{"id":630307,"date":"2024-11-05T19:29:11","date_gmt":"2024-11-06T00:29:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630307"},"modified":"2024-11-05T19:29:11","modified_gmt":"2024-11-06T00:29:11","slug":"hydroxyzine-for-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/hydroxyzine-for-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I give my cat hydroxyzine?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hydroxyzine<\/span><\/a> is a prescription <\/span>antihistamine<\/span><\/a> used to treat contact dermatitis and other allergic reactions in cats. It is safe for cats but is less effective in cats than people. It works best when administered before the cat is exposed to a reaction-inducing event like a vaccine shot. Vets are more likely to use it long-term to prevent itchy skin due to contact allergies. However, cats develop tolerance to the drug over time, making it less effective. When an antihistamine is called for, a veterinarian may choose to use <\/span>cetirizine<\/span><\/a>, a common over-the-counter antihistamine. Cetirizine is an active form of hydroxyzine but is less likely to have sedative side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Save up to 80% on hydroxyzine<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What is hydroxyzine used for in cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hydroxyzine is not a common cat drug and has not been approved by the FDA for use in animals. In cats, there are recommended hydroxyzine dosages as an antihistamine or as a treatment for itchy skin (pruritus) due to allergic reactions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though doses aren\u2019t standardized, veterinarians could use hydroxyzine as a sedative before vet visits or veterinary procedures. Hydroxyzine is FDA-approved for use as a sedative in people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hydroxyzine is also used as an anti-anxiety medication in people because of its sedative effects. Veterinarians may choose to use it this way, but it\u2019s not tested or recommended as an <\/span>anti-anxiety medication<\/span><\/a> in animals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sensitivity reactions\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Tissues produce histamines in response to emergencies like injuries or parasites. They are powerful instigators of inflammation and start the process that produces swelling, redness, itching, pain, lowered blood pressure, and other symptoms associated with infections, injuries, and allergic reactions. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine block the actions of histamines to relieve inflammation and its related ills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cats also generate histamines in response to allergens, infections, or injuries, but they play less of a role in inflammation in a cat\u2019s body than in a person. Antihistamines are less effective at treating symptoms like itchy skin. There is some doubt that they are effective in quelling acute inflammation in a cat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, antihistamines like hydroxyzine can help relieve some symptoms, but in a more limited way than in people. Hydroxyzine and other antihistamines may work best when given before the cat is exposed to something that would provoke a reaction, such as a vaccination. It is more common for veterinarians to prescribe hydroxyzine as a long-term prevention.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Itchy skin<\/span><\/h3>\n

Veterinarians most commonly use hydroxyzine in cats with itchy skin due to contact allergies (atopic dermatitis).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Allergic reactions, hives, food allergies, flea bites, and insect bites can cause itchy skin in cats. The <\/span>most common feline skin condition<\/span><\/a> treated by veterinarians is feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS), a chronic, itchy condition caused by sensitivity reactions to environmental allergens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, antihistamines like hydroxyzine are not as effective at treating itchy skin in cats as they are treating people or dogs with itchy skin. Instead, veterinarians turn first to <\/span>corticosteroids<\/span><\/a> like <\/span>prednisolone<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>dexamethasone<\/span><\/a>. However, because steroids involve unpleasant side effects, a veterinarian may use hydroxyzine <\/span>as a preventive treatment<\/span><\/a> for itchy skin to reduce the burden of corticosteroid treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is hydroxyzine safe for cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n

When given under the direction of a veterinarian, hydroxyzine is safe for cats as a symptom-relief medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hydroxyzine should never be given to cats that have had an allergic reaction to hydroxyzine or <\/span>cetirizine<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Veterinarians are advised<\/span><\/a> not to give hydroxyzine to cats with:<\/span><\/p>\n