Cat taking prednisolone - behavorial

Question
Hi,

My cat has been on prednisolone for about 3 -4 weeks.  He is acting very hyper and tonight just suddenly jumped up and scratched my sons face all over for no reason.  Can this be from the medication?

Thank you.

Gayle

Answer
Gayle,

I am not a vet so I'm not familiar with a lot of medicines. BUT I did ask a friend of mine about the problem you are having with your cat's behavior. She has worked with a vet for 17 years and is knowledgable about medications, etc. But she needs more information. I am forwarding what she sent to me:

"Why is the cat taking prednisolone? Knowing that answer makes answering the question of if the cat attacking the son is a side effect of the pred or the problem much easier to know, because right now is not possible to know. We also don't know if the son really caused the incident..we just know that she didn't see him do anything..we don't know his age or anything else about the situation.

prednisolone is usually well tolerated in cats. Its used to treat a number of problems like IBD and skin disease,

Hyperactivity and aggression are not listed as side effects but pred psychosis occurs in humans so may in animals and since the cat is acting abnormally she needs to call her vet and inform him/her.

Adverse effects include increased thirst and appetite, panting, vomiting, restlessness and diarrhea. I suppose restlessness could be taken for hyperactivity..She can't abruptly stop the medication however..this med has to be tapered so she needs to call her vet.

Prednisone is rapidly converted in the liver to prednisolone. Except in cases of severe liver disease, the drugs are considered the same (equivalent).

Prednisone/prednisolone are anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce the swelling, pain and redness associated with inflammation.

An important effect of these drugs is that at high and very specific doses, the immune system is suppressed.

It is important to know why he's on them to assess what is going on but if she just calls her vet ASAP that would be good."

I hope this is helpful.

Carol