Skip to main content
PetDosageChart

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) · For Cats

How much Metacam (Meloxicam) can I give my cat?

Standard Metacam dose for cats is 0.05 mg per kg (0.02 mg per lb), given Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision. Use the calculator below for your cat's exact weight, or jump to the weight-by-weight chart.

Onset
30-60 minutes
Duration
24 hours
Class
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)

Calculator estimate from Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. Not yet vet-reviewed — see our methodology .

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.

Content reviewed by licensed veterinarians. Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dosage Calculator · 01

Enter your cat's weight

By Weight

Metacam dose by cat weight

Pick your cat's weight to jump to a dedicated page with the dose, frequency, safety notes, and FAQ for that size.

Embed this calculator on your site

Get a free Metacam dosage widget

Get embed code

Free forever. Works in any blog post or article. Adds a small "Powered by petdosagechart.com" credit at the bottom.

Dosage Chart · 02

Metacam dosage for cats by weight

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe 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

Common Uses · 03

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

Administration · 04

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 · 05

Side effects of Metacam in cats

Common side effects

Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea or soft stool
Lethargy

Serious side effects — call your vet

  • Acute kidney failure (especially with repeated dosing)
  • Gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding
  • Liver damage
  • Death (from renal failure with inappropriate chronic use)

Emergency · 06

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

For Dogs

Looking for Metacam dosage for dogs?

View the Metacam dosage chart and calculator for dogs.

Related · 08

Related medications for cats

Sources · 09

Sources & references

The dosage information on this page is compiled from the following veterinary and pharmaceutical references:

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — the standard veterinary pharmacology reference used by veterinarians worldwide.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual — a trusted, peer-reviewed resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
  • DailyMed (FDA Drug Labels) — official FDA-approved drug labeling and prescribing information for Meloxicam.

Read more about our methodology and how we calculate dosages.

Transparency · 11

How this page was made

Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, the reference used in US vet schools. Every dose, frequency, and tablet count on this page is generated from that data, then checked against the published references below.

Sources cited
  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
Calculator formula
Doses scale linearly from a standard basis of 0.05 mg per kg (0.02 mg per lb) of body weight, given Single dose; if repeated, only every 24 hours for maximum 3 days with veterinary supervision. The calculator multiplies that basis by your cat's weight and rounds to the closest available tablet size.
Last-reviewed status
Automated from Plumb’s, not yet vet-reviewed.

More on our methodology and editorial process — how we source, calculate, and review cats dosage data.

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

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.

Safety · 10

More resources