Does CBD Make Your Cat Sleepy?

Curious if CBD can help your cat sleep? While CBD is widely used by humans as a sleep aid, you might wonder if it can have the same effect on cats. Let’s explore whether CBD can help your cat get those much-needed naps and improve their overall sleep quality.

Dealing with sleep issues can be tough for both cats and humans. If your cat is struggling with insomnia or trouble napping, CBD could be the solution.

A 2019 study highlighted CBD’s potential for promoting relaxation and sleep. But can this benefit extend to your furry friend?

We’ll explore the overall benefits of CBD for cats and give you the information needed to make the best decision for your pet's health and well-being.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in hemp, a close cousin to cannabis. Although the most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is found in much higher percentages in hemp at around 5-25%, compared to 0.3% THC. However, this depends on the strain.

CBD is distinct from THC in that it is not psychoactive. Your cat won’t actually become “high.” Instead, there are many potential health benefits to reap.

There’s a lot to learn about CBD. First identified in 1940, CBD can help you and your cat in many ways.

How Could CBD Benefit Your Cat?

There are many ways CBD can be beneficial – not just for people, but for pets as well. Its effect on our furry friends is similar to its effect on us.

Although there is still much research to be done on CBD, the results so far have been promising. In one study, cannabidiol was found to improve pain and increase mobility in over 80% of the participating dogs.

Not only can dogs greatly benefit, but cats as well. The opportunity for greater health has a broad reach. Many who use CBD for their cats administer it for:

• Overall wellness
• Joint discomfort
• Situational stress
• Digestive issues
• Irritability

Will CBD Make Your Cat Tired?

Yes, CBD can make your ca sleepy.

Although CBD first became popular due to its ability to reduce seizures in epileptic patients, there’s more to it. Today, it is frequently used to support sleeplessness.

But how does CBD work for sleep?

The answer is that we’re not quite sure. There are many more studies to conduct. Here, however, are the top-two likely suspects:

Serotonin

The serotonin in your brain produces melatonin, a hormone responsible for your sleep-wake cycle. Due to this, changes to your serotonin levels can impact your sleep. It’s also true for your cat.

It’s possible that CBD triggers a sleep response because of its documented effects on 5-HT1a serotonin receptors, found both in humans and cats. When CBD binds to serotonin receptors, it can block stress-causing molecules.

The same applies to your cat taking CBD. Both humans and our furry buddies tend to become sleepy, as CBD provides a calming and relaxing sensation.

Brain Pathways

It’s all in your cat’s head – or at least, in their brain pathways. Another possible reason CBD makes cats sleepy is its evidenced ability to modulate adenosine pathways in the brain. What exactly do those pathways do?

According to board-certified cannabis clinician Dr. Patricia Frye, who spoke to Weedmaps,

“Adenosine is the substance that accumulates during the day and deactivates the sensory neurons in the area of the brain that keeps us awake.”

Essentially, adenosine makes you tired.

Where to Find CBD for Cats

The pet CBD market is humongous, valued at 27.7 million in 2019, and is only continuing to grow. With so many options out there, it can be hard to decide on a specific product.

There are many out there, including chews and CBD oil for cats. Fear not. It’s easy enough to find quality pet CBD products. We’ve talked about how to find the best pet CBD oil out there before.

Why CBD Can Help Your Cat Sleep Better

CBD can be a highly effective solution for promoting peaceful sleep in cats. By choosing CBD for your cat, you're opting for a natural, safe way to support their wellness and improve sleep quality. Whether it’s occasional restlessness or chronic sleep disruption, CBD offers a promising option for helping your cat get the rest they need.