What over-the-counter medicine can I give my cat for allergies?
If your pet has mild seasonal allergies without a skin infection, over-the-counter antihistamines might be an option for allergy relief. Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Claritin (loratadine) are commonly used allergy medicine for cats and dogs.
What over-the-counter antihistamines are safe for cats?
Antihistamines
| Table 2. Antihistamine Dosages for Cats | |
|---|---|
| Antihistamine | Recommended Dosage For Cats |
| Cetirizine (Zyrtec, mcneil-consumer.com) | 5 mg/cat PO Q 12–24 H |
| Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, merck.com) | 2–4 mg/cat PO Q 12 H |
| Clemastine (Tavist, us.novartis.com) | 0.34–0.68 mg/cat PO Q 12 H |
How do you get rid of cat allergies fast?
How to Decrease Cat Allergies
- No more cats sleeping on the bed.
- Keep them out of the bedroom altogether.
- Wash all bedding in 140-degree hot water at least twice monthly.
- Use HEPA air filters in rooms where your cats frequent.
- Vacuum up cat allergen with a high-grade HEPA vacuum cleaner twice weekly.
Does Zyrtec help with cat allergies?
Pet allergy relief When you can’t live without your pet, a medicine for dog and cat allergies can help control your pet allergy symptoms. ZYRTEC® starts working at hour 1 and stays strong day after day, so you can reduce your cat and dog allergy symptoms.
Can I give my cat liquid Benadryl?
Benadryl is generally considered to be safe for cats and is sometimes used to treat allergies and allergic reactions in cats.
How can I treat my cats cat allergies?
How Are Cat Allergies Treated?
- Use veterinarian approved flea and tick control.
- Use dust-free cat litter.
- Bathe your cat to relieve itching.
- Keep your home clean of dirt and dust.
- Wash your cat’s bedding regularly.
- Provide your cat with a healthy diet.
- Avoid smoking around your pets.
Can cats have human antihistamines?
“Benadryl is just an antihistamine, and it’s relatively safe for both dogs and cats.” Benadryl is the brand name for the drug. The active ingredient is diphenhydramine, which you also can buy if you’re looking for a generic form of the medication.
Is Benadryl or Zyrtec better for cats?
Moderate dog success notwithstanding, where Zyrtec really shines is in my kitty patients. Though it doesn’t work for all itchy cats, it does seem to help quite a bit — far more than Benadryl’s diphenhydramine and significantly more than chlorpheniramine (my former go-to antihistamine for cats).
Can you cure cat allergies?
There is no cure for allergy to cats (yet!), but immunotherapy may help increase your tolerance. Immunotherapy involves getting allergy shots once or twice weekly for up to six months, then monthly boosters for three to five years.
How do I fix my cats allergies?
Is Zyrtec or Claritin better for cat allergies?
Antihistamines for mild pet allergies For example, a person with mild allergies may do well with Claritin. Another person with more severe allergies may do better with Zyrtec. However, Dr. Qamar says that although Zyrtec may be more effective in some patients, “around 10% of people can become sleepy with it.”
How do I give my cat Zyrtec?
For Cats: Allergy Meds You can give your cat Zyrtec (cetirizine) – 5mg (1/2 tablet) once daily (one full tablet of adult Zyrtec is 10mg).
What is the best allergy medication for cats?
Safe Prescription Antihistamines. You can use one of a few prescription-only antihistamines to treat your cat’s allergy symptoms. Medication containing cyproheptadine (Periactin) and hydroxyzine (Atarax) are effective on felines and do not cause health problems in most cats.
Can I give my Cat an over the counter allergy medication?
Over the Counter Cat Allergy Medication. Cat allergy medication is often prescribed by your veterinarian, but there are times when an over-the-counter medication may help solve your cat’s allergy problem. Consult your veterinarian for additional advice and dosing instructions regarding over-the-counter medications after you review this brief…
Are there any over the counter allergy meds for cats?
Common over-the-counter brands that are safe for use in cats (in appropriate doses) include: Benadryl Chlor-Trimeton Tavist Zyrtec
Are OTC medications safe for Your Cat?
Pepcid-AC ( Famotidine ), Tagamet ( Cimetidine ) and Zantac ( Ranitidine ) are common OTC medications to treat or prevent heartburn and stomach ulcer-related symptoms. They’re generally effective and safe for dogs (and cats).
