Just like humans, cats can be affected by seizures and epilepsy. When a seizure happens, your cat’s body will likely convulse as electrical activity surges in their brain1. This extra activity is what causes the body to twitch, spasm, tremor, and/or shake. When a cat has repeated seizures, they are typically considered to have epilepsy. Some forms of epilepsy are caused by brain disease or tumors. For other forms, the causes are unknown.
Your veterinarian may recommend various treatments, depending on what’s causing your cat’s seizures and epilepsy. There are also natural remedies that you can try, which may not treat the seizures but can help improve your cat’s overall condition. One such option is CBD. But does CBD really help with seizures and epilepsy in cats? Let’s discuss the topic here.
What Exactly Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, more commonly referred to as CBD, is an active ingredient found in the cannabis plant. CBD can be harvested from the hemp plant or artificially manufactured. CBD does not contain much THC, if any at all, so it does not produce any psychoactive effects and will not make your kitty feel “high” like marijuana would.
The Different Types of CBD
There are three types of CBD available on the market and/or in prescription form. The first is full-spectrum CBD, which is extracted from multiple compounds found in the cannabis plant. This type of CBD may contain minuscule amounts of THC but not enough to cause an effect. The second type of CBD is referred to as broad spectrum, which goes through an extra extraction process that full spectrum does not, to ensure that absolutely no THC is left behind. Finally, there is CBD isolate, which is pure CBD, as every other compound is extracted. It’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian to determine which type of CBD would be the best option for your cat.
How Can CBD Help Your Cat With Seizures and Epilepsy?
Some research indicates that CBD can help normalize brain waves and reduce the instances of seizures over time. One study suggests that CBD can reduce severe tonic-clonic seizures in animals. It seems that both generalized and focal seizures can be treated with CBD to a certain extent.
The way CBD works is that it uses the body’s cannabinoid receptors to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system plays a role in important things such as the sleep cycle and motor regulation. When CBD is introduced to the ECS, it helps inhibit a pain receptor thought to be at least partly responsible for seizures. A specific form of CBD has been approved by the FDA for a prescription to treat seizures and epilepsy so it’s a good idea to ask your vet about it.
In Conclusion
While CBD can be beneficial to cats that suffer from seizures and epilepsy, it is important to talk to your veterinarian before administering any form of the compound to your kitty. Take the time to research other potential treatment options that could be paired with CBD for optimal results. Don’t get discouraged if the CBD doesn’t produce the results that you’re hoping for, as the results can take a while to develop.
Featured Image Credit: OMfotovideocontent, Shutterstock
