Using CBD Oil for Cats with Separation Anxiety

Many people tend to think of cats as very independent, aloof animals. However, many cats grow very attached to their owners, and not only do they need lots of love and attention to stay healthy, but they can also develop separation anxiety. Cat separation anxiety is a condition where your cat may display the symptoms of anxiety when they are separated from their owners. Your cat may want to be with you all the time, move with you from room to room, and become destructive when left alone.

If your cat is experiencing separation anxiety, it can be very distressing for both you and your pet. The first step is to figure out why your cat is so anxious, and then you may begin treatment. Many anti-anxiety drugs come with negative side effects. If you’re looking for safe, natural ways to treat the anxiety in your cat, with no harmful side effects, CBD oil may be able to help and you can find a great guide on cannabis for cats at SimplyPets – CBD Oil for Cats.

What Causes Cat Separation Anxiety?

It’s believed that both genetics and environment play a part in cat separation anxiety. Health issues can also contribute. Some of the reasons that can cause this condition include:

• Being weaned too early. Kittens that are taken away from their mother too soon are more prone to anxiety. Kittens shouldn’t be removed from their mothers until they’re at least eight weeks old.
• Genetics. Certain breeds, such as Burmese and Siamese cats, tend to be highly strung and are more likely to develop separation anxiety.
• Lack of stimuli. If your cat is bored, they will become attached to you. Mental stimulation and exercise can help your cat avoid anxiety.
• Changes in their environment. Cats are very attuned to their environments, are set in their ways, and do not deal well with change.
• Your own anxiety. If you’re feeling upset or anxious yourself, your cat will sense this and may mirror your feelings.  

Symptoms of Cat Separation Anxiety

The symptoms of anxiety in cats are not always as clear or obvious as they are in dogs. If you need help determining whether your cat has separation anxiety, luckily there are some symptoms that are very common for cats who have this condition. Symptoms include:

• Some destructive behavior
• Excessive and loud meowing
• Excessive grooming
• Clinginess  
• Soiling your home
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Scratching
• Signs of distress when you’re about to leave
• Urinating on your clothes or bed

The diagnosis of a cat who has anxiety is often based on the elimination of other potential causes for their symptoms, since these symptoms could be from other health issues.

How CBD Oil Can Help Your Cat

CBD oil is a natural remedy for anxiety as a compound from the hemp plant. You don’t have to worry about getting your cat high or “buzzed”; the CBD compound is not psychoactive. CBD oil has become popular with pet owners, especially those who want to avoid giving their cats strong drugs.

Studies have been conducted on both humans and animals that have found CBD to have powerful anti-anxiety effects: when it interacts with certain receptors in the brain, it rebalances serotonin levels in the body. It works in much the same way as pharmaceutical medications do but doesn’t have any side effects.

CBD oil is very easy to administer, as you can add it to your cat’s food or treats, and it is very effective. Once you begin to give the right cbd oil for cats anxiety dosage, you may see a positive impact on their anxiety, and help them to be calmer as you leave the house.

Conclusion

Many people associate separation anxiety with dogs, and it does tend to occur more often with them, but cats develop attachments and are sensitive to changes in their environments. If your cat has separation anxiety, it can be very troublesome, but CBD can help.

As with any medication, wait to see how your cat reacts to CBD oil before giving them more. You should also discuss your options with your vet and make sure it’s completely safe for your cat specifically. In severe anxiety cases, you may need more help, but in many cases, CBD oil will work wonders for your cat’s separation anxiety.