There’s been a lot of buzz lately about hemp benefits, so it makes sense that we’re starting to see hemp cat products — and for good reason. This fantastic fiber’s characteristics are perfect for all kinds of things we need to keep our cats happy and healthy.
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant used for centuries in industrial applications such as paper, textiles, clothing, biofuel and food.
Although related, hemp is not the same as marijuana, which contains higher amounts of THC consumed for its psychoactive effects. Hemp has very little THC (less than .03 percent) and is grown primarily for commercial use.
If you want to go green when it comes to purchasing products for your cat, start with hemp products. A sustainable, renewable resource, hemp grows easily in many climates. It’s a hardy plant that does not require any pesticides or herbicides to grow, producing a natural and organic raw material.
This versatile plant can be processed into a variety of items perfect for making beautiful products for cats that are eco-friendly and extremely durable. We will no doubt be seeing an increased use of hemp in the future
1. Reap those hemp benefits with hemp cat beds
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One of the best applications of hemp is in making cat beds. Hemp fabric is strong and durable, with a linen-like texture. The fibers are naturally mildew and microbe resistant, which prevents lingering odors.
Cat beds made from hemp fabric can be washed over and over, becoming softer each time. It’s really somewhat of a miracle fabric, so keep any eye out for more companies offering hemp fabric cat beds.
2. Cat collars can be made with hemp twine
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Cat collars need to be durable but also comfortable to wear. Hemp twine can be woven into a beautiful collar that becomes softer with wear.
The anti-microbial properties of hemp are an added bonus when it comes to cat collars. Hemp twine can also be dyed into a rainbow of vibrant colors.
3. Get those hemp benefits through cat toys
Cat toys must have an enticing texture for kitty to take notice. The natural texture of hemp, either in fabric or twine form, is an instant favorite with most cats. And, of course, durability is key when it comes to cat toys, too.
Feel good about giving your cat a toy made from organic hemp, because it’s natural and safe for her to put in her mouth, plus being sustainable makes it easier on the environment if you go through lots of toys.
4. Hemp-based cat litter
As expected, the miracle hemp fiber has found its way into the litter box! Hemp-based cat litters take advantage of several of the plant’s inherent qualities like its ability to absorb odors.
Hemp cat litter is biodegradable and compostable, plus it’s low dust and has superior clumping abilities.
5. Use supplements for hemp benefits
Hemp supplements can provide cats with therapeutic effects from reducing anxiety and pain to eliminating seizures and improving overall well-being.
These supplements come in the form of concentrated oils or treats that contain a full spectrum of CBD compounds, but less than .03 percent THC so they are completely non-psychoactive. CBD is currently being used to treat a variety of ailments in both humans and pets with great success.
6. Hemp rope or fabric make great scratching surfaces
When it comes to scratching, texture, durability and safety are all top concerns that hemp addresses quite well. Hemp rope or woven fabric makes an enticing scratching surface that’s both durable and chemical-free, as hemp requires no pesticides.
These products can still be hard to find, so talk to your favorite product manufacturers about adding more hemp products to their collections.
Thumbnail: Photography by Chepko Danil Vitalevich / Shutterstock.
This piece was originally published in 2018.
About the author
Kate Benjamin has been writing about feline design since 2007 and is co-author with Jackson Galaxy of two New York Times best-selling books, Catification and Catify to Satisfy. Get more of Kate’s feline design tips at hauspanther.com.
