purchase CBD from trusted brands that provide third-party lab testing results. This ensures the product contains the right amount of CBD, is free from harmful additives, and is broad spectrum, which is safer for pets.
- Opt for products specifically formulated for cats, as these are better tolerated than those made for humans (which can include additives or ingredients harmful to cats).
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Monitor Effects:
- Observe your cat closely after administering CBD for the first time. Watch for any adverse effects such as vomiting, excessive sedation, or changes in appetite, which could indicate an intolerance.
- If you notice negative side effects, reduce the dosage or discontinue use, and consult your veterinarian.
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Avoid Overuse:
- Use high doses of CBD (4mg/kg) only once per day and when necessary and as part of a broader strategy for reducing travel anxiety. Use it in concert with other stress-reduction measures like a comfortable carrier, familiar toys, and calming music.
Conclusion
Traveling with cats can be a challenging experience because of how tightly wound up they become when they lose their familiar surroundings. However, CBD can ease travel anxiety in cats, helping them stay calmer and reducing symptoms like nausea, excessive meowing, and stress-related aggression.
Understanding the causes and signs of feline travel anxiety lets you recognize when your cat might benefit from CBD. Consult with a veterinarian, choose quality products, and administer the correct dosage in a timely manner for best results. Along with other comforting strategies like familiar carriers and calming music, CBD can help make journeys smoother for both you and your cat.
If you’ve tried using CBD while traveling with your cat or have any questions about the process, we’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts!
