Cat Benadryl Dosage Calculator
Calculate safe Benadryl (diphenhydramine) dosage for cats based on weight
Calculate Benadryl Dosage
Enter your cat's current body weight
📋 Important Information
- • Always consult veterinarian first
- • Standard dose: 1mg per pound
- • Give every 8-12 hours as needed
- • Monitor for side effects
- • Never exceed recommended dose
Benadryl Dosage Results
Enter cat weight to calculate Benadryl dosage
⚠️ Critical Safety Information
- • Veterinary consultation required: Never give Benadryl without vet approval
- • Check ingredients: Ensure only diphenhydramine - no other active ingredients
- • Avoid gel capsules: Can contain toxic solvents for cats
- • Monitor for allergic reactions: Some cats can be allergic to antihistamines
- • Emergency signs: Difficulty breathing, excessive sedation, seizures
- • Not for anaphylaxis: Severe reactions require immediate emergency care
📐 Calculation Formula
Basic Formula:
Benadryl Dose (mg) = Cat Weight (lbs) × 1 mg
Liquid Conversion:
Liquid Dose (ml) = Total mg ÷ 2.5 mg/ml
Standard liquid concentration: 12.5mg per 5ml (2.5mg/ml)
Example Calculation
10 lb Cat Example
Cat Weight: 10 pounds
Formula: 10 lbs × 1 mg/lb = 10 mg
Liquid Dose: 10 mg ÷ 2.5 mg/ml = 4 ml
25mg Tablet: 10 mg ÷ 25 mg = 0.4 tablets (about 2/5 tablet)
Administration Tips
• Liquid form often easier to measure accurately
• Can be mixed with small amount of food
• Give every 8-12 hours as needed
• Monitor for drowsiness - this is normal
Benadryl Uses in Cats
Allergic Reactions
Sneezing, itching, skin irritation
Environmental or food allergies
Motion Sickness
Travel-related nausea
Car rides, vet visits
Mild Anxiety
Sedative effect
Stressful situations only
Common Side Effects
Sedation (drowsiness)
Dry mouth
Nausea or decreased appetite
Hyperexcitability (rare)
Emergency Signs: Difficulty breathing, excessive sedation, seizures, facial swelling
Understanding Benadryl for Cats
What is Benadryl?
Benadryl is a brand name for diphenhydramine, an antihistamine medication that works by blocking histamine receptors in the body. When cats encounter allergens, their immune system releases histamines, causing allergic symptoms like sneezing, itching, and inflammation.
How It Works
- •Blocks H1 histamine receptors
- •Reduces allergic inflammation
- •Provides mild sedative effect
- •Helps with motion sickness
Dosing Guidelines
Standard Feline Dosing
- • Dose: 1 mg per pound of body weight
- • Frequency: Every 8-12 hours as needed
- • Duration: Short-term use only
- • Administration: With or without food
Important Precautions
- • Always get veterinary approval first
- • Check that diphenhydramine is the only active ingredient
- • Avoid gel capsules (may contain toxic solvents)
- • Monitor for allergic reactions to the medication itself
- • Never exceed recommended dosage