Benadryl is a medication used as an over-the-counter antihistamine. It is produced by GlaxoSmithKline and is sold in the US by Schering-Plough and by Pfizer in Canada and some other countries. Used to treat allergies and other ailments, benadryl works by inhibiting the movement of substances through the cell membranes in the body.
As a result, it relieves the symptoms of colds, allergies and asthma. Benadryl is also prescribed to treat motion sickness and insomnia.
If you have a cat that is allergic to something, then the last thing you want them to do is lick their paws and groom themselves.
This can lead to ingestion of whatever it was they were allergic too. If your cat has been prescribed benadryl for their allergies, but you are not sure if cats can take benadryl, this blog post will answer all of your questions!
The ingredient in Benadryl that helps you sleep is diphenhydramine, so you can see why giving it to a cat could be a bad idea. Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms and as a sleep aid.
If your cat is showing symptoms of an allergy, such as sneezing and runny eyes, or is having trouble sleeping, you can talk to your veterinarian about a different sleep aid or antihistamine. Keeping your cat away from allergens and making sure she has plenty of fresh water can help her allergies too.
Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction
Even though cats are less likely to develop allergies than dogs or humans, it is still possible for your cat to develop an allergic reaction. This can occur in response to something in the air, food, or even something it comes into contact with.
When an allergic reaction occurs, it can cause some worrying symptoms, such as skin inflammation or a swollen face. As cats age, they are more likely to develop allergies.
Food allergies are the most common cause of allergic reactions in cats, but they can also be caused by inhaled allergens. An allergic reaction in cats can lead to severe inflammation of the skin and paws, gastrointestinal problems, and even respiratory problems. (Asthma)
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can be severe and potentially fatal. Cats that suffer from allergies may experience any one or more of the following symptoms:
- Redness of the skin, (itchy bumps) and ear infections.
- Sneezing, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing
- Scratching at their head/face; redness around nose and eyes
- Skin rashes throughout body (often in areas where there is a lot of hair) such as on ears, neck, chest area etc. The skin condition will typically worsen if you touch it or brush against it while your cat has an allergy flare up so please do not try to pet them during this time! If they are licking excessively then this could also be a sign that they have an allergy – contact your vet immediately.
What does Benadryl do to cats?
Benadryl is commonly used to treat allergies in cats. It is usually given to a cat orally, but can also be administered via injection or applied topically.
The antihistamine in Benadryl suppresses a cat’s immune system, making it less likely to have an allergic reaction. It also has sedative effects, which is why some people use it as a sleep aid. Benadryl is typically used to treat allergies and conditions like conjunctivitis and hives.
An estimated 77% of people have pets (no pun intended) in their homes, and a lot of these people have questions about what their pets need. One of the most common concerns is whether Benadryl should be given to cats. The answer, in short, is no. Benadryl is an antihistamine, and its active ingredient, diphenhydramine, is toxic to cats.
How can I naturally sedate my cat?
An anxious or stressed cat can be a handful, often causing troubles to a house’s other residents. If your cat is feeling anxious or stressed, you might notice a change in their behavior. These include things like excessive meowing, biting or scratching, hiding, or increased aggression towards other people or animals in the home.
Some cats can be difficult to sedate, as they are uncomfortable when faced with unfamiliar human contact and may resist medication. Some alternatives include:
- using a towel or blanket to create a cozy den for your cat by tucking it into the couch or bed where he likes to sleep
- spraying Feliway spray (sold at most pet stores) on areas of tension like behind furniture legs or along baseboards
- adding upholstery nails in one room of your home so that you can place something enticing under them such as fresh tuna fish, wet food, kibble treats etc. Set aside time each day to interact with him there while also placing his regular meal and water dishes nearby.
Preventing Allergic Reactions in Cats
Allergies are a common issue in cats, and understanding the causes will help you avoid and treat them. As with humans, cat allergies are caused by the immune system overreacting to a substance in the environment.
Cats are naturally attracted to high-dust areas, so if you can keep kitty out of such areas, you are helping to prevent the development of allergies.
Cats can be allergic to a number of things, including: pollen, dust mites, fleas, food additives (such as artificial sweeteners), and more. If you notice any unusual behaviour from your cat such as itching or scratching at their fur excessively; avoiding certain areas in the house for no apparent reason; excessive licking on themselves; excessive sneezing; discharge coming out of their eyes/nose etc., it may point towards an allergy issue!
One thing that many people don’t know is that cats are just like humans with allergies – they might have more than one specific allergen causing trouble. This means that if you think your pet has an allergy but you aren’t sure what type of substances.
Avoid gel capsules
One of the most common ways to give an animal a pill is to hide it in a piece of meat. However, only about 20% of cats will eat meat with a pill inside it. One way to make sure the pill goes down is to wrap the pill in a small piece of cheese, or you can try coating the pill in peanut butter.
The use of Benadryl is usually safe for your cats. However, if you use gel capsules, then you should be aware of the potential risks involved. These gels should not be used in cats because they are not absorbed well. If you use them, your cat is likely to suffer from a number of side effects including blurred vision, difficult breathing and heart problems.
Double-check the dose
You have a case of flea bites on your ankles, but your cat is also scratching like crazy. You reach for the bottle of benadryl—a standard treatment for insect bites in humans—and shake out a little pill, ready to give it to Fuzzy. Before you pop it into his mouth, stop: benadryl is made for people, and is not safe for your cat.
The first step in giving your cat benadryl is to determine whether it is safe for your cat. If your cat is over the age of six months, it is not safe to give him benadryl. In cats over six months of age, the drug can cause a fatal heart arrhythmia. Furthermore, be aware that benadryl is only safe for cats in small doses.
If you need to give your cat a dose of Benadryl, be sure that it is the correct one. There are several different dosages for cats: some can take 25 milligrams (mg), while others can only have 12. However, these doses may not work in both instances due to weight differences and other factors so make sure beforehand when dosing them with this medication.
As always, if you have any questions about using or giving your cat Benadryl, contact your vet before doing anything else!
Read the ingredient list
The vet told you to give your cat benadryl to help it relax before the long flight. So you head to the grocery store, grab a bottle of it off the shelf, and give it to your cat. No harm, no foul, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Benadryl is a common over-the-counter allergy medication, and it’s often used for its sedative properties. But it’s also a very popular drug for pets who suffer from anxiety, and while it’s not generally recommended to give your cat benadryl, it’s up to you—if you think it’s beneficial for your cat, go for it.
Your cat is sneezing and you rush to the store to buy Benadryl. You should pick up a bottle and read its ingredient list before giving it to her — the active ingredient is diphenhydramine, and it is potentially toxic for cats.
While the dosage is unlikely to harm your cat, the effects of telling you that she should take Benadryl will make her better. If your cat is having difficulty breathing and you’ve ruled out an infection as a cause, you should bring her to the vet.
Can Benadryl kill a cat?
Even though Benadryl is commonly used to treat allergies in humans, it is inadvisable to give it to your cat at all. For one thing, Benadryl is a very potent antihistamine that can cause drowsiness, lethargy and a lack of balance in humans.
In cats these side effects can be life-threatening. Benadryl is especially dangerous for kittens. Since they are still growing, they often get sick when they take Benadryl. Side effects can include muscle tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and even death.
The link between human medications and animal toxicity is nothing new, but is also not often discussed. Many medications that are safe for people, can be harmful to animals, and in some cases, even deadly. One example of this is Benadryl, an antihistamine that is commonly used to treat allergies in both people and pets.
In most cases, Benadryl is not a problem for animals when taken at the recommended doses. If you are worried about your pet consuming Benadryl, always get in touch with your vet before giving your pet any human medications.