Benadryl for Cats With Asthma

Cats suffer from some of the same respiratory problems humans do, according to the website Vetinfo. Feline asthma limits a cat's breathing ability and can even making simple tasks like walking difficult. Fortunately, it is rare. Only one percent of cats have asthma. Females, Siamese and Himalayans appear more susceptible than other cats.

  1. Feline Asthma

    • Feline asthma is usually caused by allergies to substances in the air. However, other factors, like pollutants, viruses and other allergic reactions can bring on asthma attacks or make them worse. Antihistamine medications, like Benadryl (or diphenhydramine for cats) are often used to help treat cats with asthma.

    Treatment of Asthma Symptoms

    • The most noticeable symptom in feline asthma is consistent coughing or wheezing. This comes from the cat's inability to expel airflow from his lungs normally. There may also be panting and breathing with the mouth open. In severe cases, shallow breathing and gasping will occur. Antihistimines, like Benadryl (or diphenhydramine for cats), can lessen these symptoms by reducing the inflammation in the lungs and airways that help cause them.

    Treatment of Allergic Symptoms

    • Another reason antihistamines like Benadryl (or diphenhydramine for cats) are used to treat feline asthma is because allergic reactions to anything can worsen a cat's asthma. Antihistamines help treat allergic symptoms by shutting down the production of histamines, the substance released by the cat's body in reaction to the allergens. If allergic reactions can be reduced overall, the cat's asthmatic condition can improve. Symptoms of allergies that can be treated with diphenhydramine include sneezing, face rubbing, itching, swelling, watery eyes, runny nose and excessive licking and scratching.

    Short-Term Side Effects

    • Side effects for cats taking antihistamines like Benadryl (or diphenhydramine for cats) include dizziness, confusion, lack of coordination, irritability, digestive problems, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, and dry nose. However, these side effects are often considered worth it if the medication reduces possibly life-threatening respiratory problems.

    Long-Term Side Effects

    • Vets tend to rotate antihistamine medications every three months due to the ability of the cat's body to develop resistance. Over a long period of time, antihistamines like Benadryl (or diphenhydramine for cats) can produce long-term side effects, such as difficulty urinating, vision problems, and behavior changes. Alternative treatments include allergy shots (to help reduce allergies that can worsen asthma), altering the cat's environment and natural methods.