The Happy Cat Site

All you need to find a kitten and raise a happy, healthy cat

  • Cat Types
    • Pure Breeds
    • Mix Breeds
    • Coat & Patterns
    • Cat Comparisons
    • Color Variations
  • Kittens
    • 8 Week Old Kitten
    • 12 Week Old Kitten
    • 4 Month Old Kitten
    • 5 Month Old Kitten
  • Cat Care
    • Cat Health
    • Feeding Your Cat
    • Grooming
    • Breeding
  • Names
  • About
You are here: Home / Cat Care / Cat Health / Metacam for Cats – Use, Dosage and Side Effects

Metacam for Cats – Use, Dosage and Side Effects

November 8, 2022 By Anna Burke 17 Comments

metacam for cats

Metacam for cats is one of those drugs that raises more than a few eyebrows in the veterinary world. A Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug or NSAID, it is a moderately strong painkiller typically prescribed for arthritis, pain and inflammation in animals. However, not all countries agree that it is safe or on what it should be used for. Although the drug is available as an injection or suspension, only one of these can be used in the US right now.

Contents

  • What is Metacam?
  • What is it used for?
  • Dosing your cat
  • Side effects and safety

What Is Metacam for Cats?

Metacam is an NSAID. NSAID stands for Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. You may be familiar with human NSAIDs like Ibuprofen. These drugs reduce inflammation by reducing the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins promote inflammation, pain, and fevers in the body. However, these chemicals (prostaglandins) also have some good functions. They help platelets clot blood and also protect the stomach’s lining.

Metacam has anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and fever reducing qualities. These features make it a useful drug for dealing with certain medical conditions in cats.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

As a pain killer, you should see the maximum effect approximately 8 hours after administration. However, if your cat is just using Metacam for the first time, it may take 3 or 4 days to see a response. If nothing happens in 10 days, you have a chat with your veterinarian about trying another pain medication.

Treating Injuries and Post Surgical Uses

Meloxicam is most commonly prescribed for post-operative pain in cats. Vets administer it as an injection after surgeries. It is often given after spaying, neutering or orthopedic procedures. It is also potentially useful as chronic pain management in much lower doses, usually to treat feline osteoarthritis.

How to Give Metacam to Cats

Metacam is available in two forms for cats: an injection or an oral suspension. In the U.S., the oral suspension is not officially approved for use in cats. However, it is frequently used off-label to treat chronic conditions. And it is approved for use in Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

You can add it to the food or pour directly into your cat’s mouth, if they let you! Metacam oral suspension usually comes with a dosing syringe.

Metacam Dosage for Cats

Since Metacam is prescription only, your veterinarian will provide you with an appropriate dosage for your cat. Adjusting your cat’s dosage based on information you’ve found online is tempting, but can lead to adverse side effects.

Sometimes, veterinarians veer from the standard dosage based on other factors, like other health issues. Your pet physician will always give the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.

Side Effects

No medication is without potential side effects. Cats metabolize certain drugs slowly. This, combined with the high rates of kidney decline in felines, can lead to serious adverse effects when using NSAIDs.

The most common side effect of Metacam for cats is GI upset. Your cat may experience vomiting, diarrhea, soft stools, and a loss in appetite. They may also develop changes in behavior, like increased or decreased activity levels. Skin irritation and stomach ulcers may also occur.

Single doses of Metacam injections in cats can occasionally lead to decreased kidney function. They may also experience anemia, and in rare cases, pain at the site of injection.

Risk Factors

Some cats are more at risk for adverse effects than others. Cats who have shown themselves sensitive to other NSAIDs in the past may be at an increased risk of complications. The same applies to cats with a history of kidney problems.

You can’t use Meloxicam in cats with impaired liver, heart, and kidney function, bleeding disorders, and hypotension. Experts have not established safe use of Metacam in pregnant or nursing cats or for cats under four months old.

Is Metacam Safe for Cats?

In 2010, the US FDA gave a black box warning for meloxicam. While this sounds scary, a black box label does not necessarily mean that a product is harmful to your cat. In this case, the FDA had concerns that meloxicam was associated with renal failure and even death in cases of repeated use.

In Case Of Overdose

One of the largest concerns cat owners have about medications is the risk of overdose. An overdose of Metacam, like other NSAIDs in cats, can lead to kidney failure and death.

Your vet will administer single injections for post-operative pain. However, Metacam remains in your cat’s system for several days after dosing. It is crucial to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully. Do not administer any medications not prescribed by and discussed with your veterinarian after your cat receives a Metacam injection.

Metacam for Cats

If your veterinarian has prescribed Metacam for cats, we strongly advise that you go with their decision. Metacam is a safe medication that helps cats manage pain, inflammation and fever. Although there can be a range of side effects, these are often rare and associated with an overdose of the medication.

Has your cat received Metacam? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments section below.

Comments

  1. James Klapper says

    April 4, 2018 at 2:36 pm

    I’ve been using Ostilox, a meloxicam suspension for dogs, for my 15 year old cat Spot for 5 months with zero side effects. The dose is less than 1/4 of the recommended canine dose, only .01 mg. of Meloxicam per lb., about the dose recommended for cats in other countries, and Spot is doing very well on it. She was completely crippled by arthritis, simply refused to walk or even get up, and is now more limber and active than she’s been in years.
    Apparently cats kidneys can’t tolerate anything near the amount a dog can tolerate, the reason Meloxicam got a bad press for cats, but these tiny doses are both easily tolerated and effective.

    Reply
  2. Holistic Goddess says

    June 4, 2018 at 3:21 pm

    On 15th April 2018, my beautiful 14 yr 8m old cat was given a Metacam injection for a mere (albeit painful) shoulder injury, together with several other injections of Amoxicillin clavulanate (antibiotic) and Buprenox (opioid) in case of infection and to calm her.

    Soon after the first dose my cat struggled to eat her food and started drinking copious amounts of water. She was lethargic and apathetic, and lost her interest in life. Not being trained in veterinary medicine, I suspected her symptoms to be a result of the medication, assuming that she would be fine once the medication wore off. I syringe fed her for several days, not realising that she had an Acute Kidney Injury caused by Metacam.

    We were given a secondary oral dose of metacam, this was the one that did the trick, after which she deteriorated even more rapidly.

    She ended up on a drip, talk of oxygen tents and oxygen therapy went nowhere and she was PTS on 24th April.

    This was a cat who had been given a clean bill of health just 12 days previously on 12th April 2018.

    Please learn from my experience and never ever allow your cat to go on metacam or any other NSAID without prior blood and urine analsysis.

    I have recently had to send off an Adverse Medication Report to VMD. MY beautiful girl died to soon and is now is buried in my garden.

    Neither my usual vets or the OOH Vets we attended have bothered to send off an Adverse Medication notification. In fact, my own vets told us that our cat had eaten rat poison! Meanwhile they told my insurers that my cat had to be PTS as a result of ‘suspected steroid toxicity’. Neither can possibly be true since my cat has never ingested rat poison , nor had she ever been on steroid medication.

    Reply
    • Olibolly says

      November 8, 2018 at 7:17 pm

      I’m so sorry you and your baby went through this. I so appreciate your candor and information as my baby is currently having multiple problems. She was diagnosed with a bladder infection and hyperthyroidism. Since then she was given an injected antibiotic and medication for the hyperthyroidism (tapazole). Her arthritis flared up and she is having trouble negotiating the pet stairs. I wanted to give her a low dose of metacam for pain, but upon reading your post will hold off, particularly since I am already wondering if her urine/bladder infection is actually more indicative of kidney problems that were not diagnosed. Thank you again and I hope things are better for you now.

      Reply
      • Jennifer the cat lady says

        January 16, 2019 at 1:58 am

        Try prednisone for 3-5 days instead. 2-4mg per kilo of body weight

        Reply
  3. Nancy says

    March 8, 2019 at 6:33 am

    I have a little female cat going on 23 years old. Her arthritis is pretty bad in her hind legs, but she eats amazingly well! Think her fluid intake has remained the same. I put her on Metacam probably 7 months ago. At this point in her life there are risks, but not don’t worry abt her in pain. Just got the Meloxicam and am wondering if the dosage would be the same. This is not marked “for cats” but was told there is no difference. Is the dosage the same for the two medications? I was told .02 for her weight and age/condition. Almost out of the other bottle so n I d to figure this out. BTW she only sees the vet if “really” sick, no choice. Cannot do shots. Indoor only. Maybe that would s why she is almost 23 and pretty darn good teeth!
    Thanks for help in advance.
    Lexie’s Mom
    She is probably about six lbs

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      May 14, 2019 at 7:37 pm

      Hi Lexi’s Mummy. Wow what a good old age of 22. My old boy Noz is 14. He’s been on Metacam for 6 months now. It’s hard to tell if it is making a difference or not. I’d like to think it is. He’s got arthritis. He is on 0.6 daily. Is lexi quite a small cat? And in the last 8 months had both his thyroid glands out. Today I noticed blood in his poo again. He had the ops last time this happened. I’m so scared and worried for him. I go on holiday in 36hrs.
      Hope your furry baby has plenty left in her ?

      Reply
  4. Amber says

    April 9, 2020 at 9:45 pm

    I’ve just been given metacam by my vet today for my cats legs as she can’t move them, I was told that this medication is both a pain killer and will help heal up a bit of fur that’s been rubbed raw. She’s very dazed and quiet but still loves cuddles. However it seems to let off a scent as her sister has been so aggressive to her.

    Reply
  5. Suzette Floyed says

    May 7, 2020 at 12:35 am

    My little girl Pickle died yesterday that is to say pts.She was prescribed Metacam early this year as she had arthritis in her hips.She was 19 years and 8 months old and till very recently had a good appetite and was happy. I reluctantly gave her some Metacam to ease her pain but after giving her this for 3 weeks she very suddenly last Sunday stopped eating I called the vet and was told to bring her straight in once there i was told she had gum disease and tooth decay i don’t know how she came to that diagnosis as Pickle didn’t let her examine her mouth . She was given an injection of antibiotics. I took her home and she spent Monday sleeping by the evening she had not eaten the food from the vet i found her the following morning after having eaten some food convalescing and in pain, i rang the vet and she was immediately rushed into the vet where i was told she was beyond saving and that the kindest thing to do was to put her out of pain.I could not hold my baby while I said goodbye as we are in lockdown because of the virus. I now wish so much that I had not put my trust in the original vet, as I am convinced that Metacam caused her kidneys to fail. I am heartbroken and wish that I had followed my own instincts.Up till now Pickle had only seen a vet twice in her life.6th May 2020

    Reply
    • JEROME B. LOISEL says

      December 12, 2021 at 3:30 pm

      I LOST MY CAT SHE WAS 12YEARS OLD SHE HAB BAD TEETH THE VET REMOVED 7 TEETH AND GAVE HER METACAM THEN SENT HER HOME AND SAID TO GIVE HER METACAM 1.5 MG ONCE A DAY FOR 3 0R 4 DAYS THE SECONE DAY I GAVE HER 1.5 MG 3 HOURS LATTER SHE HAD SEIZURES EVERY 3HOURS I TOKE HER TO THE VET AND HE PUT HER DOWN I THINK THE VET KILL MY CAT WITH TO MUCH METACAM THANK YOU

      Reply
  6. Kev says

    May 16, 2020 at 8:33 am

    My cat has just commenced Metacalm treatment. I wasn’t aware of side effects apart from being warned about diarrhea. Been using it for 3 days and have been prescribed for 12 days.
    No adverse effects, cat is a bit sleepy, which is good as Metacalm was prescribed after an absess burst. He is now on “lockdown” with us for the next week or so and cant get outside.
    Kev

    Reply
  7. Carole MacLeod says

    May 31, 2020 at 2:36 pm

    My 8 yr old cat is on Metacam for pain. The last 3 days, I’ve noticed excessive drooling (milky and thick) coming from both sides of his mouth. Could this be due to the Metacam? He wants to eat but is very reluctant to eat his favorite foods and only eats a small amount. Should I continue with the Metacam?

    Reply
  8. M. Simons says

    October 23, 2021 at 11:10 pm

    My 15 y.o. Cat was just started on Meloxicam for chronic arthritis. The vet initially ordered an opioid, but I requested a NASAID as I don’t want him drugged. He is taking 0.1 cc for 7 days then every other day. I’ m hopeful he tolerates it and gets some relief without side effects.

    Reply
  9. Tim Cawthorne says

    January 24, 2022 at 6:58 pm

    My little man was just 7 and had a bad tooth he was waiting for a date to remove his tooth he was super fit just had a bad tooth the vet gave him an injection metacam then sent him home with oral metacam 3 days in and he had stopped eating went very lethargic so we took him back to the vet who administered another injection of metacam and told us to continue with oral metacam 10 days later he is been put down due to chronic kidney failure so my advise is DO NOT USE METACAM unless you have no other option if i had not let the vet give it him he would be here today so yes i also believe the VET KILLED MY CAT

    Reply
  10. Lawrence Neely says

    March 4, 2022 at 11:17 pm

    My cat has bad arthritis (12 years old) and had a hard time getting around. The Vet offered up meloxicam. He explained the side effects and what to look out for. I decided that in her best interest to try it. It has been 3 years and we go to the Vet often to check her blood levels and so far she is doing great. She get .3cc every 2 days (which sounds like a small amount but the Vet did not want to overwhelm her system). So to me it has worked out great and she is much better moving around.

    Reply
    • Donna says

      January 9, 2023 at 3:37 am

      Good for you, caring cat mommy.
      Good info w dosage every 2 days. Does she take liquid orally,
      or mixed in small amount soft food?

      Reply
  11. Miranda kliemantat says

    October 16, 2022 at 7:38 pm

    Giving melozicam oral for 5 days post-spay for 6 month old kitten
    She eats well but has been very drowsy & goes to bathroom less odten.

    Reply
  12. Hol says

    December 22, 2022 at 11:33 pm

    My cat was given Metcam injection two days ago for some leg pain. he is 3 years old. He has been very lethargic but is eating and doing well otherwise. I am concerned about the sleeping because he is doing it all day. Today he refused to even come outside to stretch his paws. Haven’t seen any other effects but will contact the vet because I am concerned about him sleeping all day. Sorry to hear about some of your experiences with this medication. Has anyone had the issue with excessive sleeping

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Happy Cat Handbook

Recent Posts

best kitten toys

Best Kitten Toys – Chosen By A Kitten!

The best kitten toys usually have interactive … More...

will rubbing alcohol kill ear mites in cats

Will Rubbing Alcohol Kill Ear Mites in Cats?

I recently read a thread in an online pet … More...

lilac point ragdoll

Lilac Point Ragdoll

A lilac point Ragdoll cat is friendly, … More...

Exotic shorthair shedding may be a concern...

Exotic Shorthair Shedding And Grooming Requirements

The Exotic Shorthair was created to be a … More...

The Happy Cat SiteThe Happy Cat Site by Red Cat Media - copyright 2017 Red Cat Media Ltd. - Logo by Toby Mattinson Animation
The Happy Cat Site is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk
The Happy Cat Site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
View Privacy Policy