Prednisone and Prednisolone for Cats: Steroids to Treat Inflammation
Key takeaways:
Prednisone and prednisolone are types of steroids that can treat inflammatory, autoimmune, and cancerous conditions in cats.
Cats are most often prescribed prednisolone rather than prednisone because it’s easier for their body to absorb.
When given at higher doses or over a long period of time, prednisone and prednisolone may cause negative side effects. These can include weight gain and a weakened immune system.
Table of contents
Prednisone and prednisolone belong to a family of medications called corticosteroids (steroids) that are used to treat inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune conditions. These are strong medications that reduce inflammation at low dosages and suppress the immune system at high dosages.
Steroids can help your cat feel better, but they should be used with caution. When steroids are used improperly, they can cause unwanted side effects. Here’s what you need to know.
Prednisone and prednisolone for cats at a glance
Common brand names | Prednisolone (PrednisTab), prednisone |
What it treats | Inflammation, autoimmune disorders, allergies, cancer |
How it comes (forms) | Tablet, compounded liquid, or transdermal lotion |
Dosage | Depends on a cat’s weight and the condition being treated |
Common side effects | Increased thirst, urination, and appetite |
Cost |
What are prednisone and prednisolone for cats, and how do they work?
Prednisone and prednisolone are part of a class of medications called glucocorticoids or corticosteroids (steroids). They lower the levels of inflammatory chemical messengers in the body, decreasing swelling as a result.
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Both medications also interfere with inflammatory cells. At higher dosages, they suppress the immune system and kill tumor cells in certain cancers.
The liver converts prednisone to prednisolone, the active form of the medication. But cats’ livers aren’t able to convert or absorb prednisone very well. So veterinarians usually prescribe cats prednisolone instead of prednisone.
What are prednisone and prednisolone used for in cats?
Vets prescribe prednisolone for cats for many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including:
Skin allergies
Eye and nose inflammation
Adrenal disorders
Inflammatory bowel disease
Cancer
Blood disorders
Acute swelling
Allergic reactions
What is the dosage of prednisolone and how is it given to cats?
Prednisolone comes in a tablet form that you can split if necessary. Both medications can also be compounded into other forms if needed, including a liquid or transdermal lotion.
The dosage of prednisolone in cats ranges from 0.5 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg of body weight. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dose for your cat. They might use lower doses as an anti-inflammatory. Higher doses weaken the immune system and have a greater risk of adverse side effects.
Unless otherwise directed, give your cat the medication with food to reduce the chance of an upset stomach. If your cat takes the medication once a day, give it to them in the evening. This will help match their natural daily hormonal fluctuations. Remember to wash your hands after handling tablets.
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Your veterinarian will likely recommend monitoring and lab testing if your cat is taking this medication long term or at higher dosages. This is to ensure that the medication is effective and your cat stays healthy while taking it. Monitoring will vary depending on your cat’s needs. It may include blood work, urinalysis, and blood pressure checks.
What should you do if your cat misses a dose of prednisolone?
If your cat misses a dose of prednisolone, give the next dose as soon as possible. If it is close to the time when the next dose is due, skip the missed dose and give the medication at the regular time.
Never give double doses of prednisolone to your cat or give 2 doses closer than 6 hours together.
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What are the common side effects of prednisolone in cats?
Prednisolone may cause unwanted side effects in cats, depending on the dosage and how long the cat takes the medication. The most common side effects of prednisolone and prednisone in cats include:
Drinking more (increased thirst)
Peeing more
Increased appetite
Loose stool
Behavioral changes (agitation, depression, or aggression)
Short-term steroid use in cats (less than 10 days) is less likely to cause side effects. If side effects happen, they tend to resolve quickly once the cat is no longer taking the medication.
Cats who take steroids long term (more than 10 days) or at higher doses can experience the following side effects:
Poor haircoat condition or hair loss
Muscle loss
Potbelly
Decreased energy levels
Increased risk of infections, particularly skin or urinary tract infections
What are the most serious risks of prednisolone for cats?
Long-term or high-dose prednisone and prednisolone use in cats can cause the following severe side effects:
Vomiting blood due to stomach ulcers
Black, tarry stool due to intestinal bleeding
Insulin resistance, resulting in signs of diabetes (increased thirst, urination, and weight loss)
Fragile skin that tears easily
Osteoporosis (weakening of the bones)
If your cat shows any of these serious side effects, contact your veterinarian for advice. Even if your cat experiences unwanted side effects, do not stop giving the medication. Abruptly stopping prednisone or prednisolone can cause serious and sometimes fatal side effects. Your veterinarian can recommend how to taper the dosage safely.
Do prednisone and prednisolone interact with any other cat medications?
Both prednisone and prednisolone interact with other medications your cat may take, including:
Anticholinesterase medications like neostigmine
Cyclophosphamide
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Furosemide
Ketoconazole
Macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin or azithromycin
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like meloxicam
Other steroid medications
Rifampin
Let your veterinarian know if your cat takes any of these medications. Also let them know if you are giving your cat any vitamins, herbs, or supplements before they are prescribed prednisolone.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, cats can take the human version of prednisolone. But the dosage of prednisolone for cats will be much different than for humans. Never give your cat prednisolone without talking to a veterinarian first.
How long a cat stays on prednisolone will depend on how your cat responds to the medication. It will also depend on what condition your cat is being treated for. In many cases, cats may remain on prednisolone for years to manage chronic conditions. In other cases, your cat may only need to take prednisolone for a shorter amount of time.
The bottom line
Prednisone and prednisolone are steroid medications that are used for a variety of inflammatory, autoimmune, and cancer-related conditions. Cats are usually prescribed prednisolone instead of prednisone because they absorb it better. Higher dosages and long-term use of prednisone and prednisolone are associated with a higher rate of adverse effects in cats. But both medications are generally safe and effective when used properly.
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References
Brooks, W. (2023). Steroid use in dogs and cats. Veterinary Partner.
Brooks, W. (2024). Prednisolone/prednisone. Veterinary Partner.
Edwards, S. H. (2021). Corticosteroids in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Trepanier, L. (2015). Glucocorticoids. Clinician’s Brief.
University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center. (n.d.). Immunosuppressive therapy.
