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My cat is sneezing. Is Benadryl safe and what's the dose for 10 lbs?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 8 years and 10 months old | 10 lbs

My cat Chloe has been sneezing since yesterday. I was told I could give her Benadryl but to ask a vet first. She weighs 10 pounds so I'm unsure how much to give her.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lisa Mausbach, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 30th, 2018

Hello! Thank you for contact pet coach! Benadryl is safe for use in cats, however it is unlikely to help with sneezing. The dose of Benadryl for a 10# cat would be 10 mg if you wanted to try it. Otherwise I would suggest humidification (placing the pet in the bathroom and running a hot shower works like a “steam room” for them. This may help with congestion. You can also try nasal saline drops such as “Little Noses”. If she does not stop sneezing within a week or 2, or if other signs develop, you may want to consider taking her to a veterinarian to be evaluated. I hope this information helps, and Chloe gets the relief she needs!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 24th, 2017
Hello. I am sorry that Stormy is having troubles. Sneezing in cats is usually do to either a virus or a bacteria, and less commonly due to allergies. Also, a skin rash is unlikely to be cause by allergies unless there is excessive scratching. I would NOT give Benedryl and I would have your cat assessed by a veterinarian, as what you are describing doesn't sound like it would respond to Benedryl, and human medications can be dangerous to cats. Your cat may need antibiotics or other medications.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 30th, 2019
Benadryl will not help your cat unfortunately so there is no point trying. if it is an allergy then either a steroid shot (for short term problem) or Cyclosporin are the only solutions for your cat and they are both prescription only, meaning you will need to take him to your vet for that.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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