Budesonide for Cats: A Steroid to Treat Inflammatory Conditions

Budesonide is a steroid that is used in cats to treat chronic inflammatory conditions involving the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts.

Budesonide provides the anti-inflammatory effects of traditional steroids without the typical side effects.

Here, learn more about what budesonide is, how it works, and what it’s used for in cats.

Budesonide for cats at a glance

What is budesonide for cats, and how does it work?

Budesonide is an anti-inflammatory medication used most often to treat inflammatory bowel disease and asthma in cats. It works similarly to traditional steroids. But it usually causes fewer side effects.

Budesonide works by entering a cat’s cells and blocking the production of inflammatory genes, cells, and chemical messengers. It stays in a cat’s gut and respiratory tract rather than spreading around the entire body like traditional steroids.

As a result, this helps reduce the symptoms of inflammatory conditions in cats. But it also reduces the risk of steroid-related side effects in cats who need to take the medication for a long time.

Keep in mind, budesonide doesn’t cure inflammatory conditions. But it can help your cat feel better as long as they keep taking the medication.

Budesonide is prescribed off-label since it isn’t FDA approved for cats. Prescribing medications off-label is common in veterinary medicine.

What is the dosage of budesonide for cats, and how is it given?

The dosage of budesonide for your cat will depend on their weight. A typical starting dosage of budesonide for cats is 0.125 mg per kilogram of body weight once a day. But your veterinarian will tell you how much you need to give your cat.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Signs of feline pain: Check out this list of common cat-pain symptoms so you can notice when your cat may be showing signs they’re hurting.

• Why cats vomit: Vomiting is a common side effect of many medications. But there are other reasons cats throw up. Learn the most common reasons.

• Human medications for pets: Cats can take some of the same medications as humans. Find out how to fill these prescriptions for your cat.

Over time, your veterinarian will likely try to lower your cat’s dosage. The goal is to improve your cat’s symptoms on the lowest budesonide dosage possible. This helps reduce the risk of steroid-related side effects, especially when your cat takes the medication for a long time.

Budesonide is available in several forms for cats, including:

• Tablets

• Flavored chews

• Capsules

• Oral liquid

• Transdermal gel

Budesonide is also available as an inhalant that’s used with a nebulizer to treat feline asthma.

What should you do if your cat misses a dose of budesonide?

If you miss giving your cat a dose of budesonide, give the next dose as soon as you remember. Then return to your cat’s regular medication schedule.

If it is close to the time that your cat’s next dose is due, skip the missed dose. Then give the next dose at your cat’s regular time. If you’ve missed more than one dose, consult with your veterinarian.

Never double up on budesonide doses to catch up. This can result in serious side effects in your cat, including:

• Bloody vomit

• Loss of appetite

• Black, tarry stools

• Low energy

If you suspect that your cat has overdosed on budesonide, take them to an animal hospital or call a pet poison hotline immediately for support.

What are the common side effects of budesonide in cats?

Budesonide is generally well tolerated by most cats with a low risk of negative side effects. But some cats may have side effects similar to the side effects of traditional steroids. These side effects can include:

• Increased thirst

• Increased urination

• Increased appetite

• Weight gain

• Coat changes

• Increased risk of getting bacterial or fungal infections

If you notice these side effects in your cat after they take budesonide, call your veterinarian for advice. Do not stop giving the medication without talking to your vet.

What are the most serious risks of budesonide for cats?

Serious risks can occur if you suddenly stop giving your cat budesonide. This can result in side effects related to adrenal insufficiency. These can include:

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Weakness

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Abdominal pain

• Collapse

Which cats should not take budesonide?

Cats with the following conditions may not be able to take budesonide:

• Digestive ulcers

• Active infections

• Diabetes

• Cataracts

Cats who have recently undergone or are about to undergo surgery may need to wait before starting budesonide.

If your cat is going to be tested for allergies, they should be weaned off budesonide 2 weeks before testing.

Does budesonide interact with other cat medications?

Budesonide does interact with many other medications for cats. In general, budesonide should be avoided if your cat takes any of the following medications:

• Antacids, such as cimetidine

• Azole antifungal medications, such as fluconazole and ketoconazole

• Diltiazem

• Erythromycin

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including meloxicam

• Other steroids, including prednisolone

Tell your veterinarian about all medications and supplements your cat takes. This will help reduce the risk of interactions between budesonide and their other medications. In addition, talk to your veterinarian about the risks of vaccinating a cat who takes budesonide.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ

Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ, is a well-known international influencer in the veterinary and animal healthcare spaces. She has 16 years of experience in private practice and more than 15 years experience in veterinary media work.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts