Metacam Dosage for Cats Calculator

About the Metacam Dosage for Cats Calculator

Meloxicam (Metacam) is the most commonly used NSAID for cats, providing pain relief for osteoarthritis, post-surgical pain, and other inflammatory conditions. Feline dosing is MUCH lower than canine dosing and requires extreme precision — cats are exceptionally sensitive to NSAIDs, and even small overdoses can cause fatal gastrointestinal ulceration or acute kidney failure.

The approved feline dose is 0.05 mg/kg once daily for chronic use (significantly lower than the dog dose of 0.1 mg/kg). The first dose (loading dose) may be 0.1 mg/kg for post-surgical pain, but this higher dose should NOT be continued. The feline oral suspension is 0.5 mg/mL — a much lower concentration than the canine 1.5 mg/mL suspension, and the two formulations must NEVER be interchanged without recalculating.

It gives precise dosing based on your cat's weight and the specific Metacam formulation, with safety checks, kidney function considerations, and monitoring schedules. Always use this alongside veterinary guidance — never dose Metacam without veterinary prescription and supervision.

When This Page Helps

The margin between a therapeutic and toxic dose of meloxicam in cats is extremely narrow. Precise weight-based calculation using the correct formulation concentration prevents dangerous dosing errors that could cause gastrointestinal ulceration or acute kidney failure.

How to Use the Inputs

1. Enter your cat's weight accurately (weigh on a scale)
2. Select the formulation you have (feline 0.5 mg/mL or other)
3. Choose single dose (post-surgical) or chronic pain protocol
4. Review the calculated dose volume carefully
5. Use ONLY the syringe provided with the medication
6. Set up the recommended monitoring schedule with your vet
7. Watch for side effects: appetite changes, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy

Example Calculation

Tips & Best Practices

• ALWAYS weigh your cat — do not estimate weight for NSAID dosing
• Use ONLY the syringe provided with the medication
• Never substitute canine for feline formulation without vet recalculation
• Give with food to reduce stomach irritation
• Monitor appetite closely — decreased eating is an early warning sign
• Schedule bloodwork (kidney values) before starting and every 3-6 months

Feline NSAID Sensitivity Explained

Cats metabolize NSAIDs much more slowly than dogs due to limited glucuronidation capacity (reduced UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity). Meloxicam's half-life in cats is approximately 24 hours — similar to dogs despite the 10× lower dose. This means drug accumulation is a real risk if doses are too high or given too frequently. The feline dose of 0.05 mg/kg is NOT simply "a smaller dog dose" — it reflects fundamental differences in feline drug metabolism.

Chronic Arthritis Management Protocol

For cats with osteoarthritis (common in 90% of cats over age 12): **Week 1:** Loading dose 0.1 mg/kg on day 1, then 0.05 mg/kg daily for 6 days. **Weeks 2-4:** 0.05 mg/kg daily. Blood work check. **Month 2+:** Some vets reduce to every-other-day dosing if pain is well-controlled. Every 3-6 month blood work. Combine with: weight management, joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin), environmental modifications (ramps, heated beds, low-entry litter boxes), and physical therapy.

When to Stop Metacam

Discontinue immediately and contact your vet if: your cat stops eating or eats significantly less for more than 24 hours, vomiting occurs, diarrhea develops (especially dark or bloody), noticeable increase in water consumption or urination, lethargy or behavioral changes, or any blood work shows elevated kidney values.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Metacam safe for cats?

  Metacam (meloxicam) is the most widely used and studied NSAID for cats, approved for feline use in many countries. It IS safe when dosed correctly at feline-specific doses (0.05 mg/kg), monitored appropriately, and contraindicated cats are excluded. It is NOT safe at dog doses, with dehydration, or in cats with kidney disease unless carefully managed.

• Can I use the dog Metacam formulation for my cat?

  The dog formulation (1.5 mg/mL) is 3× more concentrated than the cat formulation (0.5 mg/mL). While a vet may prescribe tiny volumes of the dog formulation, this dramatically increases the risk of dosing errors. The feline-specific formulation with its calibrated syringe is always safer.

• How long can a cat stay on Metacam?

  Many cats with chronic osteoarthritis use low-dose Metacam safely for months to years. Regular monitoring (blood work every 3-6 months) is essential. Some vets use an every-other-day protocol for long-term use to reduce cumulative kidney risk.

• What about cats with kidney disease?

  Meloxicam in cats with CKD is controversial. Many vets avoid it in CKD stage 3+. In CKD stage 1-2 with good hydration, low-dose meloxicam may be acceptable if the quality-of-life benefit outweighs the risk, with very frequent monitoring. Always discuss with your vet.

• What are the side effects to watch for?

  Warning signs requiring immediate medication stop: decreased appetite or not eating, vomiting, diarrhea (especially dark/bloody), lethargy beyond normal, increased thirst/urination, behavioral changes. Contact your vet immediately if any of these appear.

• Can I give other pain medications with Metacam?

  NEVER combine with other NSAIDs (aspirin, carprofen, etc.) or corticosteroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone) — this dramatically increases GI ulceration and kidney damage risk. A 5-7 day washout period is needed when switching between these drug classes.