Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Welfare and Long-Term Steroid Welfare

Long-term corticosteroid therapy in cats causes significant side effects affecting welfare. Monitoring and minimising steroid exposure while maintaining disease control is a welfare priority.

Key Facts

Long-term prednisolone causes diabetes mellitus, muscle wasting, and skin fragility in cats
Alternate day dosing and dose tapering reduce side effects where possible
Steroid-sparing agents including ciclosporin reduce long-term steroid burden
Monitoring including glucose checks identifies diabetes mellitus early in treated cats
Cats tolerate steroids better than dogs but side effects still significantly affect welfare

Welfare Considerations

Long-term corticosteroid use causes cumulative welfare harm through side effects. Using the lowest effective dose, steroid-sparing strategies, and regular monitoring prevent unnecessary welfare harm from steroid therapy.

What You Can Do

Ask your vet about steroid-sparing treatment alternatives for conditions requiring long-term steroids
Monitor your cat for steroid side effects including increased thirst and muscle loss
Attend regular monitoring appointments for cats on long-term steroid therapy
Never abruptly discontinue steroids without veterinary guidance