Hydrocortisone Oral for Cat
Cat · Felis catus · typical adult weight 2.50–7.00 kg
Hydrocortisone Oral is used in cat for Hypoadrenocorticism (glucocorticoid replacement). Routes documented in cat: PO. A typical adult cat weighs 2.50–7.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Hydrocortisone Oral in cat, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Cortef
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 0.5–1 mg/kg | q12h | Lifelong; feline Addison's is very rare | Hypoadrenocorticism (glucocorticoid replacement) | Weak | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your cat's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Identical to endogenous cortisol. Binds glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors, providing physiologic replacement in adrenal insufficiency.
Side effects & warnings
Shortest-acting oral corticosteroid — may need 2-3 daily doses. Used for Addison's disease replacement. Both gluco- and mineralocorticoid effects.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for cat may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Other Endocrine drugs with cat dosing
Hydrocortisone Oral dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Hydrocortisone Oral pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in cat — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.