• Prednisolone is often perscribed to reduce the pain associated with surgery.two cats on chair image by MasterAdrian from Fotolia.com
  
  Prednisone is an anti-inflammatory drug prescribed to cats and humans alike to reduce inflammation and reduce immune response. The liver converts the drug into prednisolone. The side effects of short- and long-term use of this drug can impact the quality of a cat's daily life and even pose a greater threat to the animal than the original treated condition.
  
  

Secondary Infections and Pregnancies

• Prednisolone should not be used if the cat has an existing fungal infection. Use of the drug in this case could kick in the infection into high gear and potentially kill the family pet. Cats that are pregnant should never be given prednisolone, because the drug has been known to induce labor. Premature birth could potentially kill the entire litter.
  
  

Short-Term Therapy

• An owner with a cat on prednisolone for a short amount of time should watch the animal for increased thirst and appetite, panting, vomiting, loose stool and restlessness. These side effects are common with using an anti-inflammatory drug like prednisolone and should be monitored though the owner should not be alarmed if any or all of these symptoms appear in the short-term. Should symptoms persist after treatment is stopped, consult a veterinarian immediately.
  
  

Long-Term Side Effects

• Side effects with long-term use of prednisolone become much more serious for the cat. Gradual weakening of the muscles, loss of coat, diminished liver function, stomach ulcers and behavior changes are all risks of long-term use of an anti-inflammatory. The greatest risk to a cat with long term use of this drug is the development of Cushing's syndrome, a hormonal disease resulting in a tumor in the pituitary gland of the cat.