Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Corticosteroids (“steroids”) such as prednisolone are widely used in cats to calm inflammation and overactive immune responses, for example in asthma, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, and immune diseases. Cats tolerate them better than many species, but they can still cause side effects, including diabetes and, with long-acting injections, heart failure in susceptible cats. Always give the exact dose prescribed, don’t stop long courses suddenly, and never combine steroids with NSAID pain relievers.
Common uses
- Feline asthma and chronic bronchitis
- Allergic skin disease and severe itching
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Immune diseases such as pemphigus or immune-mediated anemia
- Some cancers, especially lymphoma
- Some eye and ear inflammation (as drops or ointments)
Forms of steroids for cats
- Prednisolone tablets or liquid: the usual oral choice. Cats convert prednisone to its active form poorly, so vets generally prescribe prednisolone instead.
- Long-acting injections (such as methylprednisolone acetate): convenient for cats that are hard to pill, but the dose can’t be stopped once given, and they carry a higher risk of side effects.
- Inhaled steroids (such as fluticasone through a spacer and cat mask): often used long term for asthma, with fewer whole-body effects.
- Budesonide: sometimes used for gut disease, since much of it acts locally in the intestine.
- Topical steroids for eyes, ears, and skin.
Possible side effects
- Increased thirst, urination, and appetite, and weight gain
- Diabetes mellitus, especially in overweight cats or with long-term or high-dose use
- Congestive heart failure, reported mainly after long-acting injections in cats with underlying heart disease. Fast breathing or breathing with an open mouth is an emergency.
- Higher risk of infections, including urinary infections and upper respiratory flare-ups
- Thin skin, poor coat, and slow wound healing with long-term use
- Stomach upset
- Behavior changes
Safety rules
- Never combine steroids with NSAIDs such as meloxicam or robenacoxib. Together they greatly raise the risk of stomach ulcers. Your vet will recommend a gap when switching.
- Don’t stop suddenly after more than a short course. The body’s own steroid production needs time to recover, so vets taper the dose.
- Follow tablets with water or a treat, because pills can lodge in a cat’s esophagus.
- Tell your vet about heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease before steroids are started.
- Keep up with monitoring: weight, blood glucose, and urine tests for long-term use.
- Never use leftover steroids or steroids prescribed for another pet or person.
When to call your vet
Call promptly if your cat on steroids develops fast or labored breathing (emergency), much more thirst and urination than expected, vomiting, black stools, lethargy, loss of appetite, or signs of infection.
Tips for giving medication
- Ask about flavored liquid or compounded treats if your cat won’t take tablets.
- Pill pockets or a small amount of wet food can help. Watch that the pill is swallowed.
- Give with food if it upsets your cat’s stomach, unless your vet says otherwise.
Frequently asked questions
Is prednisolone safe for cats long term?
Many cats take low doses for years with good quality of life, but it needs regular monitoring. Your vet will aim for the lowest dose that controls the condition.
Why does my cat drink so much on prednisolone?
Increased thirst is a common side effect. If it’s severe or sudden, ask your vet to check for diabetes.
Is a steroid shot better than pills?
Shots are easier for some cats but last weeks and can’t be reversed. Pills let your vet adjust the dose. Discuss the trade-offs for your cat.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Corticosteroids in animals
- Graham-Mize CA, Rosser EJ, Hauptman J. Absorption, bioavailability and activity of prednisone and prednisolone in cats. 2004
- Ployngam T, et al. Hemodynamic effects of methylprednisolone acetate administration in cats. Am J Vet Res. 2006
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Feline asthma
- Lowe AD, et al. A pilot study comparing the diabetogenic effects of dexamethasone and prednisolone in cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2009
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.