Benadryl for Cats

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Benadryl is a medication that is sometimes recommended to be given to cats. It is usually very safe, but it is important to know exactly what Benadryl is, exactly how much to give your cat, and when to know if your cat really needs Benadryl.

What Is Benadryl?

Benadryl is the brand name for the drug that has an active ingredient called diphenhydramine. Drugs that contain diphenhydramine are basically generic forms of Benadryl. The Benadryl you get at the veterinarian’s office is the same medication you can buy off the shelf at your local drug store.

Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication. It does not require a prescription from a doctor or vet. It can be purchased in a variety of formulations including:

  • tablets
  • capsules
  • liquid gels
  • liquid (in varying concentrations)

Benadryl is sometimes combined with other medications that are not safe for cats. So be sure to read the package carefully when purchasing the drug to ensure that diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, is the only drug in the product.

Generic diphenhydramine is also available, as well as a faster acting injectable form that your veterinarian will have available.

Can You Give a Cat Benadryl?

A question that many cat owners have is whether or not they can safely give their cats Benadryl. The answer is “yes”,  when it is appropriately administered. Veterinarians agree that Benadryl is safe to give to most animals including both dogs and cats.

How Does Benadryl Work?

 When histamines, which are inflammatory substances, attach to cells, they can cause an allergic reaction. These chemicals are usually released in the body in response to an allergic reaction not only in cats, but also people, dogs, and other animals. Benadryl acts as an antihistamine and blocks histamine and acetylcholine from being released throughout the body, thereby preventing the allergic reaction to take place.

What is Benadryl for Cats Used For?

 

Cat Allergies

Cats can suffer from allergies from just about anything that their bodies don’t necessarily agree with. Unfortunately, many cat allergies develop without much warning. For instance, cats can develop food allergies to the same food they have been eating for their entire life.

Skin Allergies

Cats can experience skin allergies that cause itching, agitation. Redness, inflammation, and bumps are often signs of an allergic reaction, but can be difficult to detect until the response has gotten severe.

Reactions to Vaccines

Some cats are prone to having allergic reactions to vaccinations. Monitoring your cat after any shots or new medication is introduced is a good idea. Even cats who have never experienced an allergic reaction to certain vaccines can have an adverse response without warning.

Bug Bites

Insect bites can affect your cat just like you. A single bug bite can cause many days of scratching and itching. If you are getting mosquito bites, it’s safe to say that your cat is likely getting bitten as well. Benadryl can help relieve the itching from insect stings.

When Not to Use Benadryl

Benadryl may help with a variety of different situations in your cat but that does not mean that it is safe for every cat.

If your cat is taking any of the following medications, they should not be given Benadryl:

  • Amitraz which is commonly used as a tick prevention has adverse effects when given with Benadryl.

  • Central Nervous System Depressants that are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety are known to have adverse complications when used with Benadryl.

  • Additionally, Epinephrine (a treatment for anaphylaxis) is known to have reactions with Benadryl.

  • Furazolidon, often prescribed as an antibacterial agent should not be given in conjunction with Benadryl.

  • Also, Selegiline, prescribed for cognitive dysfunction, is known to have negative interactions with Benadryl.

  • Heparin Sodium or Calcium which is used to treat diseases that involve with blood clotting both have adverse reactions when paired with the antihistamine.

  • Finally, often prescribed to treat and prevent blood clots, Warfarin Sodium should not be given with Benadryl.

Some other examples of when a cat should not take Benadryl include:

  • If your cat has heart disease, consult your veterinarian before giving Benadryl.
  • If your cat has high blood pressure, consult your veterinarian before giving Benadryl.
  • If your cat has glaucoma, consult your veterinarian before giving Benadryl.
  • Benadryl is not an antidote or remedy for a venomous bite from a reptile or insect. Your cat may need immediate veterinary attention in that situation.

Benadryl Dosage for Cats

Benadryl also comes in 12.5 or 25 milligrams (mg) tablets. Typically, cats can take 1 mg of Benadryl for each pound of body weight two to three times a day. This means a 12 pound cat can safely take half of a 25 mg Benadryl tablet up to three times a day, depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation.

Cats under 12 pounds may be more easily dosed using Benadryl liquid instead of a tablet, since it can be dosed more accurately. You can use the syringe to administer the liquid into the cat’s mouth.

Benadryl Overdose

Benadryl is usually extremely safe, but if too much is given to your cat, it can cause lethargy or excitement. Occasionally, a cat may also develop dry mouth, have respiratory depression, seizures, go into a coma, or even die if a large enough amount is administered.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Benadryl

Benadryl can cause sleepiness, dry mouth, or urinary retention and potentially cause some gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea and/or vomiting.

Ask Your Vet!

Before giving your cat any type of drug or supplement, you should always discuss it with your veterinarian regarding the exact dose of Benadryl that your cat should take. Our information here is merely the recommended for the average cat and every cat is different when it comes to medication.