We recently had to take a long road trip with our two cats. To Hemp or NOT To Hemp? One cat has a lot of anxiety as a baseline. The other cat has a lot of energy. Either way we felt that trying the Hemp oil was something we wanted to do and hoped it would make both of their travels a little easier.
We have also heard of lavender and other products as a good option. But what we were able to find on short notice and with few options available was either Hemp oil (edible for cats/dogs) or Hemp treats (for cats/dogs).
I also want to mention a few other items available that I have seen advertised. However, I have not used them or heard what results people have gotten from their use. Please feel free to send me any information you have regarding the use of any of these products. I will then add that information to this blog for posting and to add to our testimonial page.
Specific to dogs: calming caps, anxiety vests and fly masks.
For both dogs and cats: appeasing pheromone collars, Hemp treats, Hemp oils, lavender, and peppermint.
Back to my story....
We got the Hemp oil, suspicious that neither cat would be willing to eat a treat, either when we were preparing to leave each day, or during the day while traveling. Our first dose was half of the recommended dose as they had never received the Hemp before. The half dose definitely helped calm them and allowed them to get some rest. They did not cry all day and were not fraught with severe anxiety. Our next doses were the recommended doses. We did not have any issues with the full dose. They slept some and remained tolerant travelers during our long road trip.
The Hemp oil also helped them each night that we got to our hotel. They did not try to look for a spot to hide but, instead were calm enough to eat, look out the window and even enjoy their freedom around the room.
This was our first experience with using the Hemp oil. Since then, we rescued another cat that has some wilder behaviors he developed to stay alive in the wild. We gave him the Hemp oil while socializing initially with our other cats. It has helped him be less aggressive and calmer.
Our conclusion was we were pleased with the results. We did not see signs of sedation, just a mild calming effect.