Last updated: June 23, 2026
Metacam Dosage Calculator for Cats
Creators
Dharmendra SinghReviewers
Creators
Dharmendra SinghReviewers
Quick Answer
The Metacam Dosage Calculator for Cats estimates the meloxicam dose for a cat from its body weight and dosing phase using Dose (mg) = weight (kg) × rate (mg/kg), where the rate is 0.2 mg/kg (acute loading, day 1), 0.1 mg/kg (chronic loading, day 1), or 0.05 mg/kg (maintenance, day 2+). It converts the dose to millilitres of the 0.5 mg/mL cat oral suspension (mL = mg ÷ 0.5). Meloxicam is an NSAID with a narrow safety margin in cats, so the tool is educational only and dosing must be confirmed by a veterinarian.
Metacam for cats is dosed at 0.05 milligrams per kilogram once daily for maintenance, after a day-one loading dose of 0.1 to 0.2 milligrams per kilogram, using the 0.5 milligram per millilitre cat suspension. A four-kilogram cat needs about 0.2 milligrams, or 0.4 millilitres, daily. Always confirm with your veterinarian.
Key Takeaways
- Licensed feline oral dose: day-1 loading of 0.1 mg/kg (chronic) or 0.2 mg/kg (acute), then 0.05 mg/kg once daily
- The cat suspension is 0.5 mg/mL — volume (mL) = dose (mg) ÷ 0.5
- Never use the 1.5 mg/mL dog product for cats — it is 3× stronger and a common overdose cause
- A typical 4–5 kg cat needs only ~0.2–0.25 mg (0.4–0.5 mL) per day
- Meloxicam is an NSAID with a narrow margin in cats — educational tool only; always confirm with your vet
Creators
Dharmendra SinghReviewers
Creators
Dharmendra SinghReviewers
Formula
Dose (mg) = Weight (kg) × Rate (mg/kg); Volume (mL) = Dose ÷ 0.5
Where:
- D_{mg}=Meloxicam dose(mg)
- W_{kg}=Cat body weight(kg)
- R=Dose rate (0.2 acute loading / 0.1 chronic loading / 0.05 maintenance)(mg/kg)
- V_{mL}=Volume of 0.5 mg/mL cat oral suspension(mL)
Worked Examples
5 kg Cat — Daily Maintenance
A 5 kg cat on long-term meloxicam for osteoarthritis, day 2 onward.
- 1Rate for maintenance = 0.05 mg/kg
- 2Dose = 5 kg × 0.05 mg/kg = 0.25 mg
- 3Volume = 0.25 mg ÷ 0.5 mg/mL = 0.5 mL of cat suspension
- 4Give once daily with or after food
4 kg Cat — Chronic Loading Dose (Day 1)
Starting a 4 kg cat on Metacam for chronic musculoskeletal pain.
- 1Rate for chronic loading = 0.1 mg/kg (day 1 only)
- 2Dose = 4 kg × 0.1 mg/kg = 0.4 mg
- 3Volume = 0.4 mg ÷ 0.5 mg/mL = 0.8 mL
- 4From day 2, switch to 0.05 mg/kg (0.2 mg / 0.4 mL) once daily
9 lb Cat — Maintenance (Pounds Input)
A 9 lb cat dosed at the maintenance rate, showing unit conversion.
- 1Convert: 9 lb ÷ 2.2046 = 4.08 kg
- 2Dose = 4.08 kg × 0.05 mg/kg ≈ 0.20 mg
- 3Volume = 0.20 mg ÷ 0.5 mg/mL ≈ 0.41 mL
- 4Give once daily with food
Introduction
The Metacam Dosage Calculator for Cats estimates the correct dose of meloxicam — sold under the brand Metacam — for a cat based on its body weight and dosing phase. It uses the licensed feline oral-suspension protocol: a one-time loading dose on day 1 (0.2 mg/kg for acute pain or 0.1 mg/kg for chronic pain) followed by a 0.05 mg/kg once-daily maintenance dose from day 2 onward. Because the cat product is 0.5 mg/mL, the calculator also converts the milligram dose into the exact millilitres to draw up. Meloxicam is an NSAID with a narrow safety margin in cats, so this tool is educational only — always confirm the dose with your veterinarian. For related tools, see our cat weight / BMI calculator, cat age calculator, and the companion Metacam dosage calculator for dogs.
How the Metacam Dose Is Calculated
Meloxicam is dosed by body weight in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). The calculator multiplies your cat's weight (converted to kg) by the rate for the phase you select, then divides by the cat suspension strength (0.5 mg/mL) to give a practical volume in millilitres.
Enter your cat's current weight and choose kg or lbs (pounds are converted automatically)
Pick the dosing phase: acute loading (0.2 mg/kg), chronic loading (0.1 mg/kg), or maintenance (0.05 mg/kg)
Dose (mg) = weight (kg) × rate (mg/kg)
Volume (mL) = dose (mg) ÷ 0.5 mg/mL — the strength of the cat-specific suspension
Read the dose, the syringe volume, the mg/kg rate, and the safety note
What Is Metacam (Meloxicam)?
Metacam is the trade name for meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the oxicam class. It is COX-2 preferential, meaning it reduces the prostaglandins that drive pain and inflammation while partly sparing those that protect the stomach and kidneys. In cats it is used for post-operative pain and for chronic musculoskeletal pain such as osteoarthritis.
- Drug class:
NSAID (oxicam), COX-2 preferential
- Cat oral suspension strength:
0.5 mg/mL (honey-flavoured, cat-specific)
- Dog oral suspension strength:
1.5 mg/mL — three times stronger, never use it for cats
Also available as a 5 mg/mL injectable solution used by vets for a single peri-operative dose
Onset of pain relief is typically within 30–60 minutes; effect lasts about 24 hours
Licensed Feline Dosing Protocol
The cat oral-suspension product is licensed with a day-1 loading dose followed by a lower daily maintenance dose. The loading dose differs depending on whether the pain is acute or chronic; the maintenance dose is the same for both.
| Phase | Rate (mg/kg) | When | Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute loading | 0.20 | Day 1 only | Acute musculoskeletal pain / injury |
| Chronic loading | 0.10 | Day 1 only | Chronic osteoarthritis / long-term pain |
| Maintenance | 0.05 | Day 2 onward, once daily | Both acute and chronic, ongoing |
Doses are intended for the 0.5 mg/mL cat oral suspension given by mouth, with or after food. A single 0.3 mg/kg subcutaneous injection is a separate, vet-administered option for one-time peri-operative use.
Maintenance Dose by Cat Weight
Most cats stay on the 0.05 mg/kg maintenance dose long term. This table shows the milligram dose and the millilitres of 0.5 mg/mL suspension for common cat weights — use it as a sanity check against the calculator.
| Cat Weight (kg) | Cat Weight (lbs) | Maintenance Dose (mg) | Volume (mL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kg | 4.4 lb | 0.10 mg | 0.20 mL |
| 3 kg | 6.6 lb | 0.15 mg | 0.30 mL |
| 4 kg | 8.8 lb | 0.20 mg | 0.40 mL |
| 5 kg | 11.0 lb | 0.25 mg | 0.50 mL |
| 6 kg | 13.2 lb | 0.30 mg | 0.60 mL |
| 7 kg | 15.4 lb | 0.35 mg | 0.70 mL |
How to Give Metacam Safely
Accurate measurement and good technique reduce the risk of accidental overdose — the most common cause of NSAID toxicity in cats.
Shake the bottle, then measure the exact volume with the dropper/syringe supplied with the cat product
Give with or after food to lower the chance of stomach upset
Drop the dose onto food or directly into the mouth — never estimate 'about a drop'
Give once every 24 hours; do not double up if a dose is missed
Keep a written log of the date, time, and amount given
Ensure fresh water is always available and the cat is eating and drinking normally
Use the syringe that comes with the 0.5 mg/mL cat bottle — its markings are scaled for cats. A 1 mL tuberculin syringe also works for these tiny volumes; a kitchen dropper does not.
Safety, Contraindications & Cautions
Cats are far more sensitive to NSAIDs than dogs or humans because they clear these drugs slowly. Meloxicam has a narrow margin of safety, and repeated oral use in cats is off-label in the United States with a boxed warning.
Do NOT use the 1.5 mg/mL dog suspension — it is three times stronger and a common cause of overdose
Do NOT combine with corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) or any other NSAID (aspirin, carprofen)
Avoid in cats with kidney disease, liver disease, dehydration, low blood pressure, or stomach ulcers
Avoid in pregnant, nursing, or very young kittens unless directed by a vet
Stop and call your vet if you see vomiting, diarrhoea, dark/tarry stools, appetite loss, or lethargy
Never give human meloxicam tablets (e.g., Mobic) — the strengths are vastly too high for cats
Repeated use of oral meloxicam in cats is not FDA-approved in the US and carries a boxed warning about acute kidney failure and death. It is licensed for chronic feline use in the EU/UK. Always follow your own veterinarian's instructions.
Signs of Meloxicam Overdose
Because the therapeutic dose is so small, even a modest measuring error can cause toxicity. Know the warning signs and act fast — early treatment greatly improves the outcome.
- Gastrointestinal:
vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhoea, black tarry stool, loss of appetite
- Kidney:
increased or decreased urination, increased thirst, lethargy — signs of acute kidney injury
- Neurological:
weakness, wobbliness, seizures in severe cases
If you suspect an overdose, contact your vet or an animal poison control line immediately
Bring the bottle and your dosing log so the team can calculate the amount ingested
Animal poison control hotlines (e.g., ASPCA APCC at +1-888-426-4435) are available 24/7. Acting within the first hour after an overdose gives the best chance of preventing kidney damage.
When Metacam Is Used in Cats
Veterinarians prescribe meloxicam for several feline conditions where inflammation and pain need control. This calculator helps you double-check the at-home dose your vet has set.
Osteoarthritis / degenerative joint disease — the most common long-term use
Post-surgical pain after spays, neuters, and dental procedures
Soft-tissue injuries, sprains, and musculoskeletal trauma
Dental pain and inflammation
Adjunct pain control in some chronic conditions, under close veterinary monitoring
Alternatives & Companion Medications
If meloxicam is not suitable — for example in a cat with kidney disease — your vet may choose a different pain strategy. Never switch medications without veterinary guidance.
Robenacoxib (Onsior) — another feline-licensed NSAID for short courses
Buprenorphine — an opioid for acute pain, often used peri-operatively
Gabapentin — for chronic or neuropathic pain and stress reduction
Frunevetmab (Solensia) — a monoclonal antibody injection for feline osteoarthritis pain
Joint supplements (glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids) as long-term adjuncts — see our omega-3 for cats fish-oil calculator
Common Dosing Mistakes to Avoid
Most feline meloxicam problems come from measuring or product errors, not the drug itself. Avoid these to keep your cat safe.
Using the dog 1.5 mg/mL bottle instead of the cat 0.5 mg/mL bottle — an instant 3× overdose
Confusing the loading dose with the maintenance dose and giving 0.1–0.2 mg/kg every day
Measuring with a household dropper instead of the supplied graduated syringe
Giving a second dose because the cat spat out the first — wait for the next scheduled dose
Continuing the drug despite vomiting, diarrhoea, or appetite loss instead of stopping and calling the vet
Dosing a dehydrated cat or one that has stopped eating — both raise the risk of kidney injury
Frequently Misunderstood Points
A few points trip up cat owners using meloxicam at home. Clearing these up prevents the most dangerous errors.
'Metacam' and 'meloxicam' are the same drug — Metacam is just the brand name
The cat and dog suspensions look similar but differ 3× in strength — always read the label
A bigger loading dose on day 1 is normal and intentional; the dose then drops for daily use
The maintenance dose for a typical 4–5 kg cat is tiny — only 0.2–0.25 mg (0.4–0.5 mL)
More medication does not mean faster relief — it means a higher risk of kidney and stomach harm
Meloxicam & Feline NSAID Glossary
Key terms used in feline pain management with meloxicam. Understanding these helps you read the label and your vet's instructions correctly.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Meloxicam | The active NSAID drug in Metacam, used to reduce pain and inflammation. |
| Metacam | The brand name for the veterinary meloxicam oral suspension and injection. |
| NSAID | Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug — blocks COX enzymes that produce inflammatory prostaglandins. |
| COX-2 preferential | Acts mainly on the COX-2 enzyme driving inflammation, partly sparing protective COX-1. |
| Loading dose | A larger first-day dose used to reach effective drug levels quickly. |
| Maintenance dose | The smaller daily dose (0.05 mg/kg) used from day 2 onward. |
| mg/kg | Milligrams of drug per kilogram of body weight — the standard dosing unit. |
| Oral suspension | A liquid form of the drug; the cat product is 0.5 mg/mL. |
| Subcutaneous (SC) | An injection under the skin; meloxicam has a one-time 0.3 mg/kg SC option in cats. |
| Osteoarthritis | Degenerative joint disease — the most common reason for long-term meloxicam in cats. |
| Boxed warning | The strongest FDA warning; repeated oral meloxicam in US cats carries one. |
| Acute kidney injury | Sudden loss of kidney function — a key risk of NSAID overdose or use in dehydrated cats. |
Quick Reference Card
Metacam for Cats — Quick Reference
Quick reference • Metacam Dosage Calculator for Cats
Dose (mg) = Weight (kg) × Rate · Volume (mL) = Dose ÷ 0.5Valid range: Maintenance 0.05 mg/kg/day · Loading 0.1–0.2 mg/kg day 1
Common Values
⚠ Watch Out
- •Never use the 1.5 mg/mL dog suspension for cats (3× overdose)
- •Never combine with steroids or another NSAID
- •Avoid in dehydrated cats or those with kidney/liver disease
- •Stop and call your vet if vomiting, diarrhoea, or appetite loss occurs
Pro Tips
- →Measure with the supplied syringe or a 1 mL tuberculin syringe
- →Give with or after food, once every 24 hours
- →Keep a written dosing log to avoid double-dosing
- →Confirm the dose and monitoring plan with your veterinarian
FAQs
How much Metacam can I give my cat?
The licensed feline oral dose is a day-1 loading dose of 0.1 mg/kg (chronic pain) or 0.2 mg/kg (acute pain), followed by 0.05 mg/kg once daily from day 2 using the 0.5 mg/mL cat suspension. For a typical 4–5 kg cat, the daily maintenance dose is only about 0.2–0.25 mg, or 0.4–0.5 mL. Always confirm the exact dose with your veterinarian — meloxicam has a narrow safety margin in cats.
Is Metacam the same as meloxicam?
Yes. Metacam is simply the brand name for the drug meloxicam. Generic meloxicam suspensions also exist. What matters most is the concentration: the cat product is 0.5 mg/mL, while the dog product is 1.5 mg/mL — three times stronger. Always check the label so you measure the right amount.
What is the difference between the cat and dog Metacam?
They contain the same drug but at different strengths. The cat oral suspension is 0.5 mg/mL; the dog oral suspension is 1.5 mg/mL. Giving a cat the dog formulation at the same volume delivers three times the intended dose — a frequent and dangerous overdose. Use only the cat-labeled 0.5 mg/mL bottle for cats.
How do I measure such a small dose?
Use the graduated dropper or syringe supplied with the cat bottle, which is scaled for these tiny volumes. A 1 mL tuberculin syringe also works well. Doses for cats are often just 0.3–0.6 mL, so a household kitchen dropper is not accurate enough. Shake the bottle first and read the measurement at eye level.
Can I give my cat meloxicam every day?
Daily meloxicam can be appropriate for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, but only under veterinary supervision with the 0.05 mg/kg maintenance dose. In the US, repeated oral dosing in cats is off-label and carries a boxed warning about kidney failure, so vets monitor kidney values and use the lowest effective dose. Never start daily dosing on your own.
What happens if I give my cat too much Metacam?
An overdose can cause vomiting (sometimes bloody), diarrhoea, dark tarry stools, appetite loss, increased thirst, and signs of acute kidney injury. Severe cases can lead to weakness or seizures. If you suspect an overdose, contact your vet or an animal poison control line (e.g., ASPCA APCC at +1-888-426-4435) immediately — early treatment within the first hour greatly improves the outcome.
Can I give my cat human meloxicam (Mobic)?
No. Human meloxicam tablets such as Mobic come in 7.5 mg and 15 mg strengths — dozens of times higher than a cat's entire dose of roughly 0.2 mg. There is no safe way to split a human tablet accurately to a cat dose, and doing so risks fatal overdose. Use only the veterinary 0.5 mg/mL cat suspension prescribed by your vet.
How long does it take for Metacam to work in cats?
Meloxicam usually begins easing pain within 30–60 minutes of an oral dose, with the full effect over a few hours and a duration of about 24 hours — which is why it is dosed once daily. For chronic conditions, owners often notice improved mobility and comfort over the first few days of treatment.
When should I NOT give my cat Metacam?
Avoid meloxicam in cats with kidney disease, liver disease, dehydration, low blood pressure, bleeding disorders, or stomach ulcers, and in those already on steroids or another NSAID. It is generally avoided in pregnant or nursing cats and very young kittens. If your cat stops eating, vomits, or seems unwell, stop the medication and call your vet.
Can I give Metacam with other medications?
Never combine meloxicam with corticosteroids (like prednisolone) or any other NSAID — the combination sharply increases the risk of stomach ulcers and kidney damage. Some other drugs (certain diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and nephrotoxic medications) also interact. Always tell your vet every medication and supplement your cat receives before starting Metacam.
Is this Metacam calculator a substitute for my vet?
No. This tool is for education and to help you double-check the dose your veterinarian has prescribed. Meloxicam dosing in cats must account for kidney function, hydration, other medications, and the specific condition being treated — factors a calculator cannot assess. Always follow your veterinarian's instructions and call them with any concerns.