Calculate proper meloxicam (Metacam) dosage for pain management in cats based on weight, condition type, and treatment phase.
Metacam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief and inflammation in cats. It's commonly prescribed for post-surgical pain or acute musculoskeletal disorders.
FDA Status: In the USA, meloxicam is only approved for single-dose injectable use in cats. Oral formulations for long-term use are available in some countries under veterinary prescription.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Metacam must ONLY be administered under direct veterinary supervision. Incorrect dosing can cause serious kidney damage or death in cats.
Metacam, the brand name for meloxicam, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that plays an important role in feline pain management when used appropriately under veterinary supervision. This medication belongs to the oxicam class of NSAIDs and works by selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes, which are responsible for producing inflammatory prostaglandins that cause pain, swelling, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin production, Metacam effectively decreases inflammation and provides analgesic relief for cats experiencing various painful conditions. Veterinarians commonly prescribe Metacam for post-operative pain following surgical procedures such as spaying, neutering, orthopedic surgeries, or dental extractions, acute musculoskeletal pain from injuries, strains, or trauma, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions including osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease. Unlike some other NSAIDs that have proven dangerous or even fatal in cats, meloxicam has been specifically studied and formulated for feline use with appropriate dosing protocols established through veterinary research. However, cats metabolize NSAIDs differently than dogs or humans, processing these drugs more slowly and being more susceptible to adverse effects, particularly kidney toxicity and gastrointestinal complications. This fundamental difference in drug metabolism makes precise dosing absolutely critical for feline patients. The margin between therapeutic and potentially toxic doses is narrower in cats than in many other species, requiring careful attention to exact weight-based calculations and appropriate dosing schedules that account for the drug's extended half-life in feline patients.
The methodology for calculating Metacam dosage in cats is more complex than simple weight-based calculation, as it must account for the specific condition being treated, whether the dose is initial or maintenance, the route of administration, and the concentration of the product being used. For post-operative pain and acute musculoskeletal disorders, the standard protocol involves an initial dose of 0.2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, followed by maintenance doses of 0.05 mg/kg once daily. This significant reduction from initial to maintenance dosing reflects the drug's accumulation in the body and the need to prevent toxicity with repeated administration. For chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, a more conservative initial dose of 0.1 mg/kg is typically prescribed, followed by the same 0.05 mg/kg maintenance dose. A 4-kilogram cat receiving Metacam for post-surgical pain would receive 0.8 mg as the initial dose, then 0.2 mg per day for subsequent doses. A 5-kilogram cat being treated for chronic arthritis would receive 0.5 mg initially, then 0.25 mg daily for maintenance. Metacam for cats is available in two primary concentrations that affect dosing calculations. The oral suspension formulated specifically for cats contains 0.5 mg/mL of meloxicam, typically provided with a graduated syringe for accurate dosing. The injectable solution used in veterinary clinics contains a higher concentration of 2 mg/mL and is administered subcutaneously, usually for the initial post-operative dose before transitioning to oral medication. Using the wrong concentration or the canine formulation can result in dangerous overdosing, so it's essential to verify you have the correct feline-specific product. The duration of treatment varies by indication. For acute post-operative pain, treatment typically lasts 3 to 5 days. For chronic arthritis, some cats may receive longer-term treatment, but this requires close veterinary monitoring including regular blood work to assess kidney and liver function. In Europe, Metacam is approved for longer-term use in cats with chronic conditions, but in North America, extended use remains more controversial and must be carefully weighed against potential risks.
Practical application of Metacam in cats demands strict attention to safety protocols and monitoring for adverse effects. Before initiating Metacam therapy, veterinarians should evaluate renal function through blood work, assess hydration status and ensure adequate fluid intake, review all current medications for potential interactions, and evaluate for contraindications such as pre-existing kidney disease, liver disease, gastrointestinal ulceration, dehydration, or concurrent use of other NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Administration technique for oral Metacam involves measuring the precise dose using the provided syringe, giving the medication directly into the mouth or mixed with a small amount of food, administering at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels, and ensuring the cat has access to fresh water at all times. Monitoring during treatment is essential and should include observation for decreased appetite or refusal to eat, vomiting or diarrhea, changes in water consumption, changes in urination frequency or volume, lethargy or behavioral changes, and any signs of abdominal pain. Side effects, while occurring in fewer than 1 in 10,000 treated cats according to product information, can be serious and include gastrointestinal effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and in severe cases, gastric ulceration or perforation, renal effects including acute kidney injury, decreased kidney function, or acute renal failure particularly in cats with pre-existing kidney disease or dehydration, and hepatic effects with elevated liver enzymes or liver damage in rare cases. Drug interactions require careful consideration. Never combine Metacam with other NSAIDs including aspirin, carprofen, or other meloxicam products, as this dramatically increases toxicity risk. Do not use concurrently with corticosteroids such as prednisone or dexamethasone, as combination NSAID and steroid therapy significantly increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and kidney damage. Some antibiotics, diuretics, and heart medications may interact with meloxicam, so full medication disclosure to your veterinarian is essential. Special populations require extra caution or may be contraindicated for Metacam use. Geriatric cats over 15 years old require careful risk-benefit assessment and more frequent monitoring. Kittens should generally not receive Metacam, as safety has not been established in very young cats. Pregnant or nursing cats should avoid NSAIDs due to potential effects on pregnancy and nursing offspring. Cats with chronic kidney disease represent a particular challenge, as arthritis is common in senior cats, many of whom also have kidney disease, creating a difficult clinical situation requiring careful individual assessment.
Metacam formulations for dogs and cats differ significantly in concentration, and using dog products for cats can result in dangerous overdosing. Dog Metacam oral suspension typically contains 1.5 mg/mL of meloxicam, three times more concentrated than the 0.5 mg/mL feline formulation. Additionally, dog dosing protocols use higher mg/kg doses than feline protocols because dogs can tolerate and metabolize NSAIDs more efficiently than cats. The fundamental difference stems from feline hepatic metabolism, as cats have reduced glucuronidation capacity, a liver detoxification pathway crucial for metabolizing many drugs including NSAIDs. This results in a much longer half-life for meloxicam in cats compared to dogs—approximately 24 hours in cats versus 12-24 hours in dogs. Because cats eliminate the drug more slowly, it accumulates in their system more readily, making them more susceptible to toxicity with repeated dosing. The approved feline dose of 0.05 mg/kg for maintenance therapy is substantially lower than typical canine maintenance doses of 0.1 mg/kg. Using canine Metacam for a cat, even with attempted dose adjustment, risks miscalculation due to the different concentration and can lead to acute kidney injury, gastrointestinal ulceration, or other serious adverse effects. Always use Metacam products specifically labeled for cats and follow feline-specific dosing protocols provided by your veterinarian.
Long-term Metacam use for chronic arthritis in cats is a complex issue that varies by geographic location and regulatory status, requiring careful risk-benefit assessment and intensive monitoring. In Europe, Metacam is approved for longer-term use in cats with chronic musculoskeletal disorders under specific protocols, while in North America, it's primarily approved for short-term acute pain management with long-term use considered off-label. When veterinarians do prescribe Metacam for chronic arthritis in cats, several strict monitoring protocols must be followed. Baseline blood work before starting therapy should include complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive chemistry panel with emphasis on kidney values (creatinine, BUN, SDMA), liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), and urinalysis to assess kidney function and urine concentration. Follow-up monitoring typically involves repeat blood work and urinalysis at 2-4 weeks after starting therapy, then every 3-6 months during continued treatment, with more frequent monitoring for geriatric cats or those with any pre-existing conditions. Clinical monitoring includes regular weight checks to ensure appropriate dosing, assessment of pain control and mobility improvement, observation for any side effects or adverse reactions, and evaluation of overall quality of life. Many veterinarians employ a protocol of intermittent dosing rather than continuous daily administration for chronic cases, such as every other day or every third day dosing to minimize cumulative exposure while maintaining pain control. Alternative approaches may be considered including combination therapy with joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for anti-inflammatory effects, weight management to reduce joint stress, environmental modifications including ramps, steps, and padded bedding, and other pain management options like gabapentin or buprenorphine. The decision to use Metacam long-term should be individualized based on the cat's age, kidney function, degree of pain and disability, response to treatment, and availability of alternative therapies.
Metacam overdose in cats is a veterinary emergency requiring immediate action, as NSAID toxicity can cause severe kidney damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, and other life-threatening complications. If you suspect your cat has received too much Metacam, whether through accidental double-dosing, incorrect dose calculation, or access to the medication bottle, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic immediately without waiting for symptoms to appear. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian, as this can cause additional complications. Provide information about how much was given, when it occurred, your cat's weight, and any symptoms observed. Early intervention may include administration of activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed medication if ingestion was very recent, intravenous fluid therapy to support kidney function and promote drug elimination, gastroprotectant medications to protect against ulceration, and hospitalization for monitoring and supportive care in severe cases. Signs of Metacam toxicity to watch for include vomiting, especially if material contains blood or looks like coffee grounds, diarrhea which may be black and tarry indicating gastrointestinal bleeding, decreased or absent appetite, lethargy and weakness, increased or decreased thirst and urination, abdominal pain indicated by hunched posture or vocalization when touched, pale gums indicating anemia from bleeding, and seizures or collapse in severe cases. If a dose is missed, the appropriate response depends on timing. If you remember within a few hours of the usual dosing time, give the missed dose unless it's nearly time for the next dose. If it's close to the next scheduled dose time, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule with the next dose. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one, as this could result in overdosing. If you frequently forget doses, set phone alarms, use a medication calendar, administer at the same time as another daily routine like feeding, or consider whether consistent treatment is feasible for your situation.
Metacam can be administered with or without food, and giving it with meals may actually offer some protective benefits for the gastrointestinal tract while not significantly affecting absorption. Administering Metacam with a small amount of food can help reduce the risk of stomach upset and nausea, provide a routine that makes dosing easier to remember, and may decrease direct contact with the stomach lining. However, food does not eliminate the need for caution and proper monitoring, as NSAID-related side effects can occur regardless of administration method. Best practices for Metacam administration include using the provided graduated syringe for precise dosing, never estimating or guessing at doses, shaking the bottle before each use to ensure even distribution of medication, measuring doses at eye level to ensure accuracy, administering at the same time each day, preferably in the morning so you can monitor your cat during the day, and ensuring your cat has constant access to fresh water, as adequate hydration is important for kidney function and NSAID elimination. Additional safety recommendations include keeping the medication stored safely out of reach of pets and children, recording each dose administered to prevent accidental double-dosing if multiple caregivers are involved, never sharing medication between pets, even if they have similar conditions, having your cat weighed regularly at vet visits to ensure dosing remains appropriate as weight may change, and consulting your veterinarian before adding any new medications or supplements during Metacam treatment. Some veterinarians recommend giving Metacam in the morning rather than evening so that if side effects occur, they're more likely to be noticed during daytime hours when veterinary care is more readily accessible. Never adjust the dose on your own without veterinary guidance, even if you perceive the medication isn't working well or if side effects seem to be occurring, as your veterinarian needs to evaluate the situation and make informed adjustments.
Several alternative pain management options exist for cats who cannot safely receive Metacam or other NSAIDs due to kidney disease, adverse reactions, or other contraindications, though each has its own considerations and limitations. Opioid medications including buprenorphine, one of the most commonly used alternatives for cat pain management, can be administered as sublingual tablets or liquid, injectable formulations, or transdermal patches. It provides effective pain relief with relatively few side effects in cats, though it can cause sedation and requires controlled substance prescribing. Tramadol, a synthetic opioid-like medication, is sometimes used in cats, though recent research questions its effectiveness in felines due to their unique metabolism, and it often causes sedation or behavioral changes. Gabapentin, originally developed as an anticonvulsant but widely used for chronic pain particularly neuropathic pain, is increasingly popular for arthritis pain in cats. It's generally safe with kidney disease, though it causes sedation that may or may not be problematic depending on the cat. Amantadine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, may be beneficial for chronic pain, particularly in combination with other pain medications. Corticosteroids like prednisolone can provide anti-inflammatory effects for arthritis but carry their own risks including diabetes, immune suppression, and should never be combined with NSAIDs. Non-pharmaceutical approaches may be valuable additions or alternatives including weight management to reduce joint stress, joint supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and green-lipped mussel extract, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for anti-inflammatory effects, physical therapy including gentle range-of-motion exercises, acupuncture which some cats tolerate well with benefits for chronic pain, laser therapy offered by some veterinary practices, environmental modifications including ramps, stairs to reach favorite spots, lower litter box sides, orthopedic beds, and heating pads for arthritic joints. Regenerative therapies are emerging options including stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Combination approaches often work best, using multiple modalities together to achieve adequate pain control without relying solely on medications that may carry significant risks. The optimal pain management plan should be individualized based on your cat's specific condition, overall health status, response to various therapies, and quality of life considerations, developed in consultation with your veterinarian who can help navigate these options.