Prednisolone (Prednisolone) Dosage for Cats

Corticosteroid ⏱ Onset: 1-2 hours ⏳ Duration: 12-36 hours

This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.

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Prednisolone Dosage Chart for Cats by Weight

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Weight	Low Dose	Standard Dose	Max Dose	Frequency
3 lbs (1.4 kg)	0.5mg	1.5mg	3mg	once or twice daily (then tapered)
4 lbs (1.8 kg)	1mg	2mg	3.5mg	once or twice daily (then tapered)
5 lbs (2.3 kg)	1mg	2.5mg	4.5mg (5mg tablet)	once or twice daily (then tapered)
6 lbs (2.7 kg)	1.5mg	2.5mg	5.5mg (5mg tablet)	once or twice daily (then tapered)
7 lbs (3.2 kg)	1.5mg	3mg	6.5mg	once or twice daily (then tapered)
8 lbs (3.6 kg)	2mg	3.5mg	7mg	once or twice daily (then tapered)
9 lbs (4.1 kg)	2mg	4mg (5mg tablet)	8mg	once or twice daily (then tapered)
10 lbs (4.5 kg)	2.5mg	4.5mg (5mg tablet)	9mg (2 × 5mg)	once or twice daily (then tapered)
12 lbs (5.4 kg)	2.5mg	5.5mg (5mg tablet)	11mg (2 × 5mg)	once or twice daily (then tapered)
14 lbs (6.3 kg)	3mg	6.5mg	12.5mg	once or twice daily (then tapered)
16 lbs (7.3 kg)	3.5mg	7.5mg	14.5mg (3 × 5mg)	once or twice daily (then tapered)
18 lbs (8.2 kg)	4mg (5mg tablet)	8mg	16.5mg	once or twice daily (then tapered)
20 lbs (9.1 kg)	4.5mg (5mg tablet)	9mg (2 × 5mg)	18mg	once or twice daily (then tapered)
25 lbs (11.3 kg)	5.5mg (5mg tablet)	11.5mg	22.5mg	once or twice daily (then tapered)

What is Prednisolone (Prednisolone) used for in cats?

inflammatory bowel disease asthma allergies immune-mediated diseases lymphoma

How to give Prednisolone to your cat

IMPORTANT: Cats must receive prednisoLONE, not prednisone. Cats cannot efficiently convert prednisone to the active form (prednisolone) in their liver. Give with food to reduce stomach upset. Never stop abruptly after long-term use — always taper under veterinary guidance.

Available Forms

tablet, liquid

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side effects of Prednisolone in cats

Common side effects

increased thirst

increased urination

increased appetite

weight gain

behavioral changes

Serious side effects

diabetes mellitus
immune suppression
skin thinning
muscle wasting
GI ulceration

When to call the vet

Call your vet immediately if your cat shows any of these signs:

Excessive thirst and urination (may indicate diabetes)
Vomiting blood or black/tarry stools
Signs of infection (fever, lethargy — steroids suppress immune system)
Dramatic behavior changes
Weight gain or pot-bellied appearance

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do cats need prednisolone instead of prednisone?

Cats lack the liver enzyme needed to efficiently convert prednisone into its active form, prednisolone. When cats receive prednisone, they may not get the full therapeutic effect. Always use prednisolone for cats — this is the active form that works directly without needing liver conversion.

How much prednisolone can I give my cat?

Anti-inflammatory doses are typically 0.5-1 mg/kg once or twice daily. For immune suppression (autoimmune diseases, certain cancers), higher doses of 2-4 mg/kg may be used initially. Your vet will determine the dose and create a tapering schedule.

Can prednisolone cause diabetes in cats?

Yes, long-term corticosteroid use is a known risk factor for diabetes in cats. Cats are more susceptible to steroid-induced diabetes than dogs. Your vet will monitor blood glucose levels during treatment, especially for overweight cats or those on long-term steroids.

How long can a cat stay on prednisolone?

Short courses (1-2 weeks) are common and generally well-tolerated. Long-term use may be necessary for chronic conditions like IBD, asthma, or lymphoma, but requires careful monitoring for side effects including diabetes, immune suppression, and muscle wasting.