Benadryl for Feline Constipation

Benadryl for Cats

• Benadryl is safe for most cats. Feline dosage is 0.25 to 1 mg per lb. every 8 to 12 hours. As in humans, side effects include altered mental state, sedation and drowsiness. If diarrhea or vomiting develop, or constipation worsens, your pet may be having a serious reaction. Consult a veterinarian immediately. Most human drugs are not safe for cats. Do not use any product besides plain diphenhydramine, as common human drugs like acetominophen are extremely poisonous to cats.

Symptoms of Feline Constipation

• The most obvious symptom of constipation is an empty litter box. Other signs are straining, restlessness, discomfort, small, hard stools dropped in inappropriate places, feces clinging to the cat and reluctance to eat. To ease constipation, make sure your cat has access to plenty of clean water, and try feeding canned cat food and vegetables such as cooked pumpkin, squash or "cat grass."

Causes of Feline Constipation

• Benadryl is an antihistamine. The body releases histamines during allergy attacks, certain illnesses and stress. Histamines cause inflammation of the skin, eyes, respiratory and digestive systems. Inflammation of the digestive tract can cause constipation. Benadryl may relieve constipation caused by food allergies, poisonous or inedible plants, motion sickness and stress from travel or change in the environment, such as adding or losing a member of the household. Constipation can also be a side effect of medication, or of infection with intestinal worms. In both of these cases, seek veterinary attention. Drug reactions or interactions and intestinal blockage by worms are immediate dangers to your pet's life.

Warnings

• The greatest danger with Benadryl and feline constipation is misdiagnosis. Cats rarely become constipated. When you see your cat straining to use the litter box, you tend to assume it is constipation. Unfortunately, it is usually a urinary blockage, which is much more dangerous. An untreated urinary blockage can kill a cat within 48 hours, and is extremely painful and distressing for the cat. If you are not absolutely certain that the problem is constipation, seek immediate veterinary care.

Veterinary Supervision

• It is important to get the advice of a veterinarian for unknown, severe or recurring problems. If this is the first time your cat has shown signs of constipation, make sure it is really constipation. If your cat has a known allergy or tendency to eat toxic plants, limit your pet's exposure to these items. Consult a veterinarian before giving Benadryl if your pet is on any other medication or supplement. Be sure not to exceed the recommended dosage of Benadryl. When it comes to pharmaceuticals, more does not equal better, only more dangerous.

Medicating Your Cat

• Cats are not known for their love of swallowing pills. Strategies differ. Some cats will take a whole or crushed pill mixed with fish or another favorite food. Nutrigel is a product that disguises the taste of medication and is very palatable to most pets. Finally, some cats can be forced to swallow a pill by getting behind the cat so it can't back away, and placing the pill in the mouth. To be effective, you must push the pill into the corner of the mouth behind the teeth and as far down the throat as possible, then hold the cat's mouth closed and firmly but gently stroke its throat until it swallows.