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Explore more about identifying and managing food and skin allergies in cats to help ease itching and other symptoms in your feline friend.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
Explore common causes of itchy skin in cats and effective treatments to help your feline feel more comfortable and itch-free.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
From pollen to catnip, cat allergies can occur with many things you wouldn't suspect. In our guide, we go in-depth about signs of cat allergy, treatment & remedies!
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Read more about solutions and strategies for people who think they may be allergic to dogs and cats. Find the best solution for your family.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Is your dog itchy? Discover expert Petco veterinary guidance to fix seasonal, environmental & food allergies. Get strategies for healthier skin & a happier pup!
Updated on July 16th, 2026
Hydroxyzine is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine, but it is frequently used "off label" to treat allergies and itching in cats and dogs. Legally, we are prohibited from recommending prescription medications in the absence of a physical exam and a VPCR (veterinarian-patient-client relationship). What you can do, is contact your vet for a dose based on Boba's body weight. Just as in people, antihistamines will affect pets in different ways. You may find it works well, just ok or not at all. Check Boba over for fleas, which are the most common cause of itching and scratching. If found, treat him topically or orally for at least 3 consecutive months but preferably year round. You will also need to treat the environment for fleas. This means vacuuming everywhere and washing all bedding. This should be followed up with a cat safe area treatment to prevent re-infestation. If there are no fleas, you will need to have Boba examined by your veterinarian to diagnose infection (bacterial or fungal), other parasites (mites) or other allergens (food, environmental, inhaled, contact). It can be very frustrating given all the potential causes for allergic reactions. Discuss allergy testing, food elimination trials and hydrolyzed diets with your vet.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Excellent question. They are all about the same though their efficacy is a bit different. This is because while they have the same mechanism of action, their bioavailability meaning how much is used by the body when taken is different. Benadryl appears to be the most effective out of the three in my experience and that is the one I would recommend though in theory they all should work. Good luck and have a great day!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Hydroxyzine does have bronchodilating effects. You can discuss other bronchodilators such as terbutaline, theophylline or even inhaled bronchodilators. Chest xrays can be done to check for fluid. You can also consider advanced diagnostics such as a trans tracheal wash. This procedure can collect samples for culture and pathology to diagnose infection or an inflammatory process such as asthma or bronchitis. A sensitivity panel can be done to determine the best antibiotic to use if infection is diagnosed.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Allergy pills do not work in cats, if he suffers from seasonal allergy he might benefit from a short term steroid treatment, you will need to take him to the vet for that as steroids are prescription only.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Both of these products contain an antihistamine called chlorphenarimine which does come in feline formulations. There are also several other options for controlling allergies including prescription medications and over the counter medications.
Updated on September 24th, 2025