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PetDosageChart

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.

Content reviewed by licensed veterinarians. This information is sourced from veterinary drug references including Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dosage Calculator

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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

Related Medications for Cats

Antihistamine

Benadryl

Diphenhydramine

For allergies

View dosage chart
First-generation antihistamine

Chlor-Trimeton

Chlorpheniramine

For allergies

View dosage chart
Anticonvulsant / Analgesic

Neurontin

Gabapentin

For pain management

View dosage chart
NK1 receptor antagonist / Antiemetic

Cerenia

Maropitant

For vomiting

View dosage chart

Sources & References

The dosage information on this page is compiled from the following veterinary and pharmaceutical references:

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — the standard veterinary pharmacology reference used by veterinarians worldwide.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual — a trusted, peer-reviewed resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
  • DailyMed (FDA Drug Labels) — official FDA-approved drug labeling and prescribing information for Prednisolone.

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.

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