A feline allergy happens when a cat's immune system overreacts to a foreign substance. Allergies are one of the most common conditions to affect cats.
Contact and Inhalant Allergies in Cats
When a cat's skin becomes irritated she could be having a contact allergy. Flea collars, topical powders or different types of bedding can cause contact allergies. Fleas can also cause a cat skin irritation. When a cat has allergies, there is biochemical reaction that causes her skin to become irritated, red, swollen, painful and itchy. When a cat's allergic reaction is bad enough, she will scratch her skin enough to the point of hair loss or raw skin, which can lead to a secondary bacterial infection.
Cats can also have inhalant allergies. This type of allergy can cause respiratory ailments such as coughing, wheezing, sneezing and the sniffles.
Using Chlorpheniramine to Treat Cat Allergies
A cat allergy may be treated with chlorpheniramine maleate. Chlorpheniramine is used to prevent allergies that cause contact or inhalant allergies. It's a low-cost, widely used antihistamine used to treat cat allergies, as there is a high success rate. Chlorpheniramine for cats is one of the most reliable and effective antihistamines in felines. It comes in the form of tablets, capsules and syrup.
Chlorpheniramine Side Effects
Chlorpheniramine can cause drowsiness in cats and is sometimes used as a mild sedative. It has a bitter taste that cats usually tolerate, but may refuse after a period of time. The bitterness of the antihistamine can also cause a cat to salivate a lot.
Before beginning treatment for feline allergies with chlorpheniramine, let your vet know about any other medications your cat is taking. Chlorpheniramine should not be used in combination with other medicines that have a tranquilizing effect. Doing so can dangerously slow down a cat's rate of breathing. Chlorpheniramine should also not be combined with other pain killers or caffeine when it is being used to treat cat allergies. Cats should not take chlorpheniramine if they are allergic to ingredients in similar antihistamines.
Other side effects of chlorpheniramine include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Inability to urinate
- Loss of appetite
If a cat were to overdose on chlorpheniramine, he or she may have a seizure, extreme drowsiness, acquire respiratory depression, fall into a coma or even die. Seek immediate medical care if a cat has overdosed on chlorpheniramine or exhibits unusual side effects.
Cats that are pregnant or lactating should not take chlorpheniramine.
The medication can also cause complication in cats with the following conditions:
- Glaucoma
- Heart Disease
- High blood pressure
- Lung Disease
- A urinary obstruction
- Prostate disease
- An intestinal obstruction
- Hyperthyroidism
- High blood pressure
When your cat develops an allergy, you should have her examined by a veterinarian to make sure the irritations are not an underlying symptom of a more serious condition or caused by a parasite. If given a diagnosis of allergies, follow the vet's treatment plan, and do your best to rid your home of potential irritants.