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Can Cats Take Antihistamines?

Introduction:

Allergies are a common problem for both humans and cats. While there are many over-the-counter antihistamines available for humans, it is important to know that not all of them are safe for cats.

Which Antihistamines Are Safe for Cats?

The only antihistamine that is approved for use in cats is chlorpheniramine. Chlorpheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine, which means that it can cause drowsiness. It is important to use the correct dosage of chlorpheniramine for your cat, as too much can be dangerous. The recommended dosage of chlorpheniramine for cats is 0.2-0.4 mg/kg, given orally every 8-12 hours.

can cats take antihistamines

What Are the Side Effects of Antihistamines in Cats?

The most common side effects of antihistamines in cats are drowsiness and dry mouth. Other possible side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and increased heart rate. If your cat experiences any of these side effects, you should stop giving them the antihistamine and contact your veterinarian.

Can Cats Take Antihistamines?

When Should I Give My Cat an Antihistamine?

Antihistamines can be used to treat a variety of allergic reactions in cats, including:

Skin allergies
Food allergies
Environmental allergies
Insect stings

If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should talk to your veterinarian about whether or not an antihistamine is right for them.

How to Give Your Cat an Antihistamine

If your veterinarian has prescribed an antihistamine for your cat, it is important to follow the directions carefully. The antihistamine should be given orally with food. You can use a syringe to give your cat the antihistamine, or you can mix it in with their food. If your cat is difficult to give medication, you can ask your veterinarian for advice.

Can Cats Take Antihistamines?

Important Safety Information

It is important to never give your cat an antihistamine that is not specifically approved for use in cats. Some human antihistamines can be toxic to cats, and even a small dose can be fatal. If you are unsure whether or not an antihistamine is safe for your cat, you should always consult with your veterinarian.

Table 1: Safe and Unsafe Antihistamines for Cats

Safe Antihistamines	Unsafe Antihistamines
Chlorpheniramine	Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)**
**	Cetirizine (Zyrtec)**
**	Loratadine (Claritin)**
**	Fexofenadine (Allegra)**

Table 2: Common Side Effects of Antihistamines in Cats

Side Effect	Symptoms
Drowsiness	Lethargy, difficulty walking, decreased activity
Dry mouth	Thick saliva, difficulty swallowing, increased thirst
Vomiting	Regurgitation of food or liquid
Diarrhea	Loose stools, frequent bowel movements
Constipation	Hard stools, difficulty defecating
Increased heart rate	Rapid pulse, panting

Table 3: When to Give Your Cat an Antihistamine

Symptom	Possible Cause	Antihistamine May Help
Itching	Skin allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies	Yes
Hives	Skin allergies, food allergies, insect stings	Yes
Sneezing	Environmental allergies, upper respiratory infection	Yes
Runny nose	Environmental allergies, upper respiratory infection	Yes
Watery eyes	Environmental allergies, conjunctivitis	Yes

Stories and What We Learn

Story 1: Lily is a 2-year-old cat who has been suffering from skin allergies for the past few months. Her skin is red and itchy, and she is constantly scratching herself. Her veterinarian prescribed chlorpheniramine, and within a few days, her symptoms started to improve. Lily is now much more comfortable and is no longer scratching herself as much.
Story 2: Max is a 5-year-old cat who has a food allergy to chicken. Whenever he eats chicken, he develops hives all over his body. His veterinarian prescribed chlorpheniramine, which helps to reduce the swelling and itching of his hives. Max can now enjoy his food without having to worry about an allergic reaction.
Story 3: Oliver is a 10-year-old cat who has environmental allergies. He is allergic to dust, pollen, and mold. When he is exposed to these allergens, he starts to sneeze, his nose runs, and his eyes water. His veterinarian prescribed chlorpheniramine, which helps to relieve his symptoms. Oliver can now enjoy spending time outdoors without having to worry about his allergies.

What We Learn:

Antihistamines can be a safe and effective way to treat allergies in cats. However, it is important to use the correct type of antihistamine and to follow the directions carefully. If you are unsure whether or not an antihistamine is right for your cat, you should always consult with your veterinarian.

Tips and Tricks

Give your cat the antihistamine with food. This will help to reduce the risk of stomach upset.
Use a syringe to give your cat the antihistamine. This is the easiest way to ensure that your cat gets the correct dosage.
If your cat is difficult to give medication, ask your veterinarian for advice. They may be able to recommend a different way to give your cat the antihistamine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not give your cat an antihistamine that is not specifically approved for use in cats. Some human antihistamines can be toxic to cats.
Do not give your cat too much antihistamine. Too much antihistamine can cause serious side effects, including death.
Do not give your cat antihistamine for more than 14 days without consulting your veterinarian. Long-term use of antihistamines can lead to side effects.

Why It Matters

Allergies can be a serious problem for cats. They can cause discomfort, pain, and even health problems. Antihistamines can help to relieve the symptoms of allergies and improve your cat's quality of life.

How It Benefits

Antihistamines can provide a number of benefits for cats with allergies, including: