Meloxicam for Cats: A Medication for Pain Relief
Key takeaways:
Meloxicam (Metacam) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is sometimes used to manage acute pain in cats.
The only FDA-approved form of meloxicam for cats is the injectable form. All oral forms of meloxicam are used off-label (and with caution) for cats.
Even when given to healthy cats, meloxicam should be used with caution because long-term use can cause kidney issues.
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While cats don’t tend to show pain the way that humans do, they still experience it — just like their owners. Helping your cat manage pain can be an important part of caring for them.
Many medications can treat pain and inflammation in dogs, but the same is not true of cats. Meloxicam (Metacam) is one of the few medications that can be used to manage pain in cats. But it is typically only recommended for short-term use.
Meloxicam for cats at a glance
Common names | Meloxicam (Metacam) |
What it treats | Pain and inflammation related to surgery or arthritis (in some cases) |
How it comes (forms) | Injection, pills, and liquid |
Dosage | 0.05 mg/kg of body weight every 1, 2, or 3 days as determined by your veterinarian |
Common side effects | Digestive issues like vomiting, soft stool, and poor appetite |
Cost |
What is meloxicam for cats, and how does it work?
Meloxicam for cats is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs manage pain by altering a cat’s body chemicals.
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When a part of a cat’s body is injured, damaged tissues release chemical messengers called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause swelling and also increase the pain signals coming from nerves around the injury. Meloxicam blocks the chemical that creates prostaglandins, which reduces swelling and pain.
What is meloxicam used for in cats?
Meloxicam is used to relieve pain and inflammation in cats. It is often given as a single injection before surgery to manage pain associated with the procedure.
Only a single dose of the injectable form of meloxicam is FDA approved for use in cats. Any other use of meloxicam, whether oral or injectable, is considered off-label by the FDA.
In addition, the FDA requires meloxicam for cats to come with a boxed warning. This means the label includes a warning about the association between repeated doses of meloxicam and kidney failure in cats.
As mentioned, there are a limited number of medications available for treating chronic pain in cats. Therefore, some veterinarians prescribe meloxicam long term to certain cats for chronic pain. But this is only done very rarely and by licensed veterinarians.
How is meloxicam given to cats, and what is the standard dosage?
Cats receive a single injection of meloxicam to manage pain and inflammation from surgery. The injection is usually given by your cat’s veterinarian at a clinic or hospital.
Is your cat in pain? Look for these common signs of pain in cats so you can recognize when it’s time to get your feline help.
Arthritis treatments: Arthritis is a common condition in cats, especially as they age. Read about your options for helping a cat with arthritis pain.
Solensia for arthritis: There is now one very safe long-term pain relief option for cats with arthritis: a monthly injection of a medication called Solensia. Here’s what to know.
If your veterinarian decides your cat should get meloxicam for arthritis, they will give your cat the lowest dose possible. This can help reduce the likelihood of serious side effects like kidney failure.
Oral meloxicam dosage
The dosage for long-term meloxicam in cats is usually 0.05 mg/kg of body weight once a day. Or your veterinarian may recommend giving your cat a lower dose once every 2 or 3 days. If your cat doesn’t seem to have less pain after 14 days, your vet may have you stop giving them meloxicam.
Meloxicam is available in brand-name (Metacam) and generic formulations. It comes as a tablet, tasty liquid, or an oral spray. But these oral forms of Meloxicam are not FDA approved for use in cats. You must thoroughly shake meloxicam oral liquid before use and carefully measure it before giving it to your cat.
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Cats who take meloxicam on a long-term basis need to have their blood work checked every 6 months to monitor their kidney health.
What should you do if your cat misses a dose of meloxicam?
If your cat misses a dose of meloxicam, give them the missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is close to when their next dose is due, skip the missed dose. Then, give your cat the next dose of meloxicam at the regularly scheduled time.
Never give your cat two doses of meloxicam within a 24-hour period.
What are the common side effects of meloxicam in cats?
Healthy cats can generally take meloxicam safely. The most common side effects of meloxicam reported in cats are:
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Soft stools
You can give meloxicam with food to reduce these side effects. If that doesn’t help, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What are the most serious risks of meloxicam for cats?
Meloxicam for cats can be associated with serious side effects, including:
Kidney failure
Liver problems
Ulcers
Severe vomiting
Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal bleeding, which shows up as bloody or black, tarry stool
Less or more urination
Pale gums
Yellowing of the gums, skin, or whites of the eyes
Weakness and incoordination
If you notice or suspect any of these side effects, stop giving your cat meloxicam. Then, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet hospital right away.
Does meloxicam interact with any other cat medications?
Don’t give meloxicam at the same time as other NSAIDs. If your cat already takes an NSAID or any other prescription medications or supplements, let your veterinarian know.
In addition, cats that receive any type of steroid like prednisolone — including an oral, injectable, or topical form — should not be given meloxicam.
The bottom line
Meloxicam (Metacam) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can be used to reduce acute pain and inflammation in cats. Meloxicam is also sometimes prescribed off-label for cats to manage chronic pain from arthritis. However, cats that take meloxicam on a long-term basis have a higher risk of serious side effects like kidney failure.
Always give meloxicam to cats under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian.
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References
American Association of Feline Practitioners. (n.d.). Metacam statement.
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. (2023). Metacam® (meloxicam) [package insert].
Brooks, W. (2019). Meloxicam (Metacam). Veterinary Partner.
Plumb’s Veterinary Medication Guides. (2020). Meloxicam. Brief Media.
Taylor, S., et al. (2024). 2024 ISFM and AAFP consensus guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Get the facts about pain relievers for pets: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Information about the boxed warning on meloxicam labels regarding safety risks in cats.
