Benadryl for Cats (Diphenhydramine)

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a medication available without a prescription over the counter. It is a member of the antihistamine class of drugs and is used for the treatment of allergies and sleep problems in humans. It is also available in a wide variety of generic versions making it relatively affordable when compared to many prescription medications. Benadryl has been in circulation for quite a while, first being discovered and synthesized in 1943. Since then, it has achieved widespread use and continues to be a popular medication today. In addition to treating allergies and sleep problems, Benadryl has been found to effectively treat the extrapyramidal symptoms often experienced by those suffering from Parkinson's disease; it is also effective in treating nausea. Benadryl has also become a common medication for use in veterinary medicine. It is recommended to treat a variety of conditions and symptoms for cats.

Conditions treatable by Benadryl for cats

There are quite a few conditions and symptoms that Benadryl may be safely used for in treating cats. It is an excellent remedy as it is inexpensive, effective, and does not have a high chance of causing undesirable side effects as long as the dosage is correct. Like humans, cats can have allergies. These may become worse for some cats during the summer and spring months when pollen concentrations are higher in the air. Allergies can lead to sneezing and coughing. It is best to check with a vet to make sure your cat's symptoms are indicative of allergies and not another condition. If your cat does have allergies, they can be very effectively treated with Benadryl. Many cats will often suffer from bug or spider bites. This can lead to swelling and irritation. Cats may bother these spots by biting or scratching them, ultimately resulting in harm. Benadryl can be administered in these cases to provide relief from the itching quite effectively. Many cats also become nervous or irritated when traveling in a car or airplane. Benadryl can be given to cats in these situations to effectively calm them down and allow them to relax. Benadryl can also help ease nausea in cats.

Benadryl dosage for cats

Many vets will recommend a quarter of an adult sized dosage of Benadryl or half of a child sized dosage. This equates to about 12.5mg. To be even more precise, many vets recommend about 1mg of Benadryl for every pound the cat weighs. So a ten pound cat would require 10mg of Benadryl. For smaller cats that are under ten pounds, it is best to stick with this method of determining dosages as smaller cats are more likely to experience adverse side effects from an overdose of Benadryl. For cats over ten pounds, 12.5mg should be adequate for most situations. It is always best, however, to check with a veterinarian before determining the dosage of Benadryl for your cat.

Benadryl side effects for cats

The risk of severe side effects is relatively low when giving your cat Benadryl as long as the proper dosage is given. Minor errors in dosage will generally just make your cat sleepier than usual. Large overdoses may result in your cat becoming frightened and disoriented. If these side effects occur, it is important to take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible so they can be properly treated. In general, though, Benadryl has a very low amount of side effects when given to cats.