Metacam Dosage Calculator for Cats
Calculate safe meloxicam (Metacam) dosage for cats based on weight and pain management needs
Calculate Metacam Dosage
⚠️ Veterinary Prescription Required
Important: Metacam is a prescription NSAID requiring veterinary supervision
NSAID risks: Can cause serious side effects if used improperly
Monitoring required: Regular check-ups during treatment
Not for long-term use: Maximum 4 days for oral maintenance dosing
Enter your cat's current body weight
Select the type of pain being treated
Choose the appropriate treatment phase
Metacam Dosage Results
Enter cat weight to calculate Metacam dosage
📋 Dosage Protocols
Post-operative: 0.2 mg/kg (2 mg/mL injection) before surgery, then 0.05 mg/kg oral
Acute musculoskeletal: 0.2 mg/kg initial injection, then 0.05 mg/kg oral
Chronic musculoskeletal: 0.05 mg/kg oral maintenance dose
Duration: Maximum 4 days for oral maintenance therapy
💡 Based on veterinary prescribing guidelines for meloxicam in cats
Metacam Dosage Chart for Cats
| Weight (kg) | Weight (lbs) | Maintenance Dose | Volume (0.5mg/mL) | Drops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.2 | 0.05 mg | 0.10 mL | 3 |
| 1.5 | 3.3 | 0.08 mg | 0.15 mL | 5 |
| 2 | 4.4 | 0.10 mg | 0.20 mL | 6 |
| 2.5 | 5.5 | 0.13 mg | 0.25 mL | 8 |
| 3 | 6.6 | 0.15 mg | 0.30 mL | 9 |
| 3.5 | 7.7 | 0.18 mg | 0.35 mL | 11 |
| 4 | 8.8 | 0.20 mg | 0.40 mL | 12 |
| 4.5 | 9.9 | 0.23 mg | 0.45 mL | 14 |
💡 Maintenance doses for chronic pain management (0.05 mg/kg once daily)
Example Calculation
4 kg Cat with Post-operative Pain
Cat Details: 4 kg spayed female after dental surgery
Indication: Post-operative pain management
Protocol: Pre-surgical injection + oral maintenance
Duration: 3-4 days post-surgery
Calculation Results
Pre-surgical: 4 kg × 0.2 mg/kg = 0.8 mg (0.4 mL of 2 mg/mL solution)
Maintenance: 4 kg × 0.05 mg/kg = 0.2 mg daily
Oral volume: 0.2 mg ÷ 0.5 mg/mL = 0.4 mL daily
Drops: 0.2 mg × 60 = 12 drops daily
Administration: Once daily with food for 3-4 days
NSAID Safety Guidelines
Prescription Only
Requires veterinary prescription and monitoring
Never use without professional guidance
Short-term Use
Maximum 4 days for oral maintenance
Longer use requires careful monitoring
Pre-treatment Checks
Kidney and liver function assessment
Blood work before treatment
Potential Side Effects
Common: Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea
Gastrointestinal: Stomach ulcers, intestinal bleeding
Serious: Kidney damage, liver problems
Rare: Blood disorders, allergic reactions
Monitor: Contact vet if any concerning symptoms
Note: Side effects occur in less than 1 in 10,000 cats treated. Metacam is selective for COX-2, reducing GI side effects compared to other NSAIDs.
Understanding Metacam (Meloxicam) for Cats
What is Metacam?
Metacam (meloxicam) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain management in cats. It belongs to the oxicam class and works by selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes, reducing inflammation and pain while minimizing gastrointestinal side effects.
Clinical Uses
- •Post-operative pain management
- •Acute musculoskeletal pain
- •Chronic arthritis and joint pain
- •Soft tissue inflammation
Dosing Protocols
Maintenance Dosing
0.05 mg/kg once daily orally (0.5 mg/mL solution)
Initial Treatment
0.2 mg/kg subcutaneous injection (2 mg/mL solution)
Duration Limits
Maximum 4 days for oral maintenance therapy
Half-life: 24 hours in cats. Complete elimination takes 6+ days. This long half-life allows once-daily dosing but requires careful monitoring.