Do steroids cause cats to eat more?

heather40

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My kitty, Sam, is still recovering from his tick fever. He was sent home Monday with an antibiotic and a steroid to get every other day. He seems to be feeling GREAT, and is back to himself, but I have noticed that he is eating ALL THE TIME! I keep dry food out for them all day, and they get wet in the morning and at night. He will eat some dry, drink, drink, drink, then eat some more. Then, he will go lay down for about 1 minutes, and repeat! I know steroids make me really puffy and hungry. Wondered if that was what was going on or if he is just making up for not eating much when he was so sick.
 

yosemite

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I know it can make people eat more, but I would recommend you call your vet's office and ask them just to be sure.
 

blaise

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Do steroids cause cats to eat more?
I did suspect so, but your question prompted me to go looking...

On the (famous) CRF information site felinecrf.org, you'll read that, sometimes, steroids are given to induce appetite, though with the obvious cautions about long-term use. Scroll down to "Appetite Stimulants: Use of Drugs to Induce Eating" (about 3/4 down the page) right here.
 

tamgirl99

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Yep! My vet had to put my kitty on prednisone for cystitis and said it would help increase her appetite as well. She was going through a food refusal stage at the time and it has helped.
 
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heather40

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Originally Posted by BLAISE

I did suspect so, but your question prompted me to go looking...

On the (famous) CRF information site felinecrf.org, you'll read that, sometimes, steroids are given to induce appetite, though with the obvious cautions about long-term use. Scroll down to "Appetite Stimulants: Use of Drugs to Induce Eating" (about 3/4 down the page) right here.
Wow, thanks for doing the research for me!

And thanks to the other as well. I figured that was causing his hearty appetite. It is really quite funny to watch. He seems confused about why he is eating AGAIN!!! It's cute!
 

myboys15

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Originally Posted by heather40

My kitty, Sam, is still recovering from his tick fever. He was sent home Monday with an antibiotic and a steroid to get every other day. He seems to be feeling GREAT, and is back to himself, but I have noticed that he is eating ALL THE TIME! I keep dry food out for them all day, and they get wet in the morning and at night. He will eat some dry, drink, drink, drink, then eat some more. Then, he will go lay down for about 1 minutes, and repeat! I know steroids make me really puffy and hungry. Wondered if that was what was going on or if he is just making up for not eating much when he was so sick.
My Sabastian (RIP) was on steroids for his stomatitis. He was a tiny framed boy and OH MY he packed on muscle and some weight. My vet did tell me to feed him a bit more but DO NOT LEAVE FOOD OUT, gorging can be bad.. I did not try this but maybe try a distraction. Yeah, I know why type (LOL). Best Wishes.
 
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heather40

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Last night I did take the food up for a little while, and he didn't seem upset by it. He just played with his brother, then got on the couch with me. Before bed, I put it back out for them, but there was still plenty left in the bowl this morning.
 

mews2much

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The vet gave me a cup to measure Cocos food in and she still wanted more at the time. Now she is on inhaled steroid. Taking the dish away for awhile will help.
 
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