anti histamines for cats

wagirl · ‎03-09-2010

Does anyone give their cat zyrtec for allergies? Was told, by my vet, I could do that for my stripey cat as she is sneezing, scratching, and kind of juicy mess. Eyes are watery and has kind of a wheeze when she breathes. She is 7 years old , an indoor girl, and she reminds me of me and my allergies. Have taken her to the vet who says she doesn't hear anything weird--all blood labs are normal, no weird lumps or bumps, eats fine, litter box stuff is fine., up to date on shots and no fleas at all. Just curious and thanks ----

sophiesofers · ‎11-10-2016

@wagirl Sorry I don't know anything about allergy medicine for cats but I just wanted to say that I hope your kitty cat is feeling much better very soon! I know allergy season sure gets to me.

nycgrl · ‎05-08-2012

As long as the vet gave you the OK and the proper dosing information. My cat has allergies and asthma and last year I gave him a 1/4 of a tab of Chlorpheniramine. I bought the 4 mg. tablets and cut them - it made him very sleepy, but it worked. Thankfully she told me what to buy and how much to give. Good luck!

wenfen · ‎09-19-2013

My Vet prescribes Hydroxyzine 10mg tablets for my 20 lb Tabby, Sampson's seasonal allergies...I usually give him one table when needed, but you can give it 2X per day if necessary.

I use pill pockets, which he loves so there is no drama getting him to swallow these pills.

I would NOT give anything over the counter to cats unless you check with your Vet first.

Cats are way more sensitive than dogs to medicine & they can go into fatal kidney & liver failure very easily.

You can also get this RX from Sam's Club or Costco if you prefer. My Vet is very fair price wise, so I just give her the few extra dollars.

I make sure to get a new RX every year at my cat's annual check-up & shots.

Hope that helps! )

HappyDaze · ‎06-13-2012

Yes, for my dogs (I don't have cats) with allergies. We actually use the generic Zyrtec (cetirizine) from Costco. SOOOOO much cheaper than any Rx and works perfectly with no drowsiness. All my vets recommended it. We actually give more than what humans get because the vets say that the dogs process it a bit differently. Make sure your vet tells you exactly how much to use for your cat. I don't know if cats are like dogs in that they process it differently or if you can use the same doses as you would a human.

nycgrl · ‎05-08-2012

@HappyDaze wrote:
Yes, for my dogs (I don't have cats) with allergies. We actually use the generic Zyrtec (cetirizine) from Costco. SOOOOO much cheaper than any Rx and works perfectly with no drowsiness. All my vets recommended it. We actually give more than what humans get because the vets say that the dogs process it a bit differently. Make sure your vet tells you exactly how much to use for your cat. I don't know if cats are like dogs in that they process it differently or if you can use the same doses as you would a human.

Cats process things so differently due to their liver and kidney functions being so fragile. I find dogs much easier to treat when they are not well. Unfortunately my little boy was diagnosed with large cell lymphoma and we are living on borrowed time. Needless to say, I have learned alot more than I ever knew about cats. My heart breaks everyday but we are and already have defeated the odds since he was diagnosed in February and given 1 to 3 weeks. I only hope we continue for a long long time on the current path.

Nightowlz · ‎03-11-2010

Don't have a cat but the Vet had us give one of our dogs Benadryl. Her nose started swelling up after she got bit & had problems breathing.

Sammycat1 · ‎03-09-2010

My cats have had allergies. 2 cautions re: antihistamines, including zyrtec, in cats:

1. Never give more than 5 mg in a given day of Zyrtec.

2. NEVER give the "d" or decongestant version of zyrtec or any antihistamine to cats. The "d" versions are toxic to cats. Nevrr give combo antihistamine and tylenol or acetaminophen to cats...those latter meds are toxic in cats.

Chlor-Tabs or chlortimeton is the most effective antihistamines in cats. They are not non drowsy, but start at low dose...they will adapt. Consult doc on dose, but it's usually 1 to 4 mg a day dependong on weight and other hezlth conditions. Clear all with your vet!

wagirl · ‎03-09-2010

yes, my vet gave me the dosage instructions and she likes Zyrtec or generic for Zyrtec. I would never try this on my own. Thanks for all the input.

HappyDaze · ‎06-13-2012

@nycgrl wrote:
@HappyDaze wrote:
Yes, for my dogs (I don't have cats) with allergies. We actually use the generic Zyrtec (cetirizine) from Costco. SOOOOO much cheaper than any Rx and works perfectly with no drowsiness. All my vets recommended it. We actually give more than what humans get because the vets say that the dogs process it a bit differently. Make sure your vet tells you exactly how much to use for your cat. I don't know if cats are like dogs in that they process it differently or if you can use the same doses as you would a human.
Cats process things so differently due to their liver and kidney functions being so fragile. I find dogs much easier to treat when they are not well. Unfortunately my little boy was diagnosed with large cell lymphoma and we are living on borrowed time. Needless to say, I have learned alot more than I ever knew about cats. My heart breaks everyday but we are and already have defeated the odds since he was diagnosed in February and given 1 to 3 weeks. I only hope we continue for a long long time on the current path.

@nycgrl I am right there with you. My big boy's osteosarcoma has metastisized even though we removed the limb and were doing chemo. We thought we had 10 months but we will be lucky if we have 10 weeks now. He was doing great but they changed his chemo this last time on Thursday and since then, he isn't even the same dog. We are devastated and heartbroken. Big hugs to you. I feel and know your pain.