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Metacam (Meloxicam) for Cats: What Pet Owners Need to Know

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.

Metacam (meloxicam) for cats is an NSAID used for short-term pain relief that requires extreme caution due to kidney safety concerns and should only be used under strict veterinary supervision.

⚠️ 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:

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

Why Do Vets Prescribe Metacam for Cats?

Metacam may be prescribed for:

  1. Post-surgical pain relief (very short-term)
  2. Short-term pain management after injury
  3. 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:

  1. Slower metabolism: Cats eliminate NSAIDs much more slowly than dogs
  2. Kidney sensitivity: Feline kidneys are more vulnerable to NSAID damage
  3. Dosing requirements: Much lower doses needed, less frequent administration
  4. 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.

Possible side effects include:

  1. Vomiting or diarrhea
  2. Decreased appetite
  3. Lethargy
  4. Increased drinking and urination
  5. Signs of kidney failure (sudden weakness, weight loss, poor appetite)

High-Risk Cats:

  1. Cats with chronic kidney disease
  2. Elderly cats (over 7-8 years)
  3. Dehydrated cats
  4. Cats on other medications that affect kidney function
  5. Cats with liver disease

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

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Safe Dosing Guidelines

Typical Cat Dosing (When Used):

  1. Initial dose: Much lower than dog dosing
  2. Frequency: Often every 24-48 hours (not daily like dogs)
  3. Duration: Typically 1-3 days maximum
  4. 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:

  1. Starting with the lowest possible dose
  2. Short treatment duration (often just a few days)
  3. Baseline bloodwork to check kidney and liver function before starting
  4. Follow-up bloodwork within days of treatment
  5. Careful monitoring for any changes in appetite, energy, or bathroom habits

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

Safer Alternatives for Cat Pain Management

Alternative Pain Management Options:

  1. Gabapentin: Often used for chronic pain with fewer side effects
  2. Buprenorphine: Opioid pain medication safer for cats
  3. Solensia (frunevetmab): New injectable specifically for feline arthritis
  4. Adequan: Joint supplement injection for arthritis
  5. Physical therapy: Non-drug approaches to pain management

Related Reading

Track Your Cat's Health on Medications

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
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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.

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.