3 Things to Help an Anxious Cat Settle in a New Home

Adopting a cat is exciting, but when your new fur baby has post-traumatic stress disorder, CBD may help to ease anxiety and ease the transition into your home and family.

Cats can experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, such as anxiety, just like humans can. Insufficient socialization with humans and/or cats, a lack of stimuli as a kitten, traumatic events, and genetic predisposition can all cause anxiety in cats.

When acclimating to a new home, some cats only need a week or two while others need a few months. It depends on how traumatized the cat is, how long they’ve been without human contact, and their personality. For traumatized cats, you can make the transition smoother with these three steps, which include using CBD oil to ease anxiety.

1. Set Up a Safe Space

Before you bring your cat home, set up a secluded room specifically for them. The room should have a fresh litter box, food dish, water bowl, cat bed, and varying types of toys. You’ll bring the cat home in a carrier, and you should leave that in the room as well.

Keep the cat in the room until they come out on their own. Don’t try to carry the cat out of the room or force physical interaction, like petting or picking them up.

2. Build Trust Slowly

When the cat consistently comes to you, try gently petting the face and neck. Avoid petting sensitive areas like the cat’s belly, legs, paws, and tail. You can build trust with careful and non-invasive handling.

If the cat is very fearful at first, spend time in their room with them talking or reading aloud. This will help them get used to you, and they’ll realize you’re not a threat. When the cat is ready, let them explore. Wait to introduce other pets until the cat bonds to you and is comfortable in all areas of their new home.

3. Try CBD Oil

All mammals have an endocannabinoid system that maintains overall health and wellness. The body naturally produces compounds called endocannabinoids, similar to the cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. Virtually all physiological processes are affected by the endocannabinoid system.

Endocannabinoids also keep the amygdala less active. The amygdala is linked to the anxiety response, so more endocannabinoids may help to reduce anxiety. CBD temporarily inhibits endocannabinoids, and this actually signals the body to produce more endocannabinoids.

The CBD oils that use MCT oil as a carrier are the safest for your cat. The oil should have specific dosage instructions on the product packaging. Most suggest a starting dose of 0.67 mg per 10 pounds of body weight, twice daily.

It takes approximately 15 to 45 minutes for the CBD oil to reach its peak effect in your cat’s system, and it will last about four to six hours. The effect’s longevity depends on the cat’s breed, anxiety level, activity level, and body chemistry.

Always consult your veterinarian and have an examination performed prior to starting your cat on CBD oil.