Our Vets are Available 🟢
Dial A Vet Logo
🐾 Pet Health
Blogs
Dog HealthCat HealthVeterinary ServicesPet Health
ask a vet
Ask A Vet Q&A - Free!
resources
Free Symptom CheckerDial A Vet NZFind a Local Vet Clinic
about DIAL A VET
Terms & Conditions
Privacy PolicyEditorial GuidelinesNewsletter
View all Blogs
Over 6,000 Articles
View All Q&A
5,000+ Answers
💵 Pricing📖 How it Works📧 Contact
Chat to a Vet

Question:

Can a senior IBD cat on Prednisolone for years also receive near infra red light therapy at the same time?

I'm really hoping to get some guidance here. I've got an 11-year-old kitty, Max, who's been battling Inflammatory Bowel Disease for quite some time now. He's been on Prednisolone for years, and while it's helped, I've noticed some side effects lately. A friend mentioned near infrared light therapy as a potential complementary treatment to help with his inflammation and overall comfort. I want to give Max the best quality of life, but I'm really worried about introducing something new on top of his current meds. Has anyone here tried this combination for their senior cats? I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences or any advice you might have. Thanks so much!

Answer:

Hello! It's great that you're looking into all the options available to help your senior cat. Infrared light therapy, sometimes used for its anti-inflammatory effects, can be considered as a supplementary treatment for cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it's crucial to approach this carefully, especially since your kitty is on Prednisolone, a steroid that also addresses inflammation.



In general, there’s limited research on the use of infrared therapy in cats, so I would advise discussing this with your vet first. They can assess any potential interactions or risks based on your cat's current health status. Often, light therapy is considered non-invasive and might provide additional comfort, but each cat responds differently.



For home care, continue monitoring your cat’s symptoms closely. Signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss may indicate IBD is not well-controlled. If these worsen or new symptoms appear, it’s essential to contact a vet promptly.



Given your cat's long-term Prednisolone use, keep an eye out for any signs of increased thirst, appetite changes, or behavioral shifts, as these can signal complications.



If you have more questions or want to ensure that both treatments work harmoniously, consider booking a video consult through Dial A Vet. This way, you can discuss tailored solutions for your furry friend's specific needs.

Answered by

Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet

June 22, 2025

  Book A Vet Consultation
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our content guidelines.
🧠 Related Pet Owner Questions
Is my dog okay? Is he just old?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
IBD vs Cancer in cats: Would you get an endoscopy or start steroids ASAP?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My cat got neutered and got an E-Collar, but it didn't exactly work positively
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dog, stage IV, bcell lymphoma, palliative only, prognosis 3-5 weeks. Still alive 10 months later.
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Money Magazine
Australia's Leading
Online Vet
TrustPilot:
Excellent
Real Vets

Thousands of Pet Owners across the Globe rely on Dial A Vet for peace of mind.

Real questions, vet reviewed answers and quality care.

Trusted by 40,000+ users
4.7/5
dog in grass
Ina
Pet Owner

It was so easy, I needed some eye drops for my dog and thinking about going to the vet on a weekend made me nervous about the cost involved. Dial A Vet was a much simpler, cheaper option with faster results. Within 10 minutes of the call, I had the medicine I needed for my dog without an expensive consultation.

25 May 2025
Joanne
Pet Owner

A great fast efficient service with a qualified vet who was lovely and helpful. Thank you Samantha. I was able to sort my dog at 6pm on a Sunday night for $49 - amazing. Highly recommend.

12 May 2025
Lisa
Pet Owner

What an amazing service, at my wits end as I knew my beautiful dog had an ear infection, could not get into the vet for 4 days. Never knew there was vets online until I googled. Within 15 minutes on a Sunday I was taking to beautiful Samantha who diagnosed and treated our Jasper. Only $49. She trusted that we knew our boy and gave us lots of advice. I will definitely be using dial a vet every time and sharing with all my friends and family. Absolutely fantastic kind caring service. 11/10

7 April 2025
The logo for Dial A Vet, the online vet company.

With Dial A Vet, expert veterinary advice is just a tap away. Get fast vet consultations, trusted care, and personalized pet support—anytime, anywhere, all year round.

Dial A Vets uses software that is HIPAA compliant and SOC - 2 Certified.

support@dialavet.com.au

dial a vet owner with cat
dial a vet pet owner with dog in a orange top
colourful pet owner with their dog
40k+
Pet Owners
Fluffy stuff
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy policy
Company
How It WorksPricingBlogFree Online VetOnline VetPet Symptom CheckerFind a Local Vet ClinicFree Teachers lesson plansGasTexts: Free Gas Prices TextedCheersVC
NEW ZEALAND
Speak to A Vet NZ
Our Social Links