13/08/2025
Important Medication Alert for Cat Owners: Prednisolone vs. Prednisone
If your cat has ever been prescribed corticosteroids, it’s crucial to know the difference between prednisolone and prednisone.... and why it matters for your feline friend’s health.
Why does this matter?
Cats lack a key liver enzyme called 5-β-reductase, which is necessary to convert prednisone into its active form, prednisolone. This means that when cats take prednisone, it may not be properly activated in their bodies, leading to ineffective treatment or potentially harmful side effects.
What happened with my cats?
I recently had a frustrating experience when a pharmacy dispensed prednisone instead of prednisolone, even though I reiterated the one with the 'L'...
The cat’s condition worsened (he's now hospitalized for a few days) because the medication wasn’t working as it should.
This is a common but often overlooked issue.
The safer choice:
Always ask your vet and pharmacist for prednisolone when your cat needs corticosteroid treatment. Prednisolone is the active form and does not require conversion, making it the safe and effective option for cats.
Key takeaways:
Cats CANNOT convert prednisone to prednisolone due to lack of 5-β-reductase enzyme.
Prednisolone should be used for cats to ensure proper treatment.
Double-check your prescriptions to avoid mix-ups.
Consult your vet if you have any concerns about your cat’s medications.
By sharing this, I hope to prevent others from going through similar experiences and ensure our cats get the right care they deserve!
If you want to learn more, feel free to ask me or discuss it with your veterinarian.
