Prednisolone for cats: use and side effects
Prednisolone is a synthetically produced glucocorticoid. It has antiallergic, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.
But prednisolone is not only used in human medicine. Animals such as cats are also treated with prednisolone to counteract a wide range of health problems.
Uses for prednisolone in cats
Due to its effectiveness, prednisolone can be used in cats with various ailments. Thanks to its anti-allergic effect, this synthetic glucocorticoid can be used, for example, in animals that suffer from severe allergies.
Apart from this, prednisolone can also be used to treat cats with chronic intestinal inflammation, inflammation of the skin or in the mouth, and in animals with feline asthma.
Possible side effects of prednisolone in cats
Treatment with prednisolone can be useful for certain cat diseases. At the same time, however, there is also a risk of side effects that should not be underestimated. This is especially true if your cat is treated with prednisolone for a long period of time.
The administration of prednisolone in cats can cause the following side effects in particular:
- The immunosuppressive effect leads to an increased susceptibility to infections.
- Prednisolone increases appetite, making your cat more prone to obesity.
- Changes in the sugar balance can cause your four-legged friend to develop feline diabetes.
- Long-term use of prednisolone can lead to skin and coat problems as well as water retention.
Prednisolone for cats - our conclusion
As you can see, giving your cat prednisolone can definitely be the correct decision in certain situations and can make a decisive contribution to alleviating existing symptoms.
At the same time, however, you should also be aware of the associated risks. Whether it is worth risking these effects and giving your cat this drug cannot be said in general terms. In any case, let your veterinarian advise you in advance and then make the decision together about what is best for your four-legged friend.
If you choose to have your cat treated with prednisolone, one of the things you should be careful about is not overfeeding. Otherwise, expect your cat to gain weight, as this glucocorticoid will stimulate their appetite.
Apart from that, regular check-ups are indispensable for long-term administration. If the prednisolone is to be discontinued in your cat, the dose must also be reduced slowly so that your cat’s body can get used to it.
Vitality and health with I Love My Cat
Of course, if your cat becomes ill, you should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible and follow the treatment measures specified by them. Regardless of this, however, we are convinced that you can make an important contribution to the vitality and health of your cat’s life with a balanced diet.
In the I Love My Cat range, you will find grain-free cat food made from natural ingredients that not only tastes good to your four-legged friend, but also, importantly, provides them with all the important nutrients.
In addition, together with our team of veterinarians and nutritionists, we have developed a range of dietary supplements for cats. If necessary, the natural preparations can help to compensate for an existing nutrient deficiency and support your cat's well-being in a wholesome way.
Before you let your cat be treated with prednisolone or another medicine, it therefore makes perfect sense that you first find out more and deal with more easily digestible alternatives.