Benefits of Hemp Oil Versus Salmon Oil for Your Cat

Though you want to believe your cat has nine lives, the truth is they are not indestructible! However, that doesn’t mean we won’t do everything to keep our feline friends happy and healthy. 

As cats get older, they can develop arthritis, chronic pain, and other health issues associated with age. However, young cats can also face health issues, including epilepsy, anxiety, depression, and intestinal problems.

Medication can be pricey and complicated to relieve or heal the pain your cat is facing. Some even come with harsh side effects like nausea and fatigue. 

As a cat parent, you look for ways to reduce your cat’s pain and opting for healing alternatives is a great way to help relieve your cat’s discomfort or just increase their quality of life. 

There are many supplements and oils available on the market, and though the marketing and branding are great, not all are very effective. 

Today, we are comparing the well-known salmon oil to our favourite; hemp oil.

Both salmon oil and hemp oil have their benefits. Many are similar, however, there are some things salmon oil just can’t do. But let’s keep that for later!

Everything you need to know about Salmon oil and CBD oil is coming up in this very post! 

What is Salmon Oil?

Salmon oil isn’t a discovery. It is a common supplement for both humans and cats alike. But, what is it made up of that makes it so beneficial for both humans and cats?

Salmon is placed high on the food chain and contains a healthy dose of omega 3 fatty acids. 

Salmon oil contains two essential fatty acids that play a central role in its beloved benefits. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). 

A cat’s diet already contains sufficient amounts of omega 6, so salmon oil helps balance a complete diet. 

When finding the right dose for your cat, remember to start small and increase the amount until you have reached the total dosage. This allows you to monitor how your cat reacts to the new addition to their diet. In most cases, cats respond very well to salmon oil. Hence, partly why it is found in many cat food brands.

Salmon oil promotes a healthy coat and skin, reduces swelling and inflammation, supports a healthy active lifestyle, and a healthier weight.

Benefits of Salmon Oil for Your Cat

Salmon oil, rich in omega 3 fatty acids, is a common oil used in both human and pet diets to improve overall health. However, cats benefit from salmon oil in these specific ways.

Inflammation

Much like any source rich in fatty acids, salmon oil does wonders for inflammation. Both the EPA and DHA found in the oil help reduce swelling and the pain associated with inflammation. 

Brain Function

Salmon oil promotes healthy brain function through the DHA contents. Healthy fats are great for older cats as it helps keep them alert. Younger cats also benefit from salmon oil as it is their prime time to learn tricks and remember proper training. 

Healthy Weight

Healthy fats are known to help in maintaining a healthy weight. It is no different in regards to salmon oil and cats. 

Salmon oil will keep your cat satiated and full for longer. It promotes a healthy weight by providing your cat with energy and keeping your cat from overeating. 

Keep in mind that salmon oil is high in healthy fats, which means it is higher in calories. Thus, ensure that your cat stays active; if not, you may want to rethink their diet and lifestyle.

Skin and Fur 

Most oils are great for moisturizing skin and fur. However, some leave a greasy residue or have a scent. Salmon oil is great for your cat’s skin and fur as it can be applied topically or as a pill. 

Moisturized skin prevents your cat from getting eczema, or other skin irritations. It can also help calm swelling. 

Furthermore, well-kept fur means fewer knots and a cleaner pet as debris slides off more easily,  and knots lose grip. 

What is Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil is made out of cold pressed hemp seeds. It’s interesting to note that hemp oil made out of hemp seeds is not the same as cannabidiol (CBD) oil. Hemp plants fall under the cannabis family, however, it contains less than 0.3% of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

THC is the compound that causes psychoactive effects. Thus, hemp oil does not have any psychoactive effects and is safe for animals. 

Hemp oil is an extract of cannabidiol, it comes from the cannabis plant. The plant produces more than 100 of these chemical compounds that we call cannabinoids. These chemical compounds share a similar form to the endocannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system, which both humans and cats have!

The endocannabinoid system keeps the body in a state of homeostasis. It regulates many functions including mood, appetite, temperature, motor control, sleep, and inflammation. The system works by binding endocannabinoids with cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body. 

Ingesting or using a topical formula of hemp oil regulates the metabolism, allowing the whole system to work more effectively.  

Though hemp oil doesn’t cure cancer or arthritis, it does help in relieving the pain and swelling associated with many illnesses and diseases. 

Benefits of Hemp Oil for Your Cat

Though hemp oil is amazing for cats that have pain, inflammation, or other side effects from illnesses and disorders, it is great for any healthy cat. 

Hemp oil helps with the appetite of picky eaters, promotes a healthy coat and skin, and relaxes your cat for day-to-day business. 

Cancer

Cats are prone to feline leukemia, lymphoma, and various tumours in the body. The symptoms are harsh and include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and coughing. Hemp oil will not cure these symptoms but will greatly help in the pain and overall happiness of your cat. 

Hemp oil, reduces vomiting and nausea, allowing your cat to take medication and chemotherapy better. Thus, your cat will get full benefits from the medication. 

Not only will it help your cat keep medication down, but it also improves their appetite. As your cat’s diet and lifestyle play a huge role in their healing, they must be getting a balanced diet of fatty acids, minerals, and other nutrients necessary to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Your cat may also become bloated from their medication or the chemotherapy. Hemp oil will help with this swelling and improve your cat’s overall comfort while going through treatments. 

Arthritis

Arthritis is often hard to detect in cats as they have a higher pain tolerance and are good at hiding it. However, it does happen, and it develops as the cartilage around the joints breaks down, causing the bones to rub together as your cat moves around. 

This constant rubbing of the bones causes inflammation, pain, and a lower range of movement. You may notice your cat doesn’t play as much or jump as high as the pain prevents them from moving as much.

As mentioned, hemp oil helps with inflammation. The oil won’t make your cat’s arthritis go away, but it definitely helps your cat live a happier life as they are better able to move around and play. 

Staying consistent with a topical or ingestible hemp oil will likely see your cat’s swelling go down and posture go back to normal as they are not overcompensating for the pain. 

Anxiety and Aggression

Many things that can cause anxiety in a cat including being scared of cars or feeling uneasy in a new home, maybe even a new addition to the family! Many cats lash out when they are feeling anxious and may become aggressive as a defence mechanism. 

Hemp oil is helpful by regulating the entire metabolism of your animal so he can better control stress hormones. 

Digestion and Intestinal Issues

Namely found in middle-aged to older cats, Irritable bowel disorder (IBD) occurs when a cat’s gastrointestinal tract is inflamed. This can happen either due to age, stress, or allergies. With IBD, your cat can experience diarrhea, nausea, cramping, and lower energy.

Hemp oil helps with IBD in great ways. Namely, this superfood oil helps with inflammation, nausea, and preventing weight loss often associated with intestinal disorders. 

Giving Hemp Oil to Your Cat

Crocx products make it easy to ensure your cat is getting the right amount for their lifestyle, health, weight, and age.

If you are looking for a product containing hemp oil for your cat, we recommend the Hairball relief paste. Which also relieves constipation, dry cough and occasional vomiting associated with hairballs. Made with 100% natural and safe ingredients. 

What Salmon Oil Just Can’t Do

Salmon oil is great, but it is already found in so many cat products! If you want to see a difference in your cat, whether that be their activity level, pain relief, or appetite, hemp oil is your best friend. 

The reason hemp oil has always stood out to us is its unique capability to calm anxiety and stress and promote a well-rounded lifestyle. In other words, hemp oil is a balanced source of fatty acids and minerals that provides your cat with almost everything they are lacking in their diet. 

More than just a plant-based oil, hemp oil works in so many situations reliably. 

For more information about hemp oil and how it can benefit your cat, don’t hesitate to contact us! We are happy to help!