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Has your cat been eating less, drinking lots of water, urinating more, or vomiting? If you answered yes, it is time to visit the veterinarian because these are signs of kidney disease.
The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining your cat's health, and if they fail, they can cause significant problems, including some that are life-threatening.
Read on to find out if CBD oil can help cats with kidney disease.
CAT KIDNEY DISEASE: WHAT IS IT?
Healthy kidneys remove toxins, manage blood pressure, maintain electrolyte balance, regulate hydration, manage calcium, and produce hormones responsible for red blood cell production.
When a cat gets kidney disease, the kidneys stop some or all of these processes, causing dangerously high blood toxin levels.
1in 3 cats will develop kidney disease, and it occurs more frequently in older cats. There are two types of kidney failure in cats, Acute Renal Failure and Chronic Kidney Failure.
Acute Renal Failure - happens when kidneys stop working suddenly and cannot eliminate waste like excess fluids, salts, and waste materials from the blood. Acute kidney failure may be reversible. Cats may recover normal or nearly normal kidney function if they are in good health. Changes in diet and medication may help improve kidney function.
Chronic Kidney Failure - is a gradual loss of kidney function. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops when an illness or condition inhibits kidney function for months or years, causing kidney damage and deterioration. There is no cure for CKD, but it can be treated with phosphate binders, potassium supplements, therapies, and intravenous or under the skin fluid injection. There are also hemodialysis and kidney transplants which are expensive and complex treatments for cats with CKD.
DOES CBD OIL WORK FOR CATS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE?
There is a lot of anecdotal evidence surrounding CBD oil for cats with kidney disease being safe, but what do veterinarians and scientists say?
Veterinarians wrote one article that states CBD oil is generally safe for cats, but some extra sensitive kitties may experience negative effects initially. The negative effects dissipate on their own after CBD is stopped, or after dosage is reduced. Although these effects are mild, they can include diarrhea, dry mouth, and dizziness.
One 12 -week study where cats were given CBD showed minimal adverse events, no loose stool, no changes in behavior, no changes in food consumption, and no significant changes in body weight.
Currently available research and studies show CBD is safe for cats with kidney disease.
DOES CBD OIL HELP KIDNEY DISEASE IN CATS
CBD will not cure kidney disease, but it can make the symptoms easier to manage. As with traditional kidney disease treatments based on symptom relief, CBD can help alleviate some of the negative issues a cat may experience.
CAT KIDNEY DISEASE SYMPTOMS: HOW CBD HELPS
Some signs of cat kidney disease are bacterial infections, blood or cloudy urine, constipation, diarrhea, drinking a lot of water, dry coat, frequent urination, unkempt appearance, and vomiting.
- Bacterial infections - Researchers from the University of Queensland have found synthetic cannabidiol can kill bacteria responsible for gonorrhea, meningitis, and Legionnaires' disease. According to the study, CBD is also effective against many Gram-positive bacteria than previously thought, including antibiotic-resistant infections like MRSA.
- Constipation/Diarrhea – The cb1 receptors are present in the brain and central nervous system and can help relax nerve connections in the bowel. CBD has shown the potential to support the digestive tract against inflammation, infections, abdominal pain, upset stomach, and more.
- Bloody or Cloudy Urine – CBDs' anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties may reduce bloody or cloudy urine.
- Dry Coat – There are no studies on CBD improving dry cat coats, but if you asked pet owners using CBD, they would mention the skin and coat improvements.
- Vomiting – A study in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that preclinical research indicates that cannabinoids, including CBD, may be effective clinically for treating both nausea and vomiting produced by chemotherapy or other treatments.
HOW TO ADMINISTER CBD OIL TO YOUR CAT
A 12-week serum chemistry study that included blood counts demonstrated the amount of time CBD stays in cats' and dogs' bodies. Cats showed far lower absorption and quicker elimination from the body. Thus, you may give your cat more CBD to get its benefits.
Sublingual – The best way to give a cat CBD oil is sublingually. It rapidly deploys to the bloodstream for immediate effect. The only problem is cats do not like their mouths being forced open for CBD oil or much else. The suggested dose for CBD oil taken sublingually is 1-2mg CBD/kg.
Digestion/Food Intake – Another option to get your cat to take CBD oil is putting it on their food. In this case, you will have to use more because metabolism breaks down a large portion of CBD in the body. The suggested dose for CBD oil taken with food is 3-6mg CBD/kg.
Relievet has CBD cat treats in 240 mg and 1200 mg doses. These potent treats allow the owner to give their cat CBD without using droppers orally or on food. The high level of CBD allows the required amount to get to the bloodstream through the digestive process.
BEST CBD OIL FOR KIDNEY SUPPORT IN CATS
If you are looking for a CBD product, there are a few important things to look out for. Make sure you buy an all-natural product that contains exactly what it says on the label.
Relievet's CBD oil for cats is made with human-grade ingredients in a ISO6 clean room and then independently lab-tested so you can be comfortable giving it to your cat.
If you decide to try CBD for your cat's kidney disease, please first consult with your vet.
