What is the Metacam dose for cats?

Cats get 0.05 mg/kg (4× less than dogs). Single post-surgical dose only in the US. Cat formulation is 0.5 mg/ml.

Can I give my cat Metacam long-term?

In the US, Metacam is FDA-approved for single post-surgical dose only in cats. Long-term use is off-label and requires vet supervision due to kidney risks.

How do I convert lbs to kg for dosing?

1 kg = 2.2 lbs. Divide weight in lbs by 2.2. Example: 11 lb cat = 5 kg. Dose = 5 × 0.05 = 0.25 mg.

What concentration is cat Metacam?

Cat Metacam oral suspension is 0.5 mg/ml. Dog formulation is 1.5 mg/ml—never use dog Metacam for cats.

When should I not give Metacam to my cat?

Avoid in dehydrated cats, those with kidney/liver disease, or on other NSAIDs. Single dose only unless vet prescribes otherwise.

5 more

ANIMAL SCIENCEFeline HealthBiology Calculator

🐱

Metacam (Meloxicam) for Cats

Metacam is an NSAID used for pain relief in cats. CRITICAL: Cats require 0.05 mg/kg—4× lower than dogs (0.2 mg/kg). In the US, it is approved for a single post-surgical dose only. Off-label chronic use requires strict veterinary supervision due to kidney risks.

Concept Fundamentals

0.05 mg/kg

Cat Dose

0.2 mg/kg (4× higher)

Dog Dose

Single dose only

US Approval

0.5 mg/ml (cat)

Concentration

Calculate Metacam DoseEnter cat weight, concentration, and use type

Why This Biology Metric Matters

Why: Cats metabolize NSAIDs differently; overdose causes kidney failure. Never use dog Metacam—concentration and dose differ.

How: Single dose = weight (kg) × 0.05 mg/kg. Convert to ml using product concentration (0.5 mg/ml for cat formulation).

●US label: single post-surgical dose only. Chronic use is off-label and risky.
●Cat Metacam is 0.5 mg/ml; dog is 1.5 mg/ml—never substitute.
●Avoid in cats with kidney disease, dehydration, or on other NSAIDs.

Sources:Merck Veterinary ManualASPCA Animal Poison Control

🚨 CRITICAL: Cats 0.05mg/kg (4x LOWER than dogs). US: SINGLE post-surgical dose only. NEVER use dog Metacam.

📋 Sample Scenarios

Small Cat - Post-Surgery

8 lb cat post-spay, single dose

Medium Cat - Post-Surgery

12 lb cat post-surgery, single dose

Large Cat - Post-Surgery

15 lb Maine Coon post-surgery

Enter Cat Information

🐱 Cat Weight

Cat WeightEnter weight

Weight Unit

💊 Medication Details

Use TypeUS approval: post-surgical only

Concentration (mg/ml)Cat Metacam: 0.5 mg/ml

🏥 Health Status

Kidney FunctionCRITICAL: Do not use if compromised

For educational use only. Always confirm dosages and care with a licensed veterinarian.

🧬 Biology Facts

⚠️

Cats get 0.05 mg/kg—4× less than dogs. Never use dog dosing.

🩺

US approval: single post-surgical dose only. Chronic use off-label.

💧

Cat formulation is 0.5 mg/ml; dog is 1.5 mg/ml.

🫘

Kidney risk is high. Avoid in dehydrated or renal-compromised cats.

📋 Key Takeaways

• Cats: 0.05mg/kg — 4x LOWER than dogs (0.2mg/kg)
• US: SINGLE post-surgical dose only — no chronic use
• Cat Metacam: 0.5mg/ml (dog is 1.5mg/ml) — NEVER use dog product
• High kidney risk — do NOT use if kidney disease

🚨 CRITICAL WARNING: Metacam for Cats is VERY Different from Dogs

Cats require 0.05mg/kg - that's 4x LOWER than dogs (0.2mg/kg)
In the US, Metacam is ONLY approved for SINGLE post-surgical dose in cats
Cats are extremely sensitive to NSAIDs - high risk of kidney failure
NEVER use dog Metacam or dog dosages for cats
Cat Metacam concentration is 0.5mg/ml (different from dog 1.5mg/ml)

What is Metacam (Meloxicam) for Cats?

Metacam (meloxicam) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is approved for use in cats in the United States ONLY as a single post-surgical injection. The oral suspension is available but its use in cats is EXTREMELY LIMITED due to serious safety concerns, particularly regarding kidney function.

⚠️

US Approval: Single Dose Only

In the US, Metacam is ONLY approved for a single post-surgical injection. Oral use is off-label and requires extensive veterinary monitoring.

💊

Much Lower Dose

Cats require 0.05mg/kg - that's 4x LOWER than dogs (0.2mg/kg). Using dog dosages can cause fatal kidney failure.

🫘

Kidney Risk

Cats are extremely sensitive to NSAIDs. Even single doses can cause kidney problems, especially in dehydrated or kidney-compromised cats.

🚨 CRITICAL: Differences from Dogs

Factor	Dogs	Cats
Dosage	0.2 mg/kg (initial), 0.1 mg/kg (maintenance)	0.05 mg/kg (single dose only)
Concentration	1.5 mg/ml	0.5 mg/ml
US Approval	Multiple days, chronic use OK	Single post-surgical dose only
Kidney Risk	Moderate - monitor	HIGH - can cause kidney failure
Chronic Use	Approved with monitoring	NOT recommended - high risk

US Approval Status

FDA Approval: In the United States, Metacam (meloxicam) is ONLY approved for cats as a single post-surgical injection. The oral suspension is available but its use is considered OFF-LABEL.

Approved Use:

Single post-surgical injection for pain management
One-time use only
Must be administered by veterinarian

NOT Approved:

Multiple day use
Chronic pain management
Oral administration (off-label)
Use in cats with kidney disease

⚠️ Kidney Concerns in Cats

Cats are extremely sensitive to NSAIDs, and Metacam can cause serious kidney problems:

Acute Kidney Failure: Even a single dose can cause kidney failure in dehydrated cats or cats with pre-existing kidney disease
Chronic Kidney Disease: Long-term use significantly increases risk of chronic kidney disease
Dehydration Risk: Cats must be well-hydrated before receiving Metacam
Age Factor: Older cats are at higher risk
Pre-existing Conditions: Cats with any kidney dysfunction should NOT receive Metacam

CRITICAL: Do NOT use Metacam in cats with kidney disease, dehydration, or pre-existing kidney problems. Always ensure adequate hydration before administration.

Dosage Guidelines

Weight Range	Single Dose (mg)	Volume (0.5 mg/ml)	Frequency
2.2-5 lbs (1-2.3 kg)	0.05-0.12 mg	0.1-0.24 ml	SINGLE DOSE ONLY
6-10 lbs (2.7-4.5 kg)	0.14-0.23 mg	0.28-0.46 ml	SINGLE DOSE ONLY
11-15 lbs (5-6.8 kg)	0.25-0.34 mg	0.5-0.68 ml	SINGLE DOSE ONLY
16-20 lbs (7.3-9 kg)	0.37-0.45 mg	0.74-0.9 ml	SINGLE DOSE ONLY

CRITICAL: These dosages are for SINGLE post-surgical use only. Do NOT repeat doses without veterinary approval. Chronic use requires extensive monitoring and is NOT recommended.

Side Effects & Warnings

Serious Side Effects

• Acute kidney failure
• Decreased urination
• Excessive thirst
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Dehydration

Signs of Kidney Problems

• Decreased urination
• Excessive thirst
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Bad breath (uremia)
• Weight loss

🚨 STOP METACAM IMMEDIATELY IF: Your cat shows ANY signs of kidney problems (decreased urination, excessive thirst, loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy). Contact your veterinarian immediately.

Contraindications & Precautions

❌ DO NOT USE Metacam if:

Cat has ANY kidney disease or kidney dysfunction
Cat is dehydrated or has low blood volume
Cat is under 6 weeks of age
Cat weighs less than 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
Cat has a known allergy to meloxicam or other NSAIDs
Cat has active GI ulcers or bleeding
Cat has liver disease
Cat is pregnant or nursing

⚠️ Use with Extreme Caution:

Elderly cats (increased risk of kidney problems)
Cats taking other medications (especially steroids, other NSAIDs, or diuretics)
Cats with heart disease
Any chronic use requires EXTENSIVE veterinary monitoring

Drug Interactions

⚠️ NEVER Combine With:

Other NSAIDs

FATAL - Can cause severe kidney failure and death

Corticosteroids (Prednisone)

FATAL - Increased risk of kidney failure and GI ulcers

Aspirin

FATAL - Can cause severe kidney failure

ACE Inhibitors

HIGH - Can worsen kidney function

Diuretics (Furosemide)

HIGH - Increased kidney stress

Nephrotoxic drugs

HIGH - Can cause kidney failure

Always inform your veterinarian of ALL medications and supplements your cat is taking before starting Metacam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Metacam different for cats vs dogs?

Cats metabolize NSAIDs much more slowly than dogs and are extremely sensitive to their effects. Cats require 4x lower doses (0.05mg/kg vs 0.2mg/kg) and are at much higher risk of kidney failure.

Can I use dog Metacam for my cat?

NO! Never use dog Metacam for cats. Dog Metacam is 1.5mg/ml concentration, while cat Metacam is 0.5mg/ml. Using dog Metacam would result in a 3x overdose, which could be fatal.

Can my cat take Metacam for multiple days?

In the US, Metacam is ONLY approved for single post-surgical dose. Multiple day use is off-label and requires extensive veterinary monitoring. Chronic use significantly increases risk of kidney failure.

What if my cat has kidney disease?

Do NOT use Metacam in cats with kidney disease. Metacam can cause acute kidney failure in cats with pre-existing kidney problems. Always inform your veterinarian about your cat's kidney function.

What should I do if my cat shows signs of kidney problems?

Stop Metacam immediately and contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic right away. Signs include decreased urination, excessive thirst, loss of appetite, vomiting, or lethargy.

👈 START HERE

⬅️Jump in and explore the concept!