CBD Oil to Help Your Cat's Aggression

Aggression is believed to be biological in nature and part of the normal behavior found in cats. You may recognize traces of this forceful drive deeply imbedded in their processes of predation, social conflict, and play. 

However, excessive aggression that's developed into being overtly destructive and problematic for the pet owner could mean there is an underlying grievance cat, such as anxiety or an injury, within the cat that needs to be addressed. 

Pet owners who are seeking a natural and effective option for resolving their cat's imbalanced aggression may find success with naturally hemp derived CBD oil. Keep reading to explore the preliminary evidence that surrounds CBD oil for cats’ aggression and anxiety, as well as learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions about CBD product selection for your favorite feline. 

Recognizing Your Cats Aggression 

Cats are sensitive and highly attuned creatures. As pet parents, it's worthwhile to develop a similar level of awareness and deeper understanding for what your feline may be experiencing. By learning how to read your cat's body language and behaviors, you may be able to mitigate the tension before it becomes a full-blown cat attack. Here are signs of cat aggression to look out for. 

Offensive Postures 

• Constricted pupils 

• Ears upright

• Arched back 

• Hissing, growling, or yowling 

• Directly facing opponent, even slowly approaching 

• Stiff tail, often lowered towards the ground 

Defensive Postures 

• Dilated pupils 

• Ears flatted down to head 

• Crouched down 

• Hissing or spitting 

• Facing sideways towards opponent

• Tail wrapped around the body 

Aggressive Behavior, Whether Offensive or Defensive 

• Stalking 

• Chasing 

• Pouncing

• Biting 

• Swatting 

• Fighting 

• Destruction 

Types of Aggression in Cats 

It's important not to view aggression in cats as a single pointed problem that needs to be eradicated. There's a range of aggressive expression that cats will explore, many of which are healthy and completely normal. Additionally, there are various types of cat aggression, and understanding the reasoning behind your feline's behavior will allow you to make the most well-informed decisions on their trusting behalf. 

Territorial Aggression 

Cats will often establish and defend their territory with a willingness to turn aggressive quickly. This behavior is common during the introduction of a new cat or when the home is shared with other animals and people. Aggression could be a way for your cat to show their boundaries and establish social hierarchy within the group. 

Research good introduction techniques for cats and practice the skills prior. You’ll learn that you should stay calm and allow your cat to make the first few moves, without forcing interaction. Territorial aggression may not require a CBD oil treatment plan. However, if you notice a stark decline in the well-being of your cat that lasts for days or weeks, such as they stop eating, then speak with a veterinarian about the benefits of CBD oil for cats' anxiety and aggression. 

Redirected Aggression 

When a cat experiences arousal from its surroundings, such as a loud noise or the sudden appearance of another animal or person, but they are unable to directly respond to the source of stimuli, then they may redirect their aggression towards something else that is accessible. The cat may take their angst out on an undeserving subject with a surprise attack in the form of pouncing, biting, or scratching. 

In this situation, pet parents will want to guide the cat into a safe and quiet room where the window shades are drawn down and there's distance from the disturbance. However, if the cat needs to stay where they are, then perhaps you could move the distraction out of the room. If the disturbing circumstances are expected to last for a short period of time, then CBD oil for cats may not be fully necessary to help calm the redirected aggression. 

Petting Aggression 

Cats often become aggressive when they feel overstimulated by unwanted petting, handling, or grooming. In general cats tend to be less tolerant of petting than dogs, and their threshold for stimulation will vary case by case. 

While owners may feel surprised by the outlash of aggression, it’s advised to not get complacent when petting a cat and to look for subtle cues in their behavior that could be communicating a growing agitation from being touched. Watch for the signs of aggression, such as your cat showing their teeth and claws, hissing, or swatting your hand away. 

Don't resort to medicating your feline for your own personal desires to have a cuddlier pet. However, if more extensive handling or grooming is necessary for their well-being, than you may wish to use a dosage of CBD oil for cats' aggression.  

Fear Based Aggression 

When faced with stimuli that is either unknown or unpleasant, a cat may have a fear-based response that shows itself in the form of aggressive behavior. Their fear related stress or anxiety could reveal itself during a rehoming situation, car ride, or trip to the veterinary clinic. 

You may wish to provide your cat with a safe place to be alone and hide, such as a crate with a blanket draped over the grates. Additionally, providing food treats to reinforce their non-aggressive behavior can provide clarity for healthier ways for the animal to respond to their fear. If these methods don't seem to work, then a dosage of CBD oil for cats' anxiety and aggression could provide great, natural relief. 

Pain Related Aggression 

Cats experiencing pain from injury or underlying health challenges will commonly exhibit signs of aggression. Their unruly behaviors could be signaling distress and an attempt to communicate with you that something is wrong. Additionally, their aggressive outbursts could be a defensive mechanism to keep from being touched or forced into activity that could further exasperate their pain. 

If you believe your cat is experiencing pain related aggression, then speak with a trusted veterinarian immediately and schedule a physical screening. Together, you and the veterinarian may decide to incorporate CBD oil for cats' aggression and anxiety into your pet’s recovery treatment plan.  

In-Heat Aggression

Cats in heat may show aggression due to hormonal changes, leading to irritability and frustration. This can result in sudden hissing, scratching, or biting as they react to their unfulfilled instinct to mate. Creating a calm space can help ease their agitation. While not always necessary, CBD oil may offer natural relief to help calm a cat during this time. 

What is CBD Oil for Cats? 

Cannabidiol, or CBD, can be extracted from the cannabis plant and essentially provide similar therapeutic benefits for cats as it does for humans. The difference is that CBD oils for cats’ aggression will need to be made with a lower CBD potency that's safe enough for the small animal to consume. As well, an enticing natural fish flavor could be added to encourage the frisky feline's interest in the oil. 

Does CBD Oil for Cats Aggression Work? 

Natural, non-addictive, and effective—CBD oil for cats’ aggression works. All animals are equipped with an endocannabinoid system that’s responsive to cannabinoids such as CBD. This biological system works to regulate your pet’s mood, sleep, comfort, and recovery. More specifically, CBD may help to resolve symptoms of anxiety, aggression, inflammation, pain, and even seizures. 

Is CBD Oil for Cats Safe? 

Researches have confirmed that hemp derived CBD oil is generally safe and may prove to be similarly beneficial for animals as it is for human users. A pure quality extraction of CBD, that's paired with simple and healthy ingredients, like organic coconut oil or wild Alaskan salmon oil, should be harmless for your cat. 

We recommend using a THC free broad spectrum CBD oil for pets instead of a full spectrum CBD oil, as THC could potentially pose unwanted adverse effects that the animal wouldn't be able to speak up about. Please connect with a trusted veterinarian who understands your pet's health conditions and specific needs prior to introducing the dietary supplement. 

Main Benefits of CBD Oil for Cats' Aggression 

Preliminary evidence supports the value of incorporating CBD oil into a cat's behavioral and therapeutic treatment. While it is essential that more research trials continue to be conducted on the effects of CBD oil for cats, you may wish to begin the discussion with your pet's veterinarian to see if this naturopathic journey is right to embark on for treating your cats' imbalanced aggression. 

Anxiety and Stress Relief 

Cat parents who believe their feline is experiencing excessive aggression due to underlying anxiety or stress may want to explore CBD oil. With a moderate dosage of CBD oil for cats' aggression, pet owners can encourage a deep state of relaxation to wash over their cat. This treatment for a cat's anxiety and stress induced aggression can be particularly useful during cases of: bringing a new animal into the home, pet and owner separation, veterinary checkups, and travel arrangements. 

Early studies have shown that CBD reduces aggressiveness by activating two major receptors—the 5-HT1A receptor, responsible for the effects of the neurotransmitter serotonin, and the CB1 receptor, responsible for the effects of endocannabinoids. Subjects responded positively to earlier administration of CBD oil with lower aggressive reactivity in the brain when exposed to various triggering stimuli [2]. 

Anti-inflammatory and Pain-Relieving Properties 

Pain could be the underlying reason your feline has been acting extra volatile lately. Reasons for cat pain include: a new physical injury, arthritis, dental problems, digestive disorders, infection, or disease. Fortunately, CBD oil for cats' aggression can help address the symptoms of inflammation or pain that your cat is experiencing. 

There is a rising prevalence of evidence that shows CBD's ability to soothe mild discomfort and chronic pain, in ways that other treatments may be insufficient or not possible [3]. CBD oil interacts with the body's receptors to reduce inflammation that can exasperate pain levels and even has the ability to encourage the body's normal recovery process for quicker healing times. 

Rather than masking the problem, CBD oil works with the endocannabinoid system to support biological regulation. Regularly administered CBD oil for cats' aggression due to pain may result in improved behavior along with overall healthy mobility and joint function. 

How to Give Your Pet Cat CBD Oil 

Cat owners are wondering how much CBD oil to give to their cat. The answer falls within the range of 1-5 MG of CBD per 10lbs of your cat's weight. 

CBD oil for cats' aggression and anxiety can be administered directly into the feline's mouth, or mixed into the cat's food. Regular consumption of quality CBD oil may provide your cat with a deep sense of relaxation, healthy mobility, and comfort. Symptoms of excessive aggression and anxiety in your cat may resolve themselves as CBD helps to significantly lower stress levels. 

Pay close attention to your cat's mood and behavior. Always start with a lower dosage when first introducing a supplement to your pet and only begin to slowly increase the amount of CBD oil for cats’ aggression if you do not see the desired change. The correct CBD dose will provide a sense of relaxation for your cat but will not make it lethargic or heavily sedated. 

Best CBD Oil for Cats’ Aggression  

There are multiple different types of CBD oil for cats’ aggression on the market but we only want to have the purest quality for our beloved feline. Beware of pet CBD companies who take short cuts and sacrifice standards when serving animals, for example they may try to offer ineffective CBD isolate. 

Go with a company that you trust would provide your feline with only the best CBD oil for cats that is of the exact quality that you would take for yourself. Albeit, perhaps fishier. 

• USDA certified hemp 

• THC Free Broad spectrum 

• Natural ingredients 

• Third party lab tested 

FAQs

Can cats take CBD?

Cats can take CBD, and it may be useful for addressing a variety of health issues, including anxiety, pain, and aggression. However, it's important to use high-quality CBD products specifically formulated for cats and to start with a low dose to minimize the risk of side effects.

What is the best CBD oil for cats?

The best CBD oil for cats will depend on the individual cat's needs and preferences. It's important to choose a high-quality CBD oil specifically formulated for cats, and to check for third-party testing to ensure purity and potency. Some popular options include full-spectrum CBD oil, CBD treats, and CBD topicals.

What is the CBD dosage for cats?

The CBD dosage for cats may vary depending on the individual cat's weight and health condition. It's important to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed to find the optimal dosage. A general rule of thumb is to start with 0.1-0.5 mg of CBD per pound of body weight per day, but it's best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage for your cat.

Is CBD safe for cats?

CBD is generally considered safe for cats, but it's important to use high-quality products specifically formulated for cats and to start with a low dose to minimize the risk of side effects. Some cats may experience side effects such as lethargy, diarrhea, or changes in appetite, so it's important to monitor your cat closely when introducing CBD and to consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Resources

1. Cindy H.J. Yu, H.P. Vasantha Rupasinghe, Cannabidiol-based natural health products for companion animals: Recent advances in the management of anxiety, pain, and inflammation, Research in Veterinary Science, Volume 140, 2021, Pages 38-46, ISSN 0034-5288, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0034528821002538 

2. “Cannabidiol attenuates aggressive behavior induced by social isolation in mice: Involvement of 5-HT1A and CB1 receptors”. Francisco Silveira Guimarães et al. 

3. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109637 

4. Argueta, Donovan A et al. “A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 11 561. 30 Apr. 2020, doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.00561