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PetDosageChart

Corticosteroid · For Cats

How much Prednisolone (Prednisolone) can I give my cat?

Standard Prednisolone dose for cats is 1 mg per kg (0.45 mg per lb), given once or twice daily (then tapered). Use the calculator below for your cat's exact weight, or jump to the weight-by-weight chart.

Onset
1-2 hours
Duration
12-36 hours
Class
Corticosteroid

Calculator estimate from Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. Not yet vet-reviewed — see our methodology .

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. Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dosage Calculator · 01

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By Weight

Prednisolone dose by cat weight

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Dosage Chart · 02

Prednisolone dosage for cats by weight

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe 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)

Common Uses · 03

What is Prednisolone (Prednisolone) used for in cats?

inflammatory bowel disease asthma allergies immune-mediated diseases lymphoma

Administration · 04

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 · 05

Side effects of Prednisolone in cats

Common side effects

increased thirst
increased urination
increased appetite
weight gain
behavioral changes

Serious side effects — call your vet

  • diabetes mellitus
  • immune suppression
  • skin thinning
  • muscle wasting
  • GI ulceration

Emergency · 06

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 · 08

Related medications for cats

Sources · 09

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.

Read more about our methodology and how we calculate dosages.

Transparency · 11

How this page was made

Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, the reference used in US vet schools. Every dose, frequency, and tablet count on this page is generated from that data, then checked against the published references below.

Sources cited
  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
Calculator formula
Doses scale linearly from a standard basis of 1 mg per kg (0.45 mg per lb) of body weight, given once or twice daily (then tapered). The calculator multiplies that basis by your cat's weight and rounds to the closest available tablet size.
Last-reviewed status
Automated from Plumb’s, not yet vet-reviewed.

More on our methodology and editorial process — how we source, calculate, and review cats dosage data.

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

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.

Safety · 10

More resources