Metacam for Cats: Side Effects, Dosage & How Long It's Safe (2026)

If your cat has been prescribed Metacam (generic name: meloxicam), you may have questions about its safety. Metacam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) sometimes used in cats to treat pain and inflammation. This guide explains how it works, what conditions it's prescribed for, possible risks, and safe monitoring.

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Emergency

Important Safety Notice

Metacam use in cats requires extreme caution due to kidney safety concerns. Cats are much more sensitive to NSAIDs than dogs. This medication should only be used under strict veterinary supervision with careful monitoring.

What Is Metacam?

Metacam (meloxicam) is an NSAID that works by reducing the enzymes involved in pain and inflammation. It's approved for use in dogs in many countries, but its use in cats is more limited due to concerns about kidney safety. In some parts of the world, it is licensed for short-term use in cats. In the U.S., it's generally used only with extreme caution.

Key Facts About Metacam:

Generic Name: Meloxicam
Brand Name: Metacam
Drug Class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Primary Risk: Kidney damage in cats
Usage: Typically short-term only in cats

Why Do Vets Prescribe Metacam for Cats?

Metacam may be prescribed for:

Post-surgical pain relief (very short-term)
Short-term pain management after injury
In some cases, arthritis or chronic pain (with careful monitoring and often at very low doses)

Because cats are especially sensitive to NSAIDs, vets often consider other options first, such as opioids or gabapentin. The decision to use Metacam in cats is typically reserved for situations where the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

Why Cats Are Different from Dogs

Species Differences:

Slower metabolism: Cats eliminate NSAIDs much more slowly than dogs
Kidney sensitivity: Feline kidneys are more vulnerable to NSAID damage
Dosing requirements: Much lower doses needed, less frequent administration
Duration limits: Shorter treatment courses required for safety

Risks and Side Effects

The main concern with Metacam in cats is kidney safety. NSAIDs reduce blood flow to the kidneys, which can be especially risky for older cats or those with pre-existing kidney disease. According to the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), up to 40% of cats over age 10 may have chronic kidney disease—often undiagnosed because early-stage CKD shows no obvious symptoms. This is why vets are so cautious about NSAIDs in older cats.

Possible side effects include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
• Increased drinking and urination
• Signs of kidney failure (sudden weakness, weight loss, poor appetite)

Warning

High-Risk Cats

• Cats with chronic kidney disease
• Elderly cats (over 7-8 years) - see our senior cat health guide
• Dehydrated cats
• Cats on other medications that affect kidney function
• Cats with liver disease

If your cat is already living with chronic kidney disease, Metacam is usually avoided completely.

How Long Can a Cat Stay on Metacam?

1-3 Days Maximum

Recommended safe duration for most cats

Unlike dogs, cats should not take Metacam long-term. Here's what research and veterinary guidelines recommend:

• Post-surgical pain: 1-3 days maximum (often just a single dose)
• Acute injury: 1-5 days with close monitoring
• Chronic arthritis: Generally avoided; safer alternatives exist (see below)
• Any duration: Requires baseline and follow-up bloodwork

Why so short? The FDA has issued a boxed warning for meloxicam in cats, specifically noting the risk of acute kidney failure and death with repeated dosing. In some countries (UK, Australia), low-dose long-term use is permitted under strict veterinary monitoring, but this is controversial and requires frequent lab work.

Signs of Metacam Overdose in Cats

Emergency

Emergency Signs - Seek Vet Care Immediately

• Severe vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood)
• Complete loss of appetite for more than 12 hours
• Extreme lethargy or difficulty waking
• Pale or yellow gums (sign of anemia or liver damage)
• Dark or bloody stool (GI bleeding)
• Sudden increase in thirst/urination followed by decrease (kidney failure)
• Seizures or collapse

Overdose can occur from giving too much, giving doses too close together, or using a dog formulation (which is much more concentrated). Even a single overdose can cause life-threatening kidney or liver damage in cats.

If You Suspect Overdose:

1. Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by vet
2. Call your vet or emergency clinic immediately
3. Note exactly how much was given and when
4. Bring the medication bottle with you

Emergency hotlines: ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) — fees apply

Giving your cat Metacam?

Track doses and monitor kidney function. Watch for GI side effects and know warning signs to look for.

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Safe Dosing Guidelines

Typical Cat Dosing (When Used):

Initial dose: Much lower than dog dosing
Frequency: Often every 24-48 hours (not daily like dogs)
Duration: Typically 1-3 days maximum
Monitoring: Bloodwork before and after treatment

⚠️ Never use dog Metacam formulations for cats - they are too concentrated

Monitoring Cats on Metacam

If Metacam is used, your vet will likely recommend:

• Starting with the lowest possible dose
• Short treatment duration (often just a few days)
• Baseline bloodwork to check kidney and liver function before starting
• Follow-up bloodwork within days of treatment
• Careful monitoring for any changes in appetite, energy, or bathroom habits
• Urinalysis to check for proteinuria (protein in urine)

Owners should report any changes immediately, including decreased appetite, increased drinking, lethargy, or changes in urination patterns.

Why proteinuria matters: Research has shown that cats receiving meloxicam may develop increased protein in their urine. Since proteinuria is associated with CKD progression, your vet may want to monitor your cat's urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) if Metacam is used for more than a few days.

Safer Alternatives for Cat Pain Management

Alternative Pain Management Options:

Onsior (robenacoxib): A newer NSAID approved for cats with a better safety profile than meloxicam—has largely replaced Metacam for post-surgical pain in many practices
Gabapentin: Often used for chronic pain with fewer side effects
Buprenorphine: Opioid pain medication safer for cats
Solensia (frunevetmab): New injectable specifically for feline arthritis
Adequan: Joint supplement injection for arthritis
Physical therapy: Non-drug approaches to pain management

Monitor Your Cat's Metacam Safety

Cats on NSAIDs like Metacam need close monitoring. With VetLens, you can:

✓ Store and track kidney and liver bloodwork results over time
✓ Get plain-English explanations of CBC and chemistry values
✓ Monitor symptoms and side effects alongside lab results
✓ Share updates with your veterinarian

Track My Cat's Bloodwork

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Metacam safe for long-term use in cats?

Generally no. Most vets limit use to very short courses (1-3 days) because of kidney risks. Long-term NSAID use in cats is rarely recommended.

Why is Metacam more dangerous for cats than dogs?

Cats metabolize NSAIDs much more slowly than dogs and are much more prone to kidney damage from them. Their kidneys are also more sensitive to reduced blood flow.

Are there safer alternatives for arthritis in cats?

Yes, gabapentin is often used for chronic pain, and new treatments like Solensia (frunevetmab) are specifically designed for feline arthritis with better safety profiles. For post-surgical pain, Onsior (robenacoxib) has largely replaced Metacam in many practices due to its improved safety profile in cats.

Is Onsior safer than Metacam for cats?

Onsior (robenacoxib) is generally considered safer for cats than Metacam (meloxicam). It was specifically developed with feline safety in mind and is FDA-approved for up to 3 days of use in cats. Many veterinary practices now use Onsior instead of Metacam for post-surgical pain management.

Can I give my cat Metacam from my dog's prescription?

Absolutely not. Dog formulations and dosing are completely different, and giving a cat the wrong amount can be dangerous or fatal. Only use medications prescribed specifically for your cat.

How long can a cat stay on Metacam?

Most vets recommend 1-3 days maximum for cats. The FDA has issued a boxed warning about repeated dosing causing acute kidney failure in cats. For chronic pain like arthritis, safer alternatives like Solensia or gabapentin are preferred.

What are the signs of Metacam overdose in cats?

Signs include severe vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood), complete loss of appetite, extreme lethargy, pale or yellow gums, dark or bloody stool, sudden changes in thirst/urination, and seizures or collapse. Seek emergency vet care immediately if you notice these signs.

What are the side effects of Metacam in cats?

Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Serious side effects include kidney damage (increased drinking/urination), GI bleeding (dark stool), and liver problems. Cats are more sensitive to NSAIDs than dogs, so close monitoring is essential.

Metacam for Cats: Safety, Kidney Risks, Side Effects, Alternatives