Is Benadryl Safe for Cats? A Cat Owner’s Guide

Benadryl has been used to treat allergic reactions in dogs and humans alike since the 1940s, making it one of the oldest antihistamines on the market today. But the question now is, can cats safely take this drug?

Benadryl has been used to help cats feel calm and sleep better at night, especially when they’re feeling anxious, scared by loud noises or other events like thunderstorms.

However, before you start giving your cat Benadryl, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about using Benadryl on cats. This guide will cover what it does, how it’s given to cats, and the side effects you need to watch out for when giving your cat Benadryl tablets or liquids. Let us begin by first getting a basic understanding of what Benadryl is and how it works. We also take a look at Neosporin to see if it is safe for use on cats.

What is Benadryl?

Benadryl is an over-the-counter drug that is used to treat the symptoms of allergies, including runny nose, sneezing, itching, and hives. Even though most people think of Benadryl as an antihistamine, it has many uses in addition to allergy relief.

While Benadryl is great for relieving allergies, vomiting and hay fever, it can also help you with a variety of issues, including motion sickness, anxiety, and hyperactivity. The Diphenhydramine it contains normally relaxes you and put you to sleep. That is because it blocks the effects of histamine in the brain, thus reducing or eliminating symptoms.

So, Can I give my cat Benadryl?

While it may seem safe to give this medicine to your cat when they’re suffering from allergies, there are side effects that need to be considered before you make that decision. These include drowsiness and hyperactivity. Also, overdoses can lead to problems breathing, coma or even seizures.

It is recommended to use the liquid version of Benadryl on cats as they will be more receptive to this form rather than the pill. One milligram per pound of your cat’s weight should be sufficient.

However, veterinarians recommend contacting them first before using any over-the-counter drug with your pet just to make sure it won’t have any dangerous consequences. For example, aspirin can lead to severe health complications in animals due to its ability to thin their blood and affect liver function. So, it is best to consult your vet first to make sure that this drug is safe for your feline friend. Benadryl is widely considered to be safe for cats While Benadryl isn’t likely a problem unless given incorrectly or too much, it’s better to play it safe by checking with your vet first.

What does Benadryl do to cats?

If your cat should ever suffer an insect or bug bite then it would be handy if you have Benadryl on hand to provide some needed relief for your feline friend. It can also be used to provide relief for itchy skin your cat may experience.

Benadryl is actually very safe to use as long as you follow the directions. But there are some things to consider before giving your cat Benadryl. If you plan on giving your cat more than one dose, give a few hours between doses, and do not exceed 10 milligrams per kg of weight per day (2 milligrams per pound).

Be careful to keep this medication out of reach from any children or pets and never exceed these recommended doses. When administering topical forms of Benadryl such as cream or gel, avoid contact with eyes because it can lead to eye irritation such as redness or blurred vision.

Side Effects of Benadryl to cats

The side effects of Benadryl for cats can include difficulty walking and turning, uncoordinated muscle movements, urinating in unusual places, sedation, panting, constipation and urinary retention. With some cats showing all the symptoms while others show only a few. Veterinarians are encouraged to ask if any of these problems are related to administering the drug when they prescribe it.

Benadryl is contraindicated in sick or convalescing animals and should not be given to pregnant females. If your cat develops any adverse effects after administration of this drug you should immediately contact your veterinarian who may choose to discontinue treatment with Benadryl at that time. Remember that Benadryl will have no effect on a virus.

Giving a cat Benadryl can cause the cat’s heart rate and blood pressure to drop, leading to depression and dizziness, which could pose risks if the animal was walking around at the time of taking the medication. It also poses the risk of inducing sleep so deep that breathing becomes impossible. If this happens, then medical attention should be sought immediately.

Can I put Neosporin on my cat?

Many cat owners wonder if Neosporin is safe for cats. Many of us who have to treat skin wounds use it without worry. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we may not be worrying enough. Some topical antibiotic ointments (e.g., Neosporin) contain ingredients that are toxic to cats.

The active ingredient in Neosporin is bacitracin, which has been reported as toxic in cats. Some people say a dose of 50 mg/kg can be lethal. For example, if your 20 pound (9 kg) cat were to eat one 5 gram package of Neosporin with active ingredient bacitracin, he could die from bacitracin poisoning! Symptoms of such poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, twitching muscles, convulsions or coma.

In order to avoid this situation, you should choose an alternative first aid cream or ointment like coconut oil or aloe vera gel. Keep these products out of reach and away from children because they are poisonous to them too. If you do end up using something like Neosporin on your cat be sure to wash his paws afterwards so he doesn’t lick off any residue.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Benadryl is safe for cats but there are potential side effects which need to be taken into consideration before giving this medication to your pet. It’s important that you talk to your veterinarian before administering any type of medication to your pet since each case is different and requires careful consideration when deciding what type of treatment is needed.

You should always check the expiration date and buy new medication whenever possible. Also make sure to store medications safely, preferably in child-proof containers! Keep them away from children and animals, who might accidentally use them. Keep them at room temperature and don’t expose them to light or moisture.

Ensure that you wash your hands after using the medication even if you’re just applying it topically and stay away from food during treatment time because ingesting this drug may cause drowsiness. When administering topical forms of such as cream or gel, avoid contact with eyes because contact can lead to eye irritation such as redness or blurred vision.

We wish for you and your feline friend plenty of happiness and good health. Cheers!

References: https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/can-you-give-cat-benadryl