
Zyrtec is a known brand of Cetirizine. Humans use Zyrtec antihistamine medicine to treat certain types of allergies, including animal dander, insect bite, dust mites, and pollen. But what is the Safe Cetirizine Zyrtec dosage for cats?
Cetirizine Zyrtec is also a wide veterinary use medication and is often used for cats and dogs to treat allergies, including hives, insect bites, itchy skin, skin rashes, and other allergies.
Do you aware of it?
Knowing about the safe dose and correct serving ideas on any feline medication, including Zyrtec, is essential. Giving any medicine in the wrong amount may harm more than benefit.
This article is a comprehensive guide about the safe Cetirizine dosage for cats, its uses, benefits, side effects, and safe serving ideas.

What is Cetirizine Zyrtec for Cats?
Zyrtec is an anti-histamine human medication used to treat specific allergies in pets, especially in cats and dogs. Cetirizine for cats is usually used to block the body’s histamine effect.
Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical released by the body in response to allergy or inflammation. This chemical travels throughout the body to find the histamine receptors.
Once the histamine host itself on the histamine receptors, it starts to act and cause itching, swelling, and other allergy symptoms.
An antihistamine drug such as Zyrtec helps your cat to control histamine-mediated pruritus by blocking the H-1 receptors and warding off these issues.
Uses of Cetirizine For cats

Veterinarians often prescribe Cetirizine for the treatment of many feline health issues. However, the most common use of Zyrtec for cats is to treat allergy-related problems, such as insect bites, itchy Skin, skin rashes and used to treat pruritus and rhinosinusitis, a non-responsive chronic inflammation of the nose and sinuses.
Zyrtec Dosage For Cats
The dose of Zyrtec Cetirizine may vary from cat to cat. However, according to the veterinarian, the ideal and safe amount of Zyrtec for felines is 2-5mg per cat once daily but should not exceed 5 mg.
The dose and administration of the medicine depends on the condition being treated, the overall health status of your kitty, and response to the Cetirizine.
Zyrtec Cetirizine Dosage Chart For Cats
Cat Body weight | Cetirizine Dose |
---|---|
1 kg | 1-1.5 mg |
2kg | 1.5 – 2mg |
3kg | 2-2.5 mg |
4kg | 2.5-3mg |
5kg | 3-4mg |
6kg | 3-4mg |
The above Dosage Chart is well researched and is based on rule 2-5mg per cat once daily but should not exceed 5 mg.
This chart can only be used for educational purposes and never replace your vet prescription. Your veterinarian may better prescribe the safe and ideal amount of any medication.
Zyrtec Side Effects for Felines
The most common side effects reported in cats with cetirizine are vomiting, sedation, hypersalivation, lethargy, drooling, lack of appetite, and drowsiness with overdosing.
How to give?

Cetirizine’s famous brand name Zyrtec should only be given to feline with veterinarian prescription. The medicine comes in two forms tablets and liquid.
Both forms of the cetirizine should be administrated orally by mouth or with the food. Observe your pet. If you observe any adverse effect, contact your vet immediately.
Please remember that cetirizine overdosing can be fatal for your cat. Therefore, only give the safe dose.
Zyrtec for cats’ Runny Nose
In cats, Zyrtec is used to relieve runny noses associated with non-responsive chronic inflammation of the nose and sinuses. However, there are some other reasons for the runny nose in dogs.
So the best idea is to diagnose the cause and use the medicine with your veterinarian prescription
Can you give your cat 10 mg Zyrtec?
Many cat parents often ask about can I give my kitty 10mg Zyrtec. The answer is that the suggested amount of cetirizine for cats is 2-5mg per cat and should never be exceeded from 5mg.
Therefore, if you plan to give the 10 mg tablet to your feline, make sure to crush the tablet into the ideal dose first and take your veterinarian’s advice in this regard.
In how much time does Zyrtec start work on cats and dogs?
The effect duration of the Cetirizine may vary from pet to pet. However, usually, the medicine starts its effect within 1 to 2 hours of ingestion.
Which cats should not take Cetirizine?

Cetirizine Zyrtec is not considered safe for all pets. If your kitty has any of the below mentioned health issues, do not give Cetirizine or only give with your vet advice.
Cats that should not take Zyrtec:
- Cats Hypersensitivity to Antihistamines
- Felines Suffering with Renal or Liver problems
- Pregnant and Lactating Cats
Can you crush Zyrtec for cats?
Yes, you can crush the Zyrtec tablet to the ideal and safe dose for your cat if your kitty has a problem swallowing it, or you can give the liquid form of cetirizine. However, make sure to crush the tablet in a clean place to avoid any contamination.
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