As a proud pet parent, it is normal to worry about your cat’s health. And to think that, administering Zyrtec for cats’ appetite is also OK. But what is Zyrtec? Zyrtec (cetirizine) an antihistamine is mostly used in human beings for treating allergies and also in veterinary it is quite famous for the same purpose.
So, Zyrtec for Cats’ appetite is not directly used. Unless recommended by a Vet. A detailed discussion for Zyrtec and Cat is covered below.
What is Zyrtec
Zyrtec is also known as Cetirizine is an antihistamine. It is a drug that is used to treat some allergies. It is composed of the following ingredients which can be looked for while buying Zyrtec that your feline friend might not be allergic to.
Ingredients
Active
Cetirizine HCl 10 mg
In-Active
Colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, Hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide
Why Zyrtec for Cats
In the cat’s community to treat allergies, Zyrtec is quite famous. Zyrtec for cats appetite is not being used by most the people however if your feline is suffering from allergies or some upper respiratory infection from which its appetite is being hampered only then after discussion from a qualified vet it can be administrated.
Most of the dermatologists in the Veterinary Sciences are on par with each other to use Zyrtec for cats not only suffering from allergies like Itchiness but it may also help in Eosinophilic Diseases.
Uses of Zyrtec for Cats
The following are some of the renowned uses of Zyrtec for Cats. In what condition or situation, it could be administrated to your feline friend. And may provide relief for your feline friend
- Itchiness
- Runny Nose
- Sneezes
- Water Eyes
- Granuloma complex/Mosquito allergy
Eosinophilic Diseases are a group of (usually) airway, intestinal, and skin diseases that cats endure much more often as compared to dogs. Which can cause intestinal ulcers, bronchitis, asthma, diarrhea, rodent ulcers (unsightly upper lip lesions), stomatitis (oral inflammation), and eosinophilic plaques (crusty sores), among other problems.
Or other allergies or upper respiratory allergies. It has been noted that usually, a cat administered with Zyrtec for the above-mentioned issues responds well.
But do consult a vet before administering it to your cat to be on the safe side. As it can be noted there is no direct mention of Zyrtec for Cats appetite hence consultation with the vet is also required for that purpose.
Dosage
Usually, half a tablet [5 mg] once is recommended depending upon the weight of the cat. And it will take an hour or two to show its effect. There is a notion that it works better than Claritin and soothes its patient for full 24 hours.
How to Administer
Use a Pill Pocket, it mostly works. Or if a Pill Pocket is not available gently grab the kitty’s head at the Zygomatic Arch, tilt the head back slightly, so her nose is pointing about 20 – 25 degrees up (looking towards a corner of the ceiling), then pop the pill with the other hand. After that immediately add a few drops of Pet-Tinic vitamin liquid to the cat’s lips or gums to make her lick and inevitably swallow the pill. Or you can spread a bit of tuna liquid or butter, or hairball goo… anything tasty on the mouth to make them lick and swallow. But be confident and smooth while doing it.
What to do if medication is missed
Nothing to worry about if the medication is missed. For example, your pet is having Zyrtec twice a day and misses once. Give the next dose when it is time for the dose.
Keep in mind don’t overdose your pet like giving two medicines at a time. It may have some serious repercussions.
Potential Side Effects
No major side effects have been reported other than the below-mentioned ones:
- Drowsiness
- Sleepiness
If some other side effects are observed immediately consult a vet to cater the situation. But be careful if your feline friend is allergic to any of the ingredients being used in it (Ingredients already mentioned above).
Risk Involved with Zyrtec
Try not to use a combination of products having pseudoephedrine
The following things must be kept in mind while administering Zyrtec to cats:
- Cats having Seizure
- Cats having trouble while urination
- Cats having thyroid problems,
- Cats having prostatic enlargement
- Cats having kidney disease
- Cats having liver disease
- Cats who are of old age
- Cats having glaucoma
- Pregnant or nursing cats
Caution is required while administering Zyrtec to a cat if it has any of the above-mentioned conditions and also caution is mandatory for Zyrtec for Cats Appetite. It is better to consult a vet beforehand.
Some drugs are known to interact with the Zyrtec cetirizine, which includes Depressants like alprazolam, digoxin, and diazepam. Do discuss it with your vet about any of the medicine that is being used. If unfortunately your cat has kidney or liver failure and you are thinking of euthanization. Please go through our articles first, maybe you find some help in them.
Conclusion
To conclude all of it there is no direct use or any mention of Zyrtec for Cats Appetite. So don’t try to use it for your cat’s appetite without any proper consultation with the vet. Because it could lead to some serious complications. On the other hand, if your cat is suffering from any of the allergic issues that are mentioned above like itchiness, runny nose, or some Eosophonic diseases, research has shown that the cats respond well to Zyrtec and it eases the pain. But it is better to consult a veterinary doctor before taking any of the measures as the saying goes “Who knows better than the doc”. May your cat has a healthy and energetic life.