Giving Benadryl to cats can be safe and effective for treating allergies, anxiety, motion sickness, and other conditions. However, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian first and follow dosage guidelines carefully. This article provides a comprehensive overview of using Benadryl for cats.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to common questions about giving Benadryl to cats:
- Yes, you can give your cat Benadryl, but talk to your vet first to get the proper dosage for your cat’s weight.
- The standard dosage for cats is 1 mg per pound of body weight, given 2-3 times a day.
- For a 10-pound cat, the dosage would be 10 mg (about 1 ml of liquid children’s Benadryl).
- Benadryl can help relieve allergy symptoms, car sickness, anxiety, and reactions to insect bites.
- Side effects are usually mild but can include sedation, dry mouth, and reduced appetite.
- Never give your cat Benadryl without your veterinarian’s guidance.
Is Benadryl Safe for Cats?
Benadryl is generally safe for cats when used responsibly under veterinary guidance. The active ingredient in Benadryl is an antihistamine called diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of histamines, which are chemicals released during allergic reactions.
By preventing histamine activity, Benadryl can relieve symptoms like itchiness, runny eyes and nose, sneezing, and skin irritation. It also has mild sedative effects that may calm anxious or overstimulated cats.
However, Benadryl also causes sleepiness in cats, so it’s important not to exceed the recommended dosage. Always consult your vet before giving Benadryl to make sure your cat doesn’t have any conditions that could be aggravated by the medication.
Conditions Benadryl Can Help Treat in Cats
Benadryl is primarily used for cats to treat allergies and allergic reactions. Some other conditions it may help with include:
- Allergy symptoms (itchy skin, watery eyes, sneezing)
- Insect bites and stings
- Motion sickness
- Anxiety (especially for vet visits or travel)
- Skin reactions to grooming products or food
Benadryl is sometimes given before surgeries or vet visits when cats need sedation and anxiety relief. Always check with your vet first to see if Benadryl is appropriate for your cat.
Risks and Side Effects
When used correctly, Benadryl is generally safe for cats. However, there are some potential side effects to look out for:
- Sleepiness – Drowsiness is the most common side effect. It’s important not to exceed the proper dosage.
- Reduced appetite – Benadryl may cause nausea or lack of appetite in some cats.
- Dry mouth – Antihistamines like Benadryl can cause dry mouth or excessive thirst.
- Urinary retention – Benadryl can make it difficult for some cats to urinate properly.
- Hyperactivity – Some cats may become hyper and overstimulated instead of sedated.
More serious side effects are unlikely when guidelines are followed, but could include vomiting, diarrhea, and heart palpitations. If you notice anything unusual after giving Benadryl, call your veterinarian right away.
Proper Benadryl Dosage for Cats
Giving the proper Benadryl dosage is crucial for your cat’s safety. Here are some key dosage guidelines:
- Always consult your vet first for dosage recommendations.
- The standard dosage is 1 mg of diphenhydramine per 1 lb of body weight, given 2-3 times per day.
- Pills should be crushed or liquid children’s Benadryl used to measure doses.
- For a 10 lb cat, the dose would be 10 mg, which equals about 1 mL of liquid Benadryl.
- Cats should receive no more than 50 mg total per day.
It’s a good idea to start with a conservative dose like 0.5 mg per lb, monitor your cat’s reaction, then increase slowly if needed. Kittens and older cats may need even smaller doses.
Here is a dosage chart for liquid children’s Benadryl based on cat weight:
| Cat Weight | Benadryl Dose (in mL) |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | 0.5 mL |
| 7.5 lbs | 0.75 mL |
| 10 lbs | 1 mL |
| 12.5 lbs | 1.25 mL |
| 15 lbs | 1.5 mL |
Always double check with your vet on the dose for your particular cat. And remember, less is more when it comes to medication dosages.
Benadryl Forms and Administration
Benadryl comes in several forms that can be given to cats:
- Liquid – Children’s liquid Benadryl is easiest for measuring small cat doses accurately.
- Tablets – Tablets can be crushed into a powder and mixed with wet food.
- Capsules – Capsule contents can also be sprinkled onto wet food.
- Injections – Vets can inject Benadryl for fast relief when needed.
When giving liquid Benadryl at home, use an oral syringe to measure the proper dose. Then squirt the medication into your cat’s mouth or mix it into a small amount of tasty wet food.
If using tablets or capsules, crush them first and mix the powder thoroughly into your cat’s regular wet food. Make sure your cat eats all the medicated food to receive the full dose.
No matter what form you use, it’s important to get an accurate measurement of the dose. Consult your vet if you’re unsure how much Benadryl to give your cat.
How Long Does It Take Benadryl to Work in Cats?
Benadryl takes effect pretty quickly in cats. You should see effects set in within 30 to 60 minutes after administering an oral dose. The strongest effects occur around 1-2 hours after dosage.
Benadryl’s antihistamine properties start blocking histamine receptors rapidly. This brings relief from allergy symptoms like itchiness soon after dosage. The sedative effects also kick in within an hour in most cats.
Depending on your cat’s sensitivity and metabolism, a single dose of Benadryl can continue working for 4 to 8 hours. That’s why it’s typically dosed 2-3 times throughout the day.
If your cat needs fast relief from an allergic reaction or anxiety episode, a Benadryl injection from your veterinarian brings the quickest effects.
How Long Can You Give a Cat Benadryl?
Benadryl can usually be given to cats safely on an as-needed basis for short periods of time. However, it should not be given indefinitely without veterinary supervision.
For sporadic allergy flare ups or situational anxiety, Benadryl may be used for a few consecutive days or on and off throughout allergy season. Discuss the frequency and duration your cat can take Benadryl with your vet.
For chronic allergy management, your veterinarian may advise prescribing a long-term antihistamine other than Benadryl. Other antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec®) or hydroxyzine are sometimes used for extended allergy control.
Frequent long-term Benadryl use can increase the risk of side effects. Your vet will monitor your cat and determine if a different medication may be more appropriate for ongoing use.
Signs Your Cat May Need Benadryl Long-Term
Here are some signs your cat may need long-term allergy or anxiety medication:
- Itching, chewing, or licking the same spots excessively
- Recurring skin infections
- Chronic ear infections
- Sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose on a regular basis
- Anxious behavior like hiding, irritability, or destructive actions
- Ongoing need for sedation for vet visits or grooming
Schedule a veterinary appointment if your cat is exhibiting chronic allergy or anxiety symptoms. Your vet can determine if long-term medication is needed.
What to Avoid When Giving Benadryl
Here are some things to avoid when giving Benadryl to your cat:
- Never give Benadryl without vet approval
- Don’t exceed the prescribed dosage
- Avoid combining Benadryl with other antihistamines or sedatives
- Don’t give to cats with glaucoma, prostate issues, hyperthyroidism, or cardiovascular disease without vet approval
- Avoid use in pregnant or nursing cats
- Don’t give on an empty stomach, as it may cause nausea
Make sure your veterinarian is aware of any other medications or supplements your cat is taking. Some combinations may not be advisable.
Also let your vet know about any pre-existing conditions your cat has. Benadryl is metabolized through the liver, so liver disease could require dosage adjustments.
When in doubt, call your veterinarian before administering Benadryl to your cat. Provide all relevant details about your cat’s health status and symptoms.
Benadryl Overdose in Cats
While rare, Benadryl overdoses can occur in cats if pet owners do not follow veterinary dosage guidelines properly. Here’s what to look for with a Benadryl overdose:
- Extreme lethargy or unable to wake up
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid breathing or heart rate
- Body tremors or twitching
- Disorientation or stumbling
- Dry mouth and gums
- Seizures
A Benadryl overdose is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary care. There is no specific antidote for diphenhydramine toxicity, so treatment focuses on providing cat with supportive care while the medication leaves their system.
To avoid an accidental overdose, never give your cat Benadryl without clear dosing guidance from your veterinarian.
What to Do if Your Cat Is Overdosed on Benadryl
If you suspect your cat has overdosed on Benadryl, seek emergency veterinary care right away. Here’s what you can expect vets to do:
- Induce vomiting if Benadryl was ingested recently
- Provide IV fluids to prevent dehydration
- Monitor vital signs and watch for arrhythmias
- Give medications to control seizures if they occur
- Provide oxygen therapy if cat is having respiratory issues
- Hospitalize for close monitoring until Benadryl is out of system
With aggressive treatment, the prognosis for cats overdosed on Benadryl is generally good. However, overdose situations can be avoided by working closely with your vet and properly measuring doses.
Benadryl Interactions
It’s important to be aware of drugs that can interact with Benadryl when given to cats:
- Other antihistamines – Never combine Benadryl with other antihistamines like chlorpheniramine or hydroxyzine, as it will amplify effects.
- Antidepressants – Benadryl may increase sedative effects of antidepressants like amitriptyline or fluoxetine.
- Medications metabolized through liver – Benadryl goes through the liver, so combining with other liver-metabolized drugs could cause problems.
- Anesthetics – Using Benadryl before anesthesia could exaggerate effects.
Always provide your veterinarian an accurate list of all drugs, supplements, and herbs your cat is taking. Also inform your vet about conditions like heart disease, glaucoma, and hyperthyroidism that could impact medication choices.
Benadryl for Cats: The Bottom Line
Here’s a quick summary of using Benadryl for cats:
- Get veterinary approval first
- Dose carefully at 1 mg per lb of body weight 2-3 times daily
- Monitor for drowsiness and other side effects
- Use liquid, crushed tablets, or capsule contents
- Avoid long-term use unless prescribed by your vet
- Seek immediate vet care for overdoses
When used responsibly under veterinary supervision, Benadryl can provide safe, effective symptom relief for cats suffering from allergies, motion sickness, anxiety, and reactions to insect bites. Just be very careful with dosing and monitor your cat closely for side effects.
Talk to your vet about whether Benadryl is the right choice for your feline friend. With careful use, Benadryl can help keep your precious cat healthy and comfortable.
