cat
Feeling Groovy: How to Calm Your Cat & Create Peace In Your Multi-cat Household p22
The lifestyle magazine for modern cats and their companions
Catify Your Life! TO HOWYOUR D REA BODY 'S CAT GUAGE LAN l Guide
FALL· WINTER 2018/19
QUIZ:
How Bonded Are You & Your Cat? p20
ua A Vis p62
These Toys Will Thrill Your Cat
The Best Cat Stuff Next Level Catification Cats & Cannabis Could CBD Help Your Cat?
p54 Jackson Galaxy Solves Your Scratching Problems
moderncat.com DISPLAY UNTIL JAN 31 ‘19
$5.95
Those paws!
We’re Giving Away Cool Cat Stuff! + Why Does My Cat Do That? Misunderstood Cat Behaviours
FALL/WINTER 2018/19
61 Feline Fine: Feline Pheromones and How They Can Benefit Your Cat Calm your cat, help him handle stress better, and create peace in your multi-cat household with the help of products that mimic feline pheromones!
BY MIESHELLE NAGELSCHNEIDER
30
Quiz: How Strong Is Your Bond With Your Cat? Reveal the strength of your bond: take this quiz to find out how well bonded you and your cat are, then follow the tips to super-charge your relationship!
42
Cannabis For Cats Your cat can keep calm and carry on with CBD, the cannabis that helps—without the high. BY JANE MUNDY
58
Create a Catio For Your Cat! Ready to take your catification to the next level? Build your indoor cats a catio! BY ROSE FROSEK
60 9 Simple Ways To Enrich Your Cat’s Environment These easy-to-implement ideas will keep your cat happy and engaged. BY JENNIFER NOSEK 62
How To Properly Read Your Cat’s Body Language: A Visual Guide Your cat’s ears, eyes, tail, and body language are trying to tell you something. Here’s how to decipher your cat’s body language.
70
The Good Doctor This endlessly inspiring vet threw herself into helping the pets of her community and hasn’t looked back. BY TRACEY TONG
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MONIKA MELNYCHUK
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F AL L · WINTER 2018/ 19
VOL 7
NO 2
54
FEATURES 22
cat
THE GOODS 20
It’s Play Time! Tested and approved: these super toys, designed to be mentally and physically engaging, will get your cat moving!
26
Catify Your Life From date night to grocery run, these fun finds let you show off your love for all things feline.
34
Purrfect Presents An inspired gift guide for cats and cat lovers.
68
Cat-Tastic Décor Interior solutions to thrill both you and your cat.
BODY & SOUL 48
Why Does My Cat Do That? Misunderstood Cat Behaviours and Their Causes
50
Finding Wellness Naturally With Homeopathy For Cats; The Find: Support for Urinary Tract Health
52
Natural Remedy: How Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help Your Cat
54
Jackson Galaxy’s 4 Keys To Cat Scratching Success When it comes to scratching posts, cats have four key preferences you need to know about. Here’s how to get it right.
In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 7, Issue 2. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 061114003. Postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.
CAT LIFE 16
We’re giving away cool cat stuff! We’ve got months of great giveaways, from pet cameras and kitty litter to deodorizing candles and cat food, just waiting to be won! Turn to page 16 for how to enter.
38
DIY Craft: Make This Adorable Cat Cake Make a cat-themed cake for your next party! Get the decorating how-to on page 38.
REGULAR FEATURES 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Contributors 10 Stuff We Love 12 The Scoop 18 Photo Contest 77 Marketplace
18
Meet the Cover Cat! GC, NW DOV'ER'S STRONG is a red mackerel Tabby and white Exotic, hailing from Beijing, China. His proud owner is Ren Qian. This gorgeous show cat is a member of the Cat Fanciers’ Association. Photographed by AmyWorks facebook.com/amy.works.sy F AL L · WINTER 2018/ 19
38 40
Baby, It’s Cold Outside 4 simple ways to help outdoor community cats during the winter.
57
Which Kitty Litter Is Right For Your Cat? Choosing a litter you and your cat like ensures a clean box your cat actually uses. We help you choose the litter that’s right for you and your cat.
64
Tricia Helfer Knows Cats—and She Wants To Help You Understand Them Too Tricia Helfer—actress, supermodel, and serious cat person—answers your most pressing cat questions.
73
Connie’s Book Club Curl up with a cat and a good book. Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of must-reads.
80
Last Lick Surprise! Cats in unexpected places.
Your cat wants
Too cute!
COVER CAT
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BAGWEEL PHOTOGRAPHY
FROM CAT PAWS
73
20
this!
EDITOR'S LETTER
CONNIE WILSON WITH DAO DAO, PHOTO TANYA KING
OUR R E ADE R S WR IT E
How to Become a Problem Solving Cat Detective with Jackson Galaxy Get Your Mojo On: an Interview with Jackson Galaxy
“Your info has brought me closer to my standoffish cat, and I have seen major changes for the better. I am a bit of a cat whisperer now that we speak each other’s languages.”—Maya Drayton
Read the article:
>> moderncat.com/articles/how-becomeproblem-solving-cat-detective-jackson-galaxy/
C
learly we’re all about cats all the time here (best job ever!), but fall and winter seem especially suited to all things feline. After all, what could be better than curling up with your adoring and adorable cat when the weather turns inclement? With that in mind, we’ve created an issue centered on better understanding and deepening your bond with your cat (to get started, take the quiz on page 30), creating the ideal home environment for both you and your cat (no aesthetic compromise needed!) and sharing the most fun, beautiful, useful, and problemsolving cat products out there. We’ve also packed it chock full of creature comforts, like our how-to for an adorably decorated Happy Cat cake (p 38), finds to catify your life, from wardrobe to office, and wellness explorations, like our deep dive into whether CDB, a cannabis derivative without the “high”, can help your cat with ailments, pain, and anxiety. So go ahead, jump into this issue, preferably with your cat by your side. It’s my hope you’ll feel a sense of discovery and come away inspired. Thank you for being a part of our terrific community of cat lovers! Much love,
Connie Wilson, Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief
Perhaps one reason we are fascinated by cats is because such a small animal can contain so much independence, dignity, and freedom of spirit. He demands acceptance on his own terms. —Lloyd Alexander
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F AL L · WINTER 2018/ 19
Litter Box Problems
Getting to the bottom of why your cat is eliminating outside of the box “My furry family member, Henry, will be 18 years old this November. Henry is blind in one eye and has cataracts in both eyes. He has arthritis and moves a bit faster than a turtle on a stroll, but he knows his way around home very well. His hearing has diminished but he can hear a can of cat food being opened or the bag of dry food being poured. He likes to snuggle, communicate, and he is an excellent companion to me, especially after the recent loss of my parents. [Our vet and I concluded that it is] primarily due to age that Henry frequently urinates just outside of his litter box. I sincerely recommend to owners of furry family members, at the first notice of your pets elimination problem, please remain patient for kitty and yourself, stay kind and loving as you always are to your pet, and make the call to your vet for an appointment. The answer could be as simple as age.—Jennifer
Read the article: >> moderncat.com/articles/ litter-box-problems
cat
C ON TRIBUT OR S
F A L L · W I N T E R 2 0 1 8 / 1 9 VOL 7
NO 2
Publisher
Monika Melnychuk is an illustrator who finds cats fascinating. She currently resides in Whitehorse, Yukon. When not illustrating, she enjoys riding her bike in the forest and sketching at coffee shops. Her work has been spotted on Canada Post stamps, on Blasted Church wine bottles, and in many magazines and newspapers across the continent. Turn to page 62 to see her illustrations for How to Properly Read Your Cat’s Body Language.
Modern Cat Inc. Editor-in-Chief
Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director
Jennifer Nosek Assistant Art Director
Natalie Gagnon Social Media Coordinator
Alice Sewell Sales & Marketing
Alice Sewell, Laura Sluggett, Linda Helme Audience Development & Digital Marketing Specialist
Jessica Linnay Manager, Accounting Services & Subscription Services
Celine Benipayo Copywriter & Subscription Coordinator
Kyrsten Downton Controller
Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA INTERESTED IN SUBSCRIBING? Give us a call at 1-800-417-6289 or subscribe online at moderncat.com/subscribe
Martha Pluto is a quirky and outgoing Toronto-based illustrator. She experiments with different traditional mediums and bases her work heavily on lines, shapes, and space. Her favourite colours to use in her work are reds and blues. When Martha isn't creating artwork, she cares for her plants and dreams about the day she can rescue and/or help foster animals so they can find their forever homes. Check out Martha’s lovely illustration for this issue’s Quiz: How Strong is Your Bond With Your Cat?—on page 30.
Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 7, Issue 2. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Cat, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 7, Issue 2. Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402. PHONE
Jane Mundy is an award-winning writer and photographer. Her articles have appeared in many magazines, from Scientific American to More magazine, and she is a regular contributor to The Province and Vancouver Sun's travel section. Jane has also written two cookbooks: Ocean Wise 1 and Ocean Wise 2, and Modern Dog magazine published one of her first stories back in 2003. When Jane isn’t writing she’s hanging out with Fred, one of friend's felines, pictured here. Flip to page 42 for Jane's exploration of cannabis for cats!
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F AL L · WINTER 2018/ 19
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The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services or products within those advertisements. Copyright 2018/19 by Modern Cat Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Cat and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Cat Inc. Modern Cat is published two times a year. Two-year subscription prices: Canada $18CAD, U.S.A. $18USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Cat Subscription Services, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4
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STUFF WE LOVE Modern Cat staffers’ picks of the litter BO
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1 During the holiday period my mom has a lot of guests over so I always like to be looking my best! This is super easy with Made By Cleo’s adorable collars and bowties. The tartan pattern is a favourite of mine to ensure I’m always the center of attention!—Luna the Cat (From $23, madebycleo.etsy.com) 2 Let the Open-Air Litter Robot do the dirty work for you! This automatic, self-cleaning litter box separates the waste from clean litter, while you reap the real rewards of cat ownership: cuddles!—Connie ($450, litter-robot.com) 3 I always ensure my cat has the most stylish accessories but sometimes I need something pretty too! Carrie Cramer’s beautifully handcrafted jewelry is perfect for this. With options for gold, rose gold, silver, and diamonds, there's a piece to suite everyone's taste. She also just launched an awesome new line with renowned vet Dr. Lisa. Love it!—Alice (Starting at $195, carriecramer.com) 4 I’m always looking for ways to pamper my kitty princess, and this Luna Cat collar from Madison Maude is perfect for adding some sparkle, while still including safety features like a quick-release buckle. The added bell makes it even better!—Natalie ($35, Madisonmaude.com) 5 I travel a lot and even on a short trip I missed my cat Buddy until I bought a pet-peeps CatCam. Now I can see, hear and talk remotely to him on my Smartphone and iPad—no matter where in the world I am—and he loves hearing my voice. —Jessica ($100, pet-peeps.com) 6 Keep your cat comfy when travelling. I believe our furry friends love familiarity (think keeping their scent with them) so we rely on a Horizon Chill Pad when we visit our friends and relatives. Love the stripes and colours.—Connie ($29, petplay.com) 7 Canvas Catnip Kickers by Bruce And Fox Designs are fun and the sushi prints fashionable. My cat can’t get enough of these handmade ‘nip kickers stuffed with an organically grown blend of catnip and silver vine.—Jane ($15, etsy.com/shop/ bruceandfoxdesigns) 8 Designed for both sleep and play, this cat basket from Dharma Dog and Karma Cat is perfect for my cat to hide in, nap, and curl up. Cats love these! (You can throw toys in it too.)—Alice (From $60, dharmadogkarmacat.com) 9 My furry buddies love their hand-crocheted blanket by CanineCoziesBlanket and I love that they cuddle up with it on the sofa—it keeps fur off the furniture. Plus, the more you wash it, the softer it gets.—Laura ($12, etsy.com/shop/ CanineCoziesBlankets) 10 I’m obsessed with the adorable Pan Dulce Cat Plushes from Fierce Fantasy Designs! Cats love playing with them but let’s be honest, I totally bought them for myself. Just look at those cute little faces!—Jennifer ($31, etsy.com/shop/FierceFantasyDesigns) 11 I love wearing black, but it shows all of my cat’s fur! Lilly Brush saved my clothing from catastrophe with their portable pill, lint and hair remover, which comes in a sleek case so I can carry it everywhere.—Linda ($13, lillybrush.com or amazon.com) 12 My kitties go bonkers for wild Alaskan salmon treats! These freeze-dried salmon “rings” are free of added hormones and antibiotics, grains, and gluten. And that makes them guilt free! Plus, family-owned raw pet food leader Vital Essentials has added fatty acids (Omega 3 & 6) for healthy skin and coat and vital nutrients.—Jane (From $18, vitalessentialsraw.com) 13 My cat looks so warm and cozy inside her Woolie’s Cat Igloo. Made with soft, fleece lining, the igloo is a great safe haven for her, and machine washable. I want one for myself!—Cecilia ($90, MyThreeCats.com)
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We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways October through March. Go to moderncat.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every two weeks.
october Why You Might
The lifestyle
magazine
for
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and their modern cats
Cat’s Litter
ns
Box (yes,
november
cat
really) and
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SPRING
companio
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HOW TO
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1st-14th
Win 1 of 15 two-year subscriptions to Modern Cat magazine, chock full of helpful articles, heartwarming stories, and so many cute cat photos!
15th-31st
Win 1 of 5 Jackson Galaxy Constellation Convertible Scratchers! Each scratcher comes with USA-grown organic catnip to keep your cat coming back for more.
december
1st-14th
Win 1 of 5 CatCams from Pet-Peeps.com! See, hear, and talk to your fur babies while you’re away with this no contract, no monthly fee pet cam.
15th-30th
Win 1 of 3 Kitty Litter prize packs containing 15 bags of litter from Neon Litter. Available in a range of fun colors this awesome litter will have your cat raving!
january
1st-14th
Win 1 of 2 test kits from 5Strands Affordable Pet Testing! Create a healthier lifestyle for your pets by discovering and managing their food intolerances and environmental allergens.
15th-31st Win 1 of 10 Cool Cat Odor Eliminating Candles and Wax Meltables from David Oreck Candles. Freshen your home while removing unwanted cat smells!
february
1st-14th
Win 1 of 5 Comfort Zone calming prize packs. Calming pheromones signal to your cat that they are in a safe, familiar place and reduce behaviours like destructive scratching, urine marking and multicat fighting.
15th-31st Win 1 of 12 FurZoff, the new and better way to remove pet hair from your home and vehicles. Made in USA of 90% recycled material, it’s 100% durable!
march
The Dog Gear
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for modern
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Win 1 of 2 Shark Cat Ball beds from The Cat Ball! This special edition bed is the perfect place to chill and play! Made in the US.
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Win 1 of 4 DIY Catio Plans from Catio Spaces to keep your cat safe and happy outdoors! Plans include step-by-step instructions and a material list for a successful project.
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Win 1 of 10 one-year subscriptions to Modern Cat’s sister publication, Modern Dog magazine! This awardwinning must-read for dog people helps you better understand your dog.
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning October 1, 2018 at 12:01 AM (PST) through March 31, 2019 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderncat.com/giveaways. Each biweekly giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Every two weeks, the specified number of winners for that giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderncat.com/giveaways.
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F ALL · WINTER 2018/ 19
R E P cat SU PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS ! E T CU Thistle Little Beau Blue
Baby Sockie Ava
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F ALL · WINTER 2018/ 19
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Coconut Momo Think your cat ought to grace the pages of Modern Cat? Upload your cat's photo at moderncat.com/photocontest. Not only will he or she be entered to be our Cat of the Week, but a selection of the photos entered will appear on these pages!
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Purrfect Presents SPECIAL PROMOTION
An inspired gift guide for cats & cat lovers
Does your furbaby love to lounge? Is he constantly seeking the purrfect catnap spot? Indulge your furry friend with a comfy, cozy, handcrafted Critter Crafting crochet Cat Mat! Crittercrafting.com Calling all cat lovers and children at heart! LisetteArt Shop features cat-themed apparel, arts, and goods with whimsical illustrations for all ages that are sure to make you smile. LisetteArtShop.com Delight her with the purrfect gift! Choose from an endless variety of elegant and versatile Laurel Burch items to please any cat lover! Enter code MODERNCAT01 at checkout for free gift wrap and 10% off! MyThreeCats.com
Your cat will love to scratch and lounge on Americat Company’s high-quality scratchers. Made with heavy-duty, cat-safe materials, and manufactured in the U.S. There are even 4 fun shapes to choose from! Available on Amazon and AmericatCompany.com
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Sylvia’s Big Adventure will astound you, keep you in suspense, and delight your sense of humor and compassion. It’s a story readers young and old will enjoy for generations! Order from mascotbooks.com
SPECIAL PROMOTION
— A gift guide for cats & cat lovers —
Lightweight and portable, Sturdi Pop-Up Kennels are perfect for travelling with your cat! Three sizes are available, no assembly required, and a roomy carrying case is included for food, water, and essentials. sturdiproducts.com
P.L.A.Y.’s Feline Frenzy Toy Collection is the cat’s meow! Pre-stuffed with USDA organic catnip, these toys will spice up play time with their intriguing scents, shapes and textures. Use code PURR15 to save 15%. petplay.com
Pet hair problem? Try Fur-Zoff, the best solution for the pet hair mess. In your car and home, FurZoff works faster and cleans better than any other product—and it lasts forever! $13, FurZoff.net
Does your child love captivating mysteries? Gem-Bem and the Mystery of the Ball of Branches is a beautifully illustrated must-read, encompassing both animal facts and values of true friendship and community. Great for ages 9-12. gembemstories4kids.com
Every cat needs a long-lasting scratching post! Armarkat’s Premium Model F5602 cat tree is made with plush, heavy-duty carpet and sisal posts, seasoned for “scratchability.” Easy to assemble and can hold up to 3 large kitties. armarkat.com
These fun Wiggly Ball toys from Dezi & Roo mimic live prey thanks to fuzzy tails that wiggle and curl and balls that bounce, rattle, and roll, providing your cat with a simple but highly addictive playtime toy! deziroo.com
moderncat.com
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
Purrfect Presents — A gift guide for cats & cat lovers —
Make all your kitty’s Christmas wishes come true with Bruce + Fox’s wide variety of toys! Loaded with an addictive catnip and silvervine blend, and durably hand-sewn for hours of fun! bruceandfox.com
Colorado Kitty Pot is organic catnip that comes in 3 different options for your cat’s enjoyment. All profits benefit Harley's Hope Foundation, a nonprofit that helps pets and their people remain in their homes. coloradokittypot.com
The Secret Language of Cats explains how you can understand what your cat is trying to tell you—and how you can talk back. BookClubbish.com
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Inspired by shoehugging pets everywhere, the Sherpa Moccasin Pet Bed from Napping JoJo provides your kitty a luxury spot to dream in, and is sure to bring a joyful touch to your home as well! NappingJojo.com
Cats are natural crouch eaters so this elevated feeder from Vivipet is just perfect! Made with premium, human-grade materials and an adorable and modern design, how could you say no?! vivipet.com
Madison & Maude combine the sparkly rays of Swarovski Crystals with the ultra-soft feel of Horween’s Leather for a collar that’s stylish and safe for your cat thanks to a quick-release breakaway buckle. Your cat’s never had it so good! Madisonmaude.com
HEALTH
Cannabis for Cats Your cat can keep calm and carry on with CBD, the cannabis that helps—without the high. By Jane Mundy
S History Documents show that Americans have been using cannabis oil since 1840. Dr. W. B. O’Shaughnessy was the first doctor to prescribe it and by 1906 there were over 123 different companies competing to sell cannabis oil. Then “reefer madness” hit in the 1930s, creating fear around marijuana and hemp that lasted decades. We’re finally seeing a reversal of this thinking. This October, Canada will become the second nation in the world to legalize both the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana and marijuana-derived products like CBD.
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tephanie Roach’s kitten was born with brain damage and suffered seizures— until Stephanie started giving her hempbased cannabidiol, known as CBD. Katherine Ann Howe’s 22-year old Siamese cat was crippled by arthritis. Since giving him CBD oil he is jumping on and off the bed without help. His mood is also better, which she credits to the reduction of pain. “CBD has been a saving grace for our sweet old fella,” says Katherine. “I don't know how much longer he'll be around, but his quality of life has improved greatly.” CBD is hot right now, but humans have been using it for over 8,000 years. People are prescribed medical marijuana to support the treatment of a host of ailments and illnesses, including skin irritations and cancer. So, if humans are helped by a particular medication that is natural and safe, it makes sense that we wonder if it could help our ailing pets.
A VETERINARIAN WEIGHS IN Dr. Katherine Kramer, a veterinarian at Vancouver Animal Wellness Clinic, is not legally allowed (as per the College of Veterinarians of B.C.) to prescribe or even recommend CBD, unless she is specifically asked about it. “I should wear a button that says ‘Ask me about CBD,’ Kramer says
“CBD has been a saving grace for our sweet old fella… his quality of life has improved greatly.”
CBD vs. THC Marijuana contains at least 64 phytocannabinoids (plant-based cannabinoids), among them cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC gets you high, CBD doesn’t. Hemp vs. Marijuana Hemp and marijuana are not the same, but they both belong to the cannabis family. Hemp produces less than 0.3% of THC, the active chemical in marijuana that gets you high. An average batch of marijuana contains anywhere from 5–30 percent THC content, while hemp is regulated to only contain a maximum THC level of 0.3 percent, making it impossible to feel any psychoactive effect or get a “high.” Most all marijuana is grown indoors, sucking up tons of electricity. Hemp grows outdoors: it is solar powered, requires very little water to grow and could help save the planet because it turns CO2 into oxygen.
with a chuckle. She welcomes this opportunity to increase awareness because for the past six years, her clients’ results are “nothing short of miracles.” Kramer’s practice focuses on geriatric and cancer patients, so she knows firsthand how CBD helps with pain and arthritis, with nausea, seizures, and anxiety. “Some cats, before taking CBD, had such horrible behaviour problems, and in an urban environment anxiety can go through the roof,” says Kramer, “but soon after taking it owners tell me they ‘have their cat back.’ And pets with cancer have been able to get their quality of life back.” If you told Dr. Kramer six years ago that she would “discuss” medical marijuana with her clients, she wouldn’t believe you. She had the ‘aha moment’ when a client, who worked with human patients treated with medical marijuana, suggested that his cat also try cannabis. “His cat had multiple health issues; prescribed opioids were knocking him out and affecting his appetite so he had nothing to lose. He was willing to try CBD so we worked out the dosage and in no time the cat improved; his appetite and energy came back and we reduced the conventional medications,” adds Dr. Kramer. “He lived a few more quality years after that. And I started looking at more worrisome cases.” A few years ago Dr. Kramer would get a call about CBD about once a month; now her clinic is taking calls from vets and clients across North America. In a nutshell, this is her advice:
#1
Talk to your vet about anything you are thinking about trying; your vet also needs to get educated about these products. If enough pet owners ask, it will force the vet community to take further action.
#2
It’s important to use a quality-controlled product. Be careful about the products you use as they could be laced with THC (more about that at left) or maybe there’s not enough CBD in it to be effective. The FDA recently found that 90 percent of products they tested had little or no CBD or it didn’t match label ingredients. Ask the supplier for a certificate of analysis.
3
#
Regarding dosage, the current catch phrase is “Start low, go slow.” And the rule of thumb .5 mg per lb of body weight. (e.g., 5 mg per 10 lbs) so a little goes a long way.
Dr. Kramer thinks that CBD’s therapeutic potential is enormous, but there’s the legality issue, mainly due to insufficient clinical trials. “I’m hopeful that with more research and studies the legal barriers will fall,” she says, “and then we will be allowed to prescribe CBDs.” (Although the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association officially encourages research into the safety, dosing and uses of cannabis in animals, the American Veterinary Medical Association has not yet condoned the use of medical marijuana and related products with animals.)
WHAT IS CBD AND HOW DOES IT WORK? CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of more than 60 nonpsychoactive compounds found in both hemp and cannabis (aka pot) plants. It creates beneficial physical changes to thebody’s endocannabinoid system—known to affect bodily processes such as digestion, mood, and sleep.
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Endocannabinoids are the chemical messengers that tell your body to get these processes moving and when to stop; they help maintain optimal balance in the body, also known as homeostasis. When the body does not produce enough endocannabinoids or cannot regulate them properly, you are more susceptible to illnesses. CBD is known to have anti-anxiety, anticonvulsive, antinausea, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties.
LEGALITIES In British Columbia CBD is available in pet stores and every corner dispensary, and the rest of Canada is catching up. Starting October 17, 2018, Canadians will legally be able to use recreational marijuana, but it may take longer for Canadian pets to get their paws on cannabis derived treatments. Good news is that Health Canada recently approved a clinical trial to research the use of cannabidiol (CBD) to treat animal anxiety. In the U.S., if you are in a hemp-legal state, you can order online. CBD aficionados, regardless of which state or province they live in, seem largely unconcerned with legal repercussions, as punishment for procurement has thus far proven unlikely. To give you some idea of pet cannabis consumption in the
US, sales of cannabis products marketed for pets at medical and adult-use cannabis dispensaries in 2017 totaled nearly $7 million in California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington, according to BDS Analytics. In Colorado, sales of CBD pet products grew almost 50 percent in 2017.
CBD SUPPLIERS In British Columbia (and soon all of Canada) CBD is available in pet stores and every corner dispensary. In the U.S., if you are in a hemp-legal state, you can order online from a reputable company like Seattle-based Kat and Austin. Owner Kat Donatello says that most of her clients use CBD for pain management and anxiety. Her products, including CBD laced with salmon oil for cats, are sold in about 400 pet stores nationwide, rehab clinics and veterinarian offices. Her dog Austin was a puppy when she gave him CBD for anxiety. “He was like a kid with ADHD and CBD allowed him to focus on training,” she says. “These days he has CBD for aches after a long run. And the day will come when it will be used for end-of-life care—it is a relief to know Austin will enjoy his final days with family.” n
Products That Can Help Want to Give It a Try? Here are Some CBD Products to Get Started With
OILS
TINCTURES
Grizzly Pet Products’ CBD Calming Aid for Dogs and Cats is tailor-made for travel, vet visits, or relieving anxiety in other stressful situations without causing drowsiness. Grizzly uses a unique blend of organically grown hemp oil and wild krill oil to create this all-natural soothing supplement that also promotes emotional balance in pets. ($30, grizzlypetproducts.com)
ORAL SPRAYS
CannaHemp Paws’ CBD Pet Tincture offers a concentrated form of CBD oil that’s great for cats that require a higher dose of CBD for their health needs. This tincture only contains three ingredients: certified organic hemp seed oil, coconut MCT oil, and cannabidiol (CBD). $30/30ml, Cannahemp.com)
FUNCTIONAL EDIBLES Austin and Kat’s CBD oil is designed as a daily dietary supplement for both cats and dogs. Packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, this CBD hemp oil can help relieve your pet of pain and inflammation, anxiety, poor appetite, and skin irritations. Reviewers report that pets love the taste. ($65/300 mg, austinandkat.com)
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Your cat will love these delicious hemp-powered whitefish-flavoured soft chews. Each chew contains 1.5 mg of Green Coast Pet’s fullspectrum proprietary hemp extract blend to support your cat’s immune system, inflammatory response, and neurological function, as well as a calm and relaxed demeanor. Easy to chew, they’re perfect for cats of any age. ($15, greencoastpet.com)
Medipet’s CBD Pet Spray is a helpful way to soothe your pets in stressful situations. Simply spray into your cat’s mouth before car rides or long journeys; it’s non-GMO and made in the USA. ($50, MediPetsCBD.com)
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