The effectiveness of the use of Prednisone as a veterinarian medication depends upon the dosage prescribed. Different doses are used for different conditions: Low doses are mainly used for inflammatory conditions, like allergies. Moderate doses are used as appetite stimulants and antiemetic agents (prevents vomiting and nausea). High doses are used during chemotherapy treatment for cancer and for treatment of immune and auto-immune related diseases, like ulcerative skin diseases. Since cats require higher doses of Prednisone for desired results, they are most likely to face maximum side effects from the drug. The nature of the side effects depends on the period for which it has been ingested. If Prednisone is ingested for more than seven days, there is a chance that the cat may become dependent on the drug. Long term use suppresses the natural adrenal function and abrupt discontinuation of Prednisone can cause serious ailments. There are other effects of Prednisone, as listed below: Short term effects: Increase in high blood pressure, particularly in diabetic cats Fluid retention Renal disorders and increased urination Excessive thirst Poor coat quality Gastrointestinal ulcers and disturbances, such as vomiting and diarrhea Muscle degeneration Behavioral changes Long Term effects: Eye disorders Weight gain Cushing’s Disease

I've always said that while having your cat die before you is sad, dying before your cat is an even worse scenario. I like the idea of setting up a "trust fund" for Kitty -- and perhaps leaving specific instructions about what to do with Kitty in your will. On an entirely different note, a neighbor left a will specifying that his dog be euthanized should the neighbor predecease the dog -- which he did. I wouldn't go that route, but thinking of Kitty going to a shelter isn't such a pleasant thought, either.