Cats are curious creatures who love to explore their surroundings. Sometimes, their curiosity often leads them to try out foods they should avoid. With hemp seeds becoming more popular in the United States, most pet parents are worried and asking if hemp seeds are safe for cats. The common question is: Can cats eat hemp seeds?
Cats can eat hemp seeds, but they shouldn’t be made a regular part of their diet. Hemp seeds are safe for cats to eat, and they are rich in omega fatty acids and amino acids. Continue reading to learn more about hemp for your cats, how it helps your feline friends and more.
Are Hemp Seeds Safe For Cats?
Hemp seeds are generally regarded as safe for cats to consume, but you shouldn’t make hemp seeds a regular staple in your cat’s diet. Healthy cats should have no issue eating a few hemp seeds, and there are some health benefits to eating hemp seeds.
Is Hemp Legal For Pets?
Yes, hemp is legal for pets, including cats. When the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, hemp plants were removed from the list of Controlled Substances. This made it possible to cultivate and sell hemp-derived products at the federal level.
The main prerequisite for hemp products is that they need to be made with less than 0.3 THC. THC is a natural cannabinoid primarily responsible for leaving humans and pets with a “high” feeling. Since these hemp products contain zero trace amounts of THC, they are usually well-tolerated by pets.
Benefits Of Hemp Seeds For Cats
Here are some benefits your cat can get from consuming hemp seeds:
Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Hemp seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients contribute to immune health, coat health, cardiovascular health, joint support, and more. Since omega-6 fatty acids are more difficult to find on the shelves, the occasional addition of hemp seeds to your cat’s food could supply them with this nutrient. Just ensure you are not feeding hemp seeds excessively.
Eases nervousness
Hemp seeds help with anxiety in cats. Loud noises, such as fireworks and lightning, are the major causes of anxiety in cats. Since anxiety is a common concern for cat parents, hemp seeds can be used as a solution.
Soothes aching joints and physical discomfort
Hemp seeds help soothe a cat’s aching joints, which can limit their ability to do everyday activities. It also eases any joint discomfort they may have and encourages them to move more freely, especially at older stages of their lives.
Balances appetite and digestion
If your cat is having trouble eating, hemp seeds can help give a little boost to your cat’s appetite.
Potential Risks
Here are some potential risks to consider before feeding your cat hemp seeds.
Excessive Feeding
Your cat is at risk of getting an upset stomach after eating a large amount of hemp seeds. It is also likely that your cat will throw up if they eat too many hemp seeds in one sitting.
Regular feeding
Research has yet to be concluded on feeding cats hemp seeds regularly. For this reason, veterinarians do not recommend giving your cats hemp seeds every day as a dietary staple.
Risk of additional ingredients
Some hemp seed products may contain other ingredients that are harmful to your feline buddy. So, if you want to give your cat hemp seeds, ensure to buy a pure hemp seed product that’s free from additional ingredients.
Hemp Seed Oil vs Hemp Seeds for Cats
Raw hemp seed oil is safe for cats and can be compared to fish oil in its nutritional profile. Hemp seed oil can be used as an easier alternative to hemp seeds. Just drop it in your cat’s food, and you’ll get similar benefits.
Note that hemp oil and hemp seed oil are different for cats. Hemp seed oil is basically an oil extracted from hemp seeds. Hemp oil is extracted from the whole hemp plant. Both should not be confused with each other. The major difference is that hemp oil contains CBD, while hemp seed oil lacks CBD and boasts a broader profile of omega fatty acids.
Hemp Seed Alternatives for Cats
CBD products are the best hemp seed alternatives for your cat’s health. Since hemp became legal, CBD products have become more popular.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Happens If My Cats Eats Too Many Hemp Seeds?
Hemp seed is in the cannabis family, and it only contains a minute amount of the compound called THC that causes psychoactive effects. This means that hemp seeds won’t get your cat high, so there is no need to worry that your furry friend will go crazy!
However, some cat owners have reported their cats throwing up after eating too many hemp seeds. If your cat is showing unusual signs, call your vet immediately. Be sure to take note of the symptoms and have them looked at.
Is Hemp Oil Safe for Cats?
Yes, hemp oil is safe for cats. Most hemp products are all-natural and made without preservatives, GMOs, artificial colors, and flavors. If your cat is on medication, it is best to speak with a veterinarian before giving your cat hemp oil. Also, if your cat has any food allergies, ensure to check the list of ingredients available with many hemp products.
Can you give hemp treats to cats?
Hemp treats can be given to cats, but only if they are specifically formulated for feline consumption. Hemp-derived products often contain beneficial compounds like CBD, which may help with anxiety, pain, or inflammation in cats.
Is hemp good for calming cats?
Hemp, particularly hemp-derived CBD, can help calm cats by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. It interacts with the feline endocannabinoid system, which regulates stress and mood, thereby making it beneficial in stressful situations (like travel or loud events).
Can cats eat hemp seeds raw?
Cats can eat raw hemp seeds in moderation as they are non-toxic and packed with nutrients like omega fatty acids. These seeds can support a cat’s coat, skin, and overall health, but they should be an occasional supplement, not a primary food source. To feed raw hemp seeds, it is important to ensure the seeds are plain and unsalted, as added flavors or seasonings can be harmful to cats.
Can cats eat hemp seeds every day?
Cats should not eat hemp seeds every day as overfeeding hemp seeds may lead to digestive upset or an imbalance in nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Hemp seeds are generally safe for cats to eat in moderation, but they shouldn’t be a staple in their diets. Hemp seeds have been around for hundreds of years, but only recently have people seen how they can be beneficial for cats, too. Hemp seeds are a great way to maintain your cat’s wellness as they have a rich nutritional profile (they contain omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids).
If your cat eats too many hemp seeds and starts vomiting, monitor their behavior and give your vet a call if you notice unusual symptoms.
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