Does anyone know? (Cat question)

[MissMillie]

Is it ok to give a cat Benedryl?

My cat has been scratching herself raw. The doctor diagnosed it as an allergy to something, but he's not sure what she's allergic to (even saying that she might be allergic to herself).

I'm going to pick up a cone today so that she stops scratching this one particular sore on her face, but I'd like to give her something to stop the itching.

I'm off to run errands, but I'll be back to check responses in a while.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Mizmoon]

1. ask the vet about a cortisone injection

and about the benadryl ... we're just a buncha amatures ...

[koopie57]

2. We had a smaller dog who was allergic

to her annual shots. We were told to give her a little benedryl before bringing her in. It worked fine for the dog.

[havocmom]

3. Have read it's OK for dogs but NOT for cats.

An allergy that bad probably needs steroids (cortizone-like) for a while. Vet didn't give cat shots of it?

I ended up making 100% cotton knit suits for a cat while she was mending from a bad reaction to fleas the dog brought home. Vet gave her shots but it still took a while and she was licking her hair off. She didn't mind the soft cotton jersey outfits. Made several so she wold always have a clean on.

As a lark, I made matching 'cat hats' and she loved us so much, she even wore them cuz it made my daughter giggle.

She go better in a few weeks and lived to a ripe old age, NOT wearing funny clothes ever again.

edited cuz I can't type and sleep

[bicentennial_baby]

4. It could be her food

Our cat had the same problem, she was allergic to something in the food we were giving her. Changed the food, and the sores are healed and the itching has stopped!

[LiberalEsto]

6. corn often causes pet allergies

so check if there is corn in the catfood.

Do not give Benadryl without checking with your vet

[Heidi]

5. Our cat had the same problem two weeks ago.

Do NOT give benadryl. Take your cat to the vet and get him/her a cortisone injection. It will stop the itching immediately and our doctor said the cortisone stays in a cat's system for about two weeks.

Our cat immediately stopped scratching and now is completely healed up, except for a tiny scab.

[Double T]

7. Prednisone Works Well On My Dog With A Similar Skin Condition, But...

...It Should Be Used Sparingly Because Of The Side Effects. Check With your Vet and Experiment With The Smallest Dose That Will Keep The Condition Under Control. Half Pills Instead Of Whole Pills, Every Other Day, Every Third Day Etc.

Good Luck!!

[imenja]

8. not without a vet's authorization

I would not risk it. Cats are so small compared to humans that any dose might be too much. Then it simply may not work. You could also call a local pet store to see if they recommend anything.

[flamingyouth]

9. It generally is okay to give it to them

I've had several cats who've had varying types of allergies who've taken it and no one has ever had a severe side effect (like humans, though, they do get really sleepy, so the cat shouldn't drink alcohol or operate heavy machinery). ;)

I have a cat who has a skin condition that gets worse in the spring. She has had a variety of treatments, including steroids, but the side effects were so bad that now she's just given some medication when she has a horrible flare up. Good luck! :hi: