Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride brand name Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication that can be used to treat various cats conditions, including allergies, hives, colds, swelling, itching, and flu. It is a safe and effective medication for most cats. So what is the safe Benadryl dosage for cats?
Every feline owner must know about the safe dosage of Benadryl for felines, its benefits, side effects, and safe ways of administration.
This blog post is a comprehensive guide about Benadryl for cats.
Is Benadryl safe for Cats?
Yes, Benadryl is generally safe for cats when used as directed. Benadryl is not FDA-approved for felines but can be used over the counter to treat several conditions in cats, including allergies, Coughing and wheezing, Sneezing, Itchy skin, motion sickness, and travel anxiety etc.
It is essential to note that some cats may be more sensitive to the effects of Benadryl than others. If you are unsure whether or not Benadryl is suitable for your cat, always err on the side of caution and consult with your veterinarian first.
Remember that cats with other medical conditions such as glaucoma, heart problems, liver and kidney issues, and felines allergic to diphenhydramine hydrochloride should not take Benadryl until your vet prescribes it for your kitty.
Like with any medication, potential side effects may occur. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian before giving your cat Benadryl, and always follow the dosage instructions provided by your vet.
Additionally, keep an eye on your cat after giving them the medication, and contact your vet immediately if you notice any adverse reactions.
Benadryl Dosage For Cats
The safe dosage of Benadryl for cats is 2.2 mg/kg or 1 mg/lb two to three times a day. The recommended dosage of liquid Benadryl (12.4mg/5ml) is 0.9 ml/ kg or 0.4 ml/lb.
The dose of Benadryl for felines can be increased or decreased according to the severity of the health issue with the veterinarian’s advice.
The ideal form of this medicine for cats is Benadryl liquid, which can easily be administered with a safe dosage.
Remember that overdosing is toxic; never give more than the recommended dosage according to your kitty’s body weight.
Dosage Calculator
Benadryl Dosage Chart For Cats
| Cat Weigh kg | Cat Weight lbs | Benadryl dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kg | 2 lb | 2.2 mg |
| 2 kg | 4 lb | 4.4 mg |
| 3 kg | 7 lb | 6.6 mg |
| 4 kg | 9 lb | 8.8 mg |
| 5 kg | 11 lbs | 11 mg |
| 6 kg | 13 lbs | 13.2 mg |
| 7 kg | 15 lbs | 15.4 mg |
| 8 kg | 18 lbs | 17.6 mg |
| 9 kg | 20 lbs | 19.8 mg |
| 10 kg | 22 lbs | 22 mg |
Liquid Benadryl Dosage For Cats
The safe and recommended dosage of liquid Benadryl (12.4mg/5ml) is 0.9 ml/ kg or 0.4 ml/lb.
| 2 lb | 1 kg | 0.9 ml |
| 4 lb | 2 kg | 1.8 ml |
| 7 lb | 3 kg | 2.6 ml |
| 9 lb | 4 kg | 3.5 ml |
| 11 lbs | 5 kg | 4.4 ml |
| 13 lbs | 6 kg | 5.3 ml |
| 15 lbs | 7 kg | 6.2 ml |
| 18 lbs | 8 kg | 7.1 ml |
| 20 lbs | 9 kg | 7.9 ml |
| 22 lbs | 10 kg | 8.8 ml |
Benadryl 25mg Tablets For Cats Dosage
| 3 kg | 7 lb | 1/ 4 Tablet |
| 4 kg | 9 lb | 1/3 Tablet |
| 5 kg | 11 lbs | ½ Tablet |
| 6 kg | 13 lbs | ½ Tablet |
| 7 kg | 15 lbs | ½ Tablet |
| 8 kg | 18 lbs | ½, ¼ Tablet |
| 9 kg | 20 lbs | ½, ¼ Tablet |
| 10 kg | 22 lbs | 1 Tablet |
Side effects of Benadryl for cats
While Benadryl is generally safe for cats, there are a few potential side effects. The most common side effect of Benadryl for felines are:
- Hyperexcitability
- Nausea
- Decreased Urination
- Sedation
- Dry Mouth
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Which form of Benadryl is not safe for cats?
Some forms of Benadryl, such as gel capsules and liquid that contain xylitol or other toxic flavorings, are not considered safe for cats and should be avoided.
If you are unsure which form of Benadryl is safe for your feline, it is best to use your vet’s prescribed form of the medicine.
Which cats should not take Benadryl?
There is no consensus on which cats should not take Benadryl, as some veterinarians may recommend it for some instances while others may not.
Benadryl should be given to pregnant or nursing cats with precautions, as it can cross the placenta and potentially harm the developing kittens.
Benadryl should be used with caution in felines with heart conditions or high blood pressure, as it can cause further complications.
Felines with kidney or liver problems should take medicine with the veterinarian’s advice.
As always, speak to your veterinarian before giving any medication to your cat.
How does Benadryl work?
The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine which is an antihistamine. Antihistamines work by binding to histamine receptors and block the action of histamine. This prevents the release of histamine, which is a substance that causes allergic reactions.
By blocking these receptors, Benadryl can help to relieve the symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever, hives, and eczema. Benadryl is also used to treat motion sickness and other forms of nausea.
This can relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, and hives. It can also be used to treat motion sickness and insect bites or stings.
How long does Benadryl take to work on cats?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it can vary depending on the cat’s physiology and metabolism. However, it is thought that Benadryl takes around 30 minutes to start working on cats. However, the complete treatment may take 5-7 days.
Therefore, if your cat is showing signs of distress or discomfort, it is best to give them the medication and then wait a little while to see if there is any improvement.
Can I use Benadryl for cats travel Anxiety?
Yes, you can use Benadryl for cats that experience travel anxiety. The recommended dosage of Benadryl for a cat’s travel anxiety is 2mg/kg 30min to 1 hour before the travel.
You can use other medicines for motion sickness and travel anxiety in your feline friend.
What is the lethal dose of Benadryl for cats?
Overdosing of any medicine, including Benadryl, can be lethal for felines. Never exceed the amount of medicine from the recommended dosage.
In Approximations dose above 5mg/kg or 3mg/lb can develop toxicity and may be lethal for your cat. To ensure safety, always stick with the safe dosage.
If you believe your cat has ingested too much Benadryl, it is essential to seek professional medical help immediately.
Why is my cat mouth foaming after taking Benadryl?
There are many reasons why your cat may be foaming at the mouth after taking Benadryl. The leading cause of cat mouth forming is the bitter taste of the medicine; however, there can be some other reasons too.
It is possible that your cat is allergic to the medication or that the dosage was too high.
Forming at the feline mouth due to Benadryl is also a sign of reaction to the medicine.
Keep a close eye on your kitty. If you observe exec foaming and other adverse symptoms, rush to your veterinarian.
Can I give my cat children Benadryl?
Children Benadryl is safe for cats when used correctly if it doesn’t contain any toxic ingredients such as xylitol, other toxic flavors, etc.
The dosage of children Benadryl for cats is 0.9 ml/ kg or 0.4 ml/lb.
Please be aware that some products specifically mention not to give to pets on their packaging. If your cat has anaphylactic shock, you should immediately bring them to the emergency vet.
Does Benadryl calm cats down?
Yes, Benadryl can help to calm cats down. The active ingredient in Benadryl, diphenhydramine, is a sedating antihistamine that can be used to relieve anxiety and calm nerves.
When given at the recommended dosage, Benadryl is generally safe for cats.
Will Benadryl make a cat sleepy?
Yes, Benadryl can make a cat sleepy. One of the side effects of the medicine’s active ingredient in Benadryl, diphenhydramine, is drowsiness. That can make or appear your kitty sleepy.
If you give your cat Benadryl, you may notice that they become more relaxed and even fall asleep.
