Metacam for cats is a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). It’s a moderately potent painkiller which veterinarians typically prescribe for arthritis, pain,
Metacam for Cats FAQs
Our readers often ask these questions about Metacam for cats.
- Can you use Metacam to treat injuries for cats?
- What are the side effects of Metacam for cats?
- Do you need a prescription for Metacam for cats?
- Can cats take human Metacam?6,
- How long does it take Metacam for cats to work?
Can You Use Metcam to Treat Injuries for Cats?
Yes, Metacam works for managing pain and reducing the inflammation that comes with injuries. Vets recommend the medicine for pain, inflammation, arthritis, and even tumors and after surgeries.
What Are the Side Effects of Metacam for Cats?
In general, cats do well with Metacam. But side effects can occur. The more common side effects include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and dark stools due to stomach ulceration. Some cats have experienced kidney issues, as we’ll see below. Other rare adverse effects may occur. So please contact your vet if you have any concerns about your cat.
Do You Need a Prescription for Metacam for Cats?
Yes, you’ll need a prescription from a veterinary surgeon to buy Metacam for your cat.
Can Cats Take Human Metacam?
If you’re unable to access Metacam, you may — with your vet’s approval — be able to give your cat aspirin (an NSAID for humans). Experts recommend that you do not give pets aspirin more than two days in a row. You should also steer clear of the medication if your dog is already on Metacam and actively using it.
How Long Does It Take Metacam for Cats to Work?
If Metacam is working, 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. Ultimately, experts say if nothing happens in 10 days, you should try another pain medication.
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. Or perhaps you know other common veterinary drugs, like carprofen.
Vets commonly use NSAIDs to treat pain, inflammation, and osteoarthritis. They work in dogs, cats, and other animals.
You may also hear Metacam referred to as meloxicam. Meloxicam is the generic name for Metacam. However, experts sometimes use the names interchangeably.
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.
Research does indicate that NSAIDs are effective in treating acute and chronic pain in cats. But, there are serious risks associated with NSAID use in cats. It only makes sense then that pet owners be aware of these.
NSAIDs for Cats
NSAIDs are drugs which 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.
That’s why overdosing on NSAIDs can be dangerous, both for humans and cats. NSAIDs can reduce pain, inflammation, arthritis, and even fevers.
What Is Metacam Used for in Cats?
Metacam is approved for use in cats in both the U.S. and the U.K. However, some uses are considered “off-label” in the U.S.
A look at the manufacturer’s U.S. and U.K. websites quickly shows the differences.
Metacam for Arthritis in Cats
The UK website advertises Metacam as “the most popular medicine used by vets in the UK to treat arthritis in cats.” On the U.S. website, though, they only advertise Metacam for post-operative pain relief.
Meloxicam is most commonly prescribed in the U.S. for post-operative pain in cats.
They administer it as an injection and
In the UK, Metacam is used as a post-operative pain therapy. It is also useful as chronic pain management in much lower doses, usually to treat feline osteoarthritis.
Metacam for Pain Relief in Cats
U.S. veterinarians and researchers are constantly exploring different options for treating chronic pain in cats. They’ve also turned to Metacam as a possible therapy. Therefore, it’s possible your U.S. veterinarian has prescribed your cat Metacam for arthritis. If so, they may have mentioned that this is considered “off-label” usage.
Understandably, this can be disconcerting for cat owners, but there is no need to panic. How long does it take Metcam to work for cats? As mentioned in our FAQs, Metacam takes about 8 hours to reach its maximum effect.
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.
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The suspension can come in an oral spray or a liquid, and should be given with food. You can add it to the food or pour directly into your cat’s mouth. Of course, this would depend on your cat’s temperament and eating habits.
Also keep in mind that for smaller dogs, you should only add the suspension to their meals. Never pour directly in their mouths, to avoid overdose.
Metacam is only available upon your vet’s prescription. So make sure you follow the instructions on the packaging or the written instructions of your veterinarian. If you’re ever without Metacam, and are wondering whether to give your dog a human NSAID, you can use aspirin. However, this should only be a temporary fix as aspirin is quite a strong NSAID.
Metacam injections are typically used to treat acute pain in cats, especially after surgery. Your veterinarian will administer the injection while your cat is in the animal hospital, which means all you have to do is watch out for signs of adverse reactions.
Metacam Dosage for Cats
Searching the internet for Metacam dosages can also be dangerous, especially if you live in the U.S. and are administering Metacam to your cat off-label.
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.
Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions, and consult them before you make any changes.
The dosage of Metacam prescribed to your cat may match the manufacturer’s guidelines exactly.
Sometimes, however, veterinarians alter the dosage based on other factors, like concurrent health issues.
If your cat’s Metacam dosage doesn’t look right to you, play it safe and ask your veterinarian for clarification. Experts recommend that you always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. consistent with individual response.
Metacam oral suspension usually comes with a dosing syringe. It’s generally calibrated to deliver the daily maintenance dose in pounds.
Metacam for Cats Side Effects
No medication is without potential side effects. So unless your vet absolutely declares it a no-no, you needn’t avoid Metacam for your cat.
Nonetheless, cats metabolize certain drugs more slowly than dogs. This, combined with the high rates of kidney decline in felines, can lead to serious adverse effects when using NSAIDs.
However, Metacam is generally safe for cats if used in accordance with your veterinarian’s instructions.
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.
By now, you know that Metacam can lead to fatal kidney failure.
Risk Factors for Side Effects
In the UK, however, they’ve approved lower doses of Metacam to treat chronic pain. Their safety findings, along with guidelines from international and American veterinary associations, suggest that the benefits of Metacam often outweigh the risks of long-term NSAID use.
It’s also worth noting that 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.
Use Meloxicam with care 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. So, if you suspect your cat is pregnant, talk to your veterinarian.
You can minimize your cat’s risk of side effects by following instructions and asking for clarification, as needed. It also helps to submit your cat to regular testing, and observe them for signs of changes in behavior.
If you notice your cat has any symptoms of adverse reactions to Metacam, contact your veterinarian immediately for further instructions.
Is Metacam Safe for Cats?
Metacam for cats is relatively safe.
However, if you’ve googled the medication, or read a U.S. product pamphlet, then you may have seen an alarming statement.
“Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death. Do not administer additional injectable or oral meloxicam to cats. See Contraindications, Warnings, and Precautions for detailed information.”
In 2010, the U.S. FDA gave a black box warning for meloxicam.
Black box warnings are warnings that appear on drug information pamphlets. They are usually bordered, giving them their name, and call attention to any serious or life-threatening risks associated with the product.
Not all risks are common knowledge prior to widespread usage. So the FDA sometimes adds these labels after a drug has been in use for some time.
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.
Therefore, as mentioned, there can be some side effects for certain cats, especially with high doses and overuse. But Metacam is mostly safe. More so when used according to your vet’s recommendation.
Metacam for Cats 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
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.
If your cat takes Metacam for chronic pain management, talk with your veterinarian about the safest way to administer the medication to your cat. Finally, be sure to check in with any other caregivers to prevent accidental overdose by double-dosing.
If you suspect that your cat has taken too much Metacam, or if you think you have administered another NSAID within a few days of your cat’s Metacam injection, call your veterinarian.
Signs of liver failure or liver disease in cats include loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, changes in behavior, and jaundice.
Drug interactions can also lead to complications. So, ask your veterinarian about any possible drug interactions between Metacam and your cat’s other prescriptions or supplements. These could increase your cat’s risk of bleeding, GI toxicity, liver toxicity or overdose, and can affect the efficacy of other medications.
The Metacam Controversy in Cats
The potential side effects of Metacam can be scary to some cat owners. However, other studies show promising safety margins and efficacy for use of NSAIDs in cats to treat chronic conditions like arthritis.
Plus, qualified vets in the UK and other parts of the world use Metacam to treat chronic conditions in cats.
Perhaps the biggest safety concern for Metacam in cats is kidney failure.
Cats, especially older cats, are more likely to have kidney disease, as well as conditions like hyperthyroidism and liver disease. This can lead to adverse effects and further compromise kidney health.
Your veterinarian will likely want to do some bloodwork and perhaps some screening tests to make sure that your cat does not have another condition that could lead to complications.
But repeated usage of Metacam, especially in high doses, can indeed lead to kidney failure. So make sure you follow your veterinarian’s instructions exactly to prevent accidental overdose.
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.
We hope this information has helped to give you peace of mind over their drug choice. We’re certain that by following your vet’s instructions, your kitty finds Metacam for cats helpful.
Has your cat received Metacam? We’d love to hear about your experiences with Metacam for cats in the comments section below.
References and Further Reading
- ‘Meloxicam.’ Plumb’s Veterinary Drugs.
- Edwards, S. BSc, BVMS, MANZCVSc. ‘Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs.’ Merck Veterinary Manual.
- Lascelles, D. BSc, BVS, CertVA,
PhD , MRCVS, DSAS (ST), Diplomate ECVS &SCVS. ‘Acute Pain in Cats: Treatment with NSAIDS.’ Today’s Veterinary Practice. 2014. - Meloxicam S. Noble et al
- Long-term safety, efficacy and palatability of oral meloxicam at 0.01–0.03 mg/kg for treatment of
osteoarthritic pain in cats M. N. Gunew - Oral suspension for cats NOAH
- Metacam UK Website
- Information about the Boxed Warning on METACAM® (meloxicam) Labels
– FDA.GOV - Postoperative analgesia in the cat after ovariohysterectomy by use of carprofen, ketoprofen, meloxicam or tolfenamic acid L. S. Slingsby, A. E. Waterman-Pearson
- Metacam. Frequently Asked Questions.
- PetMD. Meloxicam.
- VetStreet.
Khully , P. VMD. My Top 10 List of Over-the-Counter Human Meds That Can Be Used on Pets. - Rx List. NSAIDS. Marks, J. MD, Ogbru, A. PharmD, MBA.
- Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Meloxicam.
Metacam for Cats has been extensively revised for 2019.
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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.
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.
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.
Try prednisone for 3-5 days instead. 2-4mg per kilo of body weight
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
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 💖