Corticosteroids are one of the most widely used medications in humans and animals. Wild Africa / Shutterstock.com
Corticosteroids are a class of drug used in almost every area of medicine in both people and animals. They have strong anti-inflammatory effects. This makes them excellent at treating inflammatory and allergic conditions – for instance in the skin or gut. But at higher doses, they can also be used as immunosuppressants.
Corticosteroids for Cats Overview
Medication Type:
Tablet, topical, injectable
Brand Names:
Depo-Medrol, Prednisolone, Entocort, Uceris
Common Names:
Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, fluticasone
Effects:
Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant
Available Dosages:
Dependent on use
Potential Side Effects:
Increased thirst, increased hunger, increased urination, lethargy, weight gain, thin skin/coat, increased susceptibility to infection
Precautions:
Can exacerbate conditions such as diabetes and heart disease
Contraindications:
Diabetes, heart disease, some infectious diseases, other medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
While steroids are an effective medication, they should be used carefully as they can cause side effects – particularly when used long-term. This article will talk you through a vet’s perspective on everything you need to know about using corticosteroids in your cat.
About Corticosteroids for Cats
Corticosteroids (commonly called steroids) are a type of steroid hormone naturally made in the adrenal glands. They’re different from anabolic steroids, which bodybuilders use to increase muscle mass. Corticosteroids are catabolic steroids, meaning they break things down. They affect all of the major body systems in some way.
There are two main types of corticosteroids made in the body:
Glucocorticoids: these hormones manage the body’s stress response, reduce inflammation, and affect the immune system.
Mineralocorticoids: these hormones are mostly involved in regulating the balance of water and electrolytes, particularly sodium.
Most of the steroids prescribed for cats are glucocorticoids. They are used for their effects on inflammation and the immune system. The steroids we give cats are synthetic, meaning they are made in a lab to resemble the naturally occurring hormone. They are stronger and last longer in the body. The synthetic versions are also modified to reduce unwanted side effects.
Common corticosteroids prescribed in cats include prednisolone, dexamethasone, fluticasone, triamcinolone, methylprednisolone, and budesonide.
What Are Corticosteroids Used for in Cats?
Steroids are usually prescribed to cats for either an allergic, inflammatory, or autoimmune condition. New Africa / Shutterstock.com
Steroids have a range of effects on the body, but they are most commonly used for reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. Steroids are an unusual medication as they have different effects depending on the dose used.
At lower doses, their main effect is as a potent anti-inflammatory. They can treat inflammation in any area of the body. At higher doses, steroids affect the immune system. They are commonly used to manage allergies by suppressing the allergic response to the allergen. Their impact on the immune system can also make them useful in treating auto-immune conditions and some types of cancer.
Some common uses of steroids in cats are:
How To Administer Corticosteroids in Cats
Your veterinarian will choose which steroid is most appropriate for your cat and their condition. Each steroid has a different duration of action, with some lasting a few hours and others lasting as long as several weeks. As it can be difficult to give medications to cats, your veterinarian will also choose the form that can be administered most easily. If you are giving steroids at home be sure to wear gloves as the drug can be absorbed through your skin.
Unlike many other drugs, steroids have a wide dose range that is tailored to your cat’s response. There is no one-size-fits-all, which is why as a veterinarian I often explain to cat owners that using steroids is more of an art than a science! Your veterinarian will work with you to find the lowest effective dose for your cat. This means the condition is treated effectively, but the risk of side effects is reduced as much as possible.
Steroid Tablets
The most common way steroids are prescribed to cats are as tablets. These are usually given once or twice a day directly into your cat’s mouth, or in food.
For long-term conditions, it is better to be on a slightly higher dose every other day than a lower dose every day. To find the lowest effective dose your veterinarian will recommend reducing the dose gradually while monitoring your cat for side effects, or a return in their symptoms.
It is important never to stop steroid tablets suddenly. So, if you want to stop using steroid tablets in your cat you should follow your veterinarian’s advice and reduce the dose gradually.
Check out How To Give Your Cat a Pill for tips on successfully giving your cat steroid tablets.
Topical Steroid Creams and Drops
Steroids can be given topically using creams or eye drops. These are useful for localized conditions, such as on the skin or eyes. Using a topical preparation rather than a tablet or injection reduces the amount of steroid going to the rest of your cat’s body. This reduces the risk of side effects.
Injectable Steroids
Your veterinarian may reach for injectable steroids if they need the drug to work very quickly—for instance, if your cat has an allergic reaction.
As well as working quickly, some injectable steroids also last a lot longer per dose than tablets. This is particularly useful for cats who struggle to take tablets. Methylprednisolone (brand name Depo-Medrol) is a potent injectable steroid that can last several weeks from a single injection. However, due to its potency and long duration of action, the risk of side effects is greater than tablets which could be stopped quickly in the event of a reaction.
Inhaled Steroids
Inhaled steroids can be used in cats with asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases.
They are administered using a special cat inhaler which – like in people – delivers the steroid to the airways where it works by reducing inflammation. Because it is taken directly to where it is needed, you can use lower doses than tablets or injections which affect the whole body. This reduces the risk of side effects. The most common inhaled steroid in cats is fluticasone (brand names Flovent or Flixotide).
Side Effects of Steroids
One of the most common side effects of steroids is increased drinking and increased peeing. CatherineScarlett / Shutterstock.com
Steroids can have both short and long-term effects on your cat.
Short-Term Side Effects
The short-term side effects of steroids are common but generally not serious. Reducing the dose or frequency is usually enough to manage them. In the case of an injection, you will have to wait for the drug to wear off. Mild short-term effects include:
Increased thirst
Urinating more frequently – this can lead to accidents in the house
Increased hunger
Tiredness
Flare-ups of underlying chronic infections, such as cat flu
However, occasionally more serious side effects can occur when steroid use triggers a sudden worsening of an underlying condition.
Steroids can tip a pre-diabetic cat into diabetes. In most cases, this will resolve when the steroids have stopped or worn off. Similarly, a cat with an underlying heart condition can be tipped into heart failure. This is because steroids cause extra fluid retention which can overload a heart that was previously coping. Unfortunately, both pre-diabetes and pre-clinical heart conditions are usually undiagnosed. This means you won’t know if your cat could be affected.
Long-Term Side Effects
If your cat has a chronic condition, they may require long-term treatment with steroids. When steroids are used for more than a few months, particularly at immunosuppressive doses, a different set of side effects can occur. You may see:
Weight gain
Muscle loss and weakness
Thin skin
Changes in coat
Pot-belly appearance (due to weakness of abdominal muscles)
Increased risk of infections, especially urinary tract infections
Poor wound healing
Change in behavior
Side effects are worrying, but they are usually better than the symptoms your cat would experience from their condition without treatment. However, their dose should be as low and infrequent as possible while still being effective. If you are worried about side effects in your cat, contact your veterinarian for advice.
Overdose and Emergencies
Stopping your cat’s steroid medication suddenly can make them very unwell. New Africa / Shutterstock.com
Overdose of steroids can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding or ulceration in the digestive tract. At very high doses, more serious effects can occur. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has had an overdose of steroid treatment.
A Note on Sudden Withdrawal of Steroids
Once your cat starts taking steroids, it is important not to stop them suddenly.
If your cat takes steroids at a high dose or for a long time, their body will make less of their natural steroids. These natural steroids are important for nearly every body system. They cannot begin producing them again at a high level quickly. So, a sudden withdrawal of their medication can be very dangerous. Instead, it is best to gradually reduce the dose over some time to allow the body to recover its natural production of steroids.
Always speak to your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s treatment.
Potential Interactions
Some medicines that steroids could interact with include:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
Some vaccinations
Diabetes medication
Anti-seizure medication
Anticoagulants
Diuretics
Frequently Asked Questions
Are corticosteroids safe for cats?
Corticosteroids are used commonly in cats. While they can cause side effects their benefit usually outweighs the risks, if they are used in as low a dose and frequency as possible. They should be used cautiously in cats with underlying health problems.
How long do corticosteroids take to work in cats?
Generally, cats with inflammatory or allergic conditions will see an improvement quickly when starting corticosteroids. This might be within a few hours or days. For cats with immune-mediated conditions, this may take longer.
Can steroids change a cat’s behavior?
Yes, giving your cat steroids could change your cat’s behavior. Some cats may become more aggressive while taking steroids, while others might become more lazy or tired. Due to its effects on thirst and urination, your cat may also suffer from more urinary accidents. Talk to your vet if you are worried about the side effects of steroids.
Cats.com uses high-quality, credible sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the claims in our articles. This content is regularly reviewed and updated for accuracy. Visit our About Us page to learn about our standards and meet our veterinary review board.
Edwards, S. H. (2021, November 30). Corticosteroids in animals. MSD Veterinary Manual. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/corticosteroids-in-animals#Administration-and-Pharmacokinetics_v3337616
Steroid use in dogs and cats. (n.d.). https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952031
