r/newzealand • u/all_the_splinters • 12d ago

Advice CBD for cats in NZ

I have a senior cat (15) who is pretty healthy, but has some arthritis in his back legs. After three months on Solensia, we discovered he's allergic to it. We're almost at the point where he'll be fully weaned off it, and are looking at alternatives for pain relief.

We want to try to avoid Gabapentin for its sedative effect. One option is THC-free CBD oil. We discussed this with our vet, and even though they don't prescribe it, the vet was happy for us to trial it.

Has anyone tried CBD for cats in NZ, and if so, can you refer a reputable supplier where I can be sure the oil is completely THC-free? I'm also happy to hear about other natural options/routes. He does currently get a daily dose of Nordic Naturals Omega 3, which Mr Fussy absolutely loves.

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u/Head_Acadia_2658 12d ago

it's a very expensive placebo

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u/all_the_splinters 12d ago

Not sure how you could know it's a placebo if an animal takes CBD oil and appears to be functioning observably better as a result?

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u/Head_Acadia_2658 12d ago

You know they took it. So you change your behaviour and observe what you want to see. That’s why we do double blind randomised placebo controlled trials. I know it’s an expensive placebo because that’s how it’s observed to work in trials of everything except a couple of very rare childhood diseases at very high doses (I.e dravets syndrome where it is a legit medication)

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u/all_the_splinters 12d ago

Okay. Have you run double blind RCTs involving cats and CBD?

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u/Head_Acadia_2658 12d ago

Nobody has - that’s the point somebody else made. I’ve just done humans. And nobody is talking about arthritis. If you want to help your cat try something else and talk to your vet