Zyrtec Dosage Chart for Cats: Risks, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

When humans struggle with bad allergies, grabbing a Zyrtec tends to go hand in hand.

Zyrtec is an allergy medication that can be bought over the counter and given to adults and children. 

If your cat suffers from allergies, you may be tempted to give them one of your Zytrecs. However, the Zyrtec that humans take is not the same as what a veterinarian would prescribe for your kitty. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the risks, side effects, and dosage when it comes to administering Zyrtec for your cat.

When Do Felines Require a Zyrtec Prescription?

Zyrtec is given to cats experiencing allergies such as hives and itching. On the other hand, Zyrtec may also be given to your feline if they have been bitten by an insect.

How to Dispense Zyrtec for Your Cat

Zyrtec can be administered to your cat in two different forms: tablets and a liquid application. Both forms are given by mouth. However, liquid Zyrtec may not settle well with your cat’s digestive system. To prevent any issues, it is best to talk it over with your veterinarian first.

With tablet and liquid prescriptions, you can add it to their food first. However, if you are feeling brave, you can administer Zyrtec by mouth as well. 

If you decide to administer Zyrtec by liquid application, please be cautious that you do not give your cat more than directed. Even a small amount above the directed prescription can cause serious issues.

Once you have admitted Zyrtec to your cat, it will take about 1 or 2 hours for the medication to go into effect.

Risk Factors

When it comes to Zyrtec for cats, there are a few conditions that should be taken into consideration. Some of these risk factors include

• Seizure disorders.
• Urinary tract infections, or felines that are struggling to urinate.
• Thyroid problems.
• Kidney problems.
• Liver and heart disease.
• Felines in their senior stage of life.
• Kitties that have glaucomas.
• Cats who are pregnant or nursing.

If your cat has any of the above conditions, you should speak to your vet about other alternatives.

Side Effects

Luckily, there are only a few side effects that you may see in your cat after a Zyrtec dosage. First, your feline may appear to be very sleepy. Second, they may experience drooling.

Signs of Zyrtec Overdose in Cats

In some cases, your cat may experience an overdose or severe reactions to the medication. After all, every cat’s physical body is slightly diverse. Therefore, it is hard to predict whether or not a cat will have an overdose or not.

The signs of Zyrtec overdose in cats are

• Agitation.
• Excessive drooling.
• Seizures.
• Death.
• Unusual changes in heartbeat and pulse.
• Trouble breathing.
• Panting.

If your cat is displaying any of these signs, please rush them to your local vet immediately.

Zyrtec for Cats Dosage

While the dose of antihistamines for canines can be measured by their weight, this is not the case for cats. Moreover, you should never give your cat more than 1 tablet of 5 mg in a 24-hour period.

Alternatives to Zyrtec

If your cat cannot take Zyrtec, in this section, there are natural remedies that you can try, such as coconut oil, beef liver treats, and probiotics. Nevertheless, you should still consult your veterinarian before administering a natural remedy for cat allergies.

Final Thoughts

Zyrtec for cats is an effective medication for treating allergies and hives. However, always make sure you follow directions from a licensed veterinary professional.