Metacam (Meloxicam) Dosage for Cats
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
⏱ Onset: 30-60 minutes
⏳ Duration: 24 hours
This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.
Dosage Calculator
Enter your cat's weight to calculate the recommended dose.
Recommended Dosage
Low Dose
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mg
Standard Dose
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mg
Max Dose
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mg
Frequency
Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision
These calculations are estimates based on standard veterinary dosing guidelines. Always confirm with your veterinarian before administering medication.
Metacam Dosage Chart for Cats by Weight
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| Weight | Low Dose | Standard Dose | Max Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 lbs (1.4 kg) | 0mg | 0mg | 0mg | Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision |
| 4 lbs (1.8 kg) | 0mg | 0mg | 0mg | Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision |
| 5 lbs (2.3 kg) | 0mg | 0mg | 0mg | Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision |
| 6 lbs (2.7 kg) | 0mg | 0mg | 0.5mg (0.5mg tablet) | Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision |
| 7 lbs (3.2 kg) | 0mg | 0mg | 0.5mg (0.5mg tablet) | Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision |
| 8 lbs (3.6 kg) | 0mg | 0mg | 0.5mg (0.5mg tablet) | Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision |
| 9 lbs (4.1 kg) | 0mg | 0mg | 0.5mg (0.5mg tablet) | Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision |
| 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | 0mg | 0mg | 0.5mg (0.5mg tablet) | Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision |
| 12 lbs (5.4 kg) | 0mg | 0.5mg (0.5mg tablet) | 0.5mg (0.5mg tablet) | Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision |
| 14 lbs (6.3 kg) | 0mg | 0.5mg (0.5mg tablet) | 0.5mg (0.5mg tablet) | Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision |
| 16 lbs (7.3 kg) | 0mg | 0.5mg (0.5mg tablet) | 0.5mg (0.5mg tablet) | Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision |
| 18 lbs (8.2 kg) | 0mg | 0.5mg (0.5mg tablet) | 1mg (2 × 0.5mg) | Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision |
| 20 lbs (9.1 kg) | 0mg | 0.5mg (0.5mg tablet) | 1mg (2 × 0.5mg) | Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision |
| 25 lbs (11.3 kg) | 0.5mg (0.5mg tablet) | 0.5mg (0.5mg tablet) | 1mg (2 × 0.5mg) | Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision |
What is Metacam (Meloxicam) used for in cats?
Acute post-operative pain (single injection) Osteoarthritis pain (limited, with extreme caution) Acute musculoskeletal pain Fever reduction
How to give Metacam to your cat
CRITICAL: Only use the cat-specific formulation (0.5 mg/mL oral suspension). Never use the dog formulation (1.5 mg/mL) as this can easily cause a fatal overdose. Use only the measuring syringe provided with the product. The oral suspension can be dripped onto food or given directly into the mouth. Always give with food to reduce stomach irritation. Ensure your cat is well-hydrated before and during treatment. If your cat stops eating or drinking, stop the medication immediately and contact your vet.
Available Forms
Injectable solution, Oral suspension (0.5 mg/mL cat formulation)
Give with Food?
Yes — give with food
Side effects of Metacam in cats
Common side effects
Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea or soft stool
Lethargy
Serious side effects
- Acute kidney failure (especially with repeated dosing)
- Gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding
- Liver damage
- Death (from renal failure with inappropriate chronic use)
When to call the vet
Call your vet immediately if your cat shows any of these signs:
- Vomiting, especially with blood or dark material
- Loss of appetite lasting more than 12 hours
- Increased thirst or changes in urination (increase or decrease)
- Lethargy, weakness, or hiding behavior
- Dark, tarry, or bloody stools
Frequently Asked Questions
Is meloxicam safe for cats?
Meloxicam has a very narrow safety margin in cats compared to dogs. In the United States, it is only FDA-approved for a single subcutaneous injection in cats for post-operative pain. Repeated oral dosing carries a significant risk of acute kidney failure and death, especially in older cats or those with any degree of kidney compromise. In some countries (EU, Australia), low-dose oral meloxicam is approved for longer use in cats, but only at very low doses (0.05 mg/kg initially, then 0.025 mg/kg daily) and with careful monitoring. NEVER use the dog formulation or dog dosing in cats.
Why is meloxicam dangerous for cats but not dogs?
Cats metabolize meloxicam much more slowly than dogs, leading to drug accumulation with repeated dosing. Cats are also more susceptible to NSAID-induced kidney damage. Even a few days of inappropriately dosed meloxicam can cause irreversible kidney failure in cats. The feline kidney has a lower functional reserve, so any nephrotoxic insult can be catastrophic. This is why cat-specific formulations use much lower concentrations.
Can I give my cat meloxicam for arthritis long-term?
Long-term oral meloxicam use in cats is controversial and varies by country. In the EU and Australia, very low-dose oral meloxicam (0.025 mg/kg/day) is approved for chronic osteoarthritis in cats with regular kidney monitoring. In the US, this use is not FDA-approved, and the label carries a black box warning against repeated dosing. If your vet prescribes it long-term, ensure regular blood work every 3-6 months and report any decrease in appetite, water intake, or urination immediately.
What are the signs of meloxicam toxicity in cats?
Signs of meloxicam toxicity in cats include vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination (early kidney damage), decreased urination (advanced kidney failure), lethargy, dark or tarry stools, and abdominal pain. If you notice any of these signs, stop the medication immediately and seek emergency veterinary care. Early intervention with IV fluids can sometimes prevent permanent kidney damage.
What is the correct meloxicam dose for cats?
The cat-specific dose of meloxicam is 0.05 mg/kg as an initial dose, which may be reduced to 0.025 mg/kg for subsequent doses if continued. This is roughly 1/10th of the dog dose. NEVER use the dog oral suspension (1.5 mg/mL) for cats—always use the cat formulation (0.5 mg/mL) to avoid fatal overdose. For a 4 kg cat, the initial dose is only 0.2 mg. Always measure with the syringe provided with the cat formulation.