Can I Give My Cat Claritin?

###Yes, but... Claritin is an antihistamine medication occasionally recommended by veterinarians for the treatment of mild to moderate itching associated with seasonal and/or environmental allergies. This human drug is used extra-label with some success. Claritin can be used as needed both for short-term allergy flare-ups and for long-term for chronic allergies. The discretion of a licensed veterinarian should be considered before proceeding with long-term use. Claritin is generally safe, but side effects have been reported and include: dry eye, dry mouth, vomiting, racing heart, excitation, lethargy, and sedation. Cats with known kidney or liver dysfunction, or dry eye should not use Claritin. It is important to note that itching and inflammation can be caused by many things, including allergies, food hypersensitivity, parasites, bacterial, and fungal infections. Although antihistamines may be helpful for the management of some allergies, additional or alternative treatments may be needed. Claritin alone is not a substitute for a thorough evaluation by your veterinarian. Remember that different antihistamines may work differently for different animals. Just as one person may find that Claritin works best, another person may use Allegra, and the same goes for pets. Don’t get frustrated if Claritin doesn’t seem to work for your cat. Instead, discuss alternative medications with your veterinarian. There are no studies supporting the safety or efficacy of the use of Claritin in domestic animals. Recommendations are based on very little anecdotal evidence. That being said, it is still occasionally used in veterinary medicine. **Always** consult your veterinarian before using Claritin for an extended period of time in your cat. If you notice worsening symptoms or side effects, discontinue use. A good rule of thumb to follow for all medications and concerns about your pets is: when in doubt, ask the experts! You are your pet’s advocate - be involved, stay informed! If you decide to use it... Here are a few guidelines: 1. Only use **plain Claritin** (loratadine). **NEVER give your cat Claritin-D**. This contains a decongestant with ingredients that can cause severe, adverse, sometimes fatal, reactions in animals. 2. Claritin comes in 5 and 10 milligram (mg) tablets. Purchase the 5 mg tablets for cats. 3. The **dose for cats** is determined by body weight. - Cats less than or equal to 10 lbs. can take 1.25 mg (1/4 of a 5 mg tablet) once daily. - Cats 11 lbs. and over can take 2.5 mg (1/2 of a 5 mg tablet) once daily. 4. Invest in a **pill cutter** to assure that the dosing is accurate. This device can be found in most pharmacies.