Is your cat not feeling too well? 

Humans have the luxury to pop a pill whenever we aren’t feeling well and get much-needed relief from our symptoms. However, our cats can’t do the same thing.

But, they sure can tell us they aren’t feeling well. 

If your cat is having an allergic reaction to something, you might want to offer her some Benadryl but, it is safe for your feline friend? That’s precisely what we’ll be covering! 

In this blog post, we will answer the question, “Can cats take Benadryl?” in detail and go over everything you need to know about it. 

Keep reading to know more. 

First Thing’s First: What is Benadryl? 

Benadryl contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride, which is an antihistamine used to treat the symptoms of allergies. These medicines work by hindering a chemical released by the immune system called histamine, which causes an allergic reaction in the first place. 

Read on to know whether or not Benadryl is safe for your feline friend. 

Straight to the Point: Can Cats Take Benadryl?

Yes, Benadryl is safe for cats to consume and is effective in treating the symptoms of allergy. 

The easiest way to administer the medicine is by using liquid Benadryl in a syringe. If your cat isn’t a fan of the taste, you can ask the pharmacy if they can add a cat-approved flavour to the medicine. Chicken or fish usually work best for cats. 

General Allergies and Benadryl for Cats 

Your kitty may be allergic to a host of things such as cleaning products, pollen, plastics, rubber, etc. Some cats also develop food allergies. The most common symptoms of allergies include: 

• Diarrhoea
• Itchiness
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Sneezing 

Benadryl will be useful in treating these symptoms. However, it is always a good idea to contact your vet before administering the medicine. 

They’ll be better able to guide you regarding the frequency and dose. 

Acute Allergic Reactions: Can Cats Take Benadryl? 

Acute allergic reactions have a sudden onset. These include facial swelling, hives, etc. Sometimes, they may be side-effect of a vaccine or medicine. 

Benadryl has a sedative effect and can help calm your cat down. However, people have also reported an opposite effect, so it is always a good idea to call the vet to check whether or not the medicine may be the right fit for your kitty. 

Motion Sickness and Benadryl: Here’s the Thing! 

If you’re taking your kitty on a long road trip, you’ll need to make sure that your feline friend is comfortable for the duration of the trip. Benadryl helps prevent and treat motion sickness, which is why vets recommend administering it before a car ride. 

Ask your vet if the medicine will be suitable for your cat. 

How Much Benadryl Should I Give My Cat? 

The answer to this question depends on many factors, which is why we recommend you consult your vet instead of following advice found on the internet. 

When it comes to the health and safety of your cat, prevention is better than the cure. 

Generally, the recommended dosage for this medicine is one to two milligrams per pound of body weight. 

Benadryl for Cats: Potential Issues 

Every drug comes with side effects, and Benadryl is no exception to the rule. The drug may be responsible for a wide range of symptoms which include drowsiness and hyperactivity. 

Overdose of Benadryl can cause the following: 

• Coma
• Seizures 
• Difficulty breathing
• Death 

Also keep in mind that Benadryl helps relieve allergies symptoms, but doesn’t do much for the underline condition. So, i is best to take your cat to the vet for a full physical examination and diagnosis. 

All in All: Can Cats Take Benadryl?

Were we able to answer your question in detail? 

Yes, Benadryl is safe for cats to consume and helps your cat get relief from allergies and motion sickness. However, it is always advisable to check with your vet to see whether the medicine is best suited for your feline friend. 

Do you have any questions or concerns? Feel free to leave them in the comments, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!