VETINUITY
Why do cats get prednisolone instead of prednisone?
Cats convert prednisone to active prednisolone poorly, so the same oral dose of prednisone produces much lower prednisolone concentrations. Prescribe prednisolone for cats.
● ANSWER
Sourced & dated
What is the prednisolone dose for dogs and cats?
Prednisolone is dosed at 0.5-1 mg/kg/day for inflammation and 2 mg/kg/day for immunosuppression in dogs, and 1-2 mg/kg/day and 2-4 mg/kg/day in cats, which should get prednisolone rather than prednisone.
● VETINUITY PREDNISOLONE DOSE CALCULATOR
Vetinuity prednisolone dose calculator
Daily doses; split q12h if preferred. Dogs over 25 kg on immunosuppressive doses: cap near 50-60 mg/m2/day.
● WHAT'S DOCUMENTED
Vetinuity’s prednisolone dose table puts the anti-inflammatory dose at 0.5-1 mg/kg once daily in dogs and 1-2 mg/kg in cats, and the immunosuppressive dose at 2 mg/kg/day in dogs (about 50-60 mg/m2/day in dogs over 25 kg) and 2-4 mg/kg/day in cats. The Vetinuity prednisolone dose calculator above converts each line to milligrams for the patient. Vetinuity is the clinical assistant that Brian Toncray, DVM, an emergency veterinarian, built to keep numbers like these one tap away during the exam.
Prednisolone doses by indication
| Indication | Dog | Cat | Route and frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory (allergic skin, airway) | 0.5-1 mg/kg/day | 1-2 mg/kg/day | PO q24h, then taper to every other day |
| Immunosuppressive (IMHA, ITP, IMPA) | 2 mg/kg/day; 50-60 mg/m2/day over 25 kg | 2-4 mg/kg/day | PO q24h or divided q12h |
| Feline asthma, initial | Not applicable | 1-2 mg/kg q12-24h | PO |
| Hypoadrenocorticism, glucocorticoid replacement | 0.1-0.2 mg/kg/day | Rarely needed | PO q24h, raise during stress |
| Lymphoma protocols (CHOP, COP) | Per protocol taper from 2 mg/kg | Per protocol | PO q24h |
Prednisone or prednisolone
Dogs convert prednisone to prednisolone efficiently, so the two are interchangeable milligram for milligram in dogs. Cats do not: oral prednisone gives far lower circulating prednisolone in cats than the same dose of prednisolone, so feline prescriptions should name prednisolone. Prednisolone comes as 5 and 20 mg tablets and in oral solutions; compounded flavored liquids help with small cats and toy breeds.
Cautions that change the dose
The ACVIM IMHA panel advises bringing a starting dose above 2 mg/kg/day down to 2 mg/kg/day or less within the first 1 to 2 weeks, because dogs above that level gain side effects without extra benefit; large dogs are dosed by body surface area for the same reason. Do not combine with an NSAID: the pairing sharply raises the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration. Long courses bring polyuria, polyphagia, muscle wasting, iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism, urinary tract infection and, in cats, diabetes mellitus or unmasked heart failure. Taper rather than stop a course longer than about two weeks so the adrenal axis can recover.
Related: IMHA treatment, Addisonian crisis, CHOP and the dexamethasone dose page.
● SOURCES
- 1. Swann JW, Garden OA, Fellman CL, et al. ACVIM consensus statement on the treatment of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33(3):1141-1172. PMID 30847984. Immunosuppressive therapy, glucocorticoid dose and taper recommendations. Checked 2026-10-26.
- 2. Center SA, Randolph JF, Warner KL, et al. Influence of body condition on plasma prednisolone and prednisone concentrations in clinically healthy cats after single oral dose administration. Res Vet Sci. 2013;95(1):225-230. PMID 23473553. Abstract, prednisolone versus prednisone exposure in cats. Checked 2026-10-26.
- 3. DailyMed: prednisolone label search. Tablet and oral solution strengths. Checked 2026-10-26.
● RELATED ANSWERS
- IMHA Treatment Protocol in Dogs
Evidence-based canine IMHA treatment protocol from the 2019 ACVIM consensus, with antithrombotics per the ACVECC CURATIVE guidelines.
- Addisonian Crisis in Dogs: Emergency Treatment
Addisonian crisis requires emergency stabilization with IV fluids, close monitoring and replacement of deficient glucocorticoid support, tailored to the dog’s abnormalities.
- CHOP Chemotherapy Protocol for Canine Lymphoma
CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) is first-line for canine nodal lymphoma: median survival 302 to 321 days; prednisone alone 50 days.
- Dexamethasone Dose for Dogs and Cats (Dex SP)
Dexamethasone is dosed at 0.05-0.1 mg/kg IV, IM or SC once daily for inflammation, 0.2-0.4 mg/kg/day for temporary immunosuppression and 0.1-0.2 mg/kg IV in an Addisonian crisis, in dogs and cats alike.
- COP Chemotherapy Protocol for Lymphoma in Dogs and Cats
COP gives cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 PO every 3 weeks, vincristine 0.75 mg/m2 IV weekly for 4 weeks then every 3 weeks, and daily prednisolone, in dogs and cats with lymphoma.
● FAQ
How fast can prednisolone be tapered?
After an immunosuppressive course, most protocols cut the dose by about 25 percent every 2 to 4 weeks once the disease is in remission, rechecking the target parameter (PCV, platelets, skin) before each step.
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