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Metacam Dosage for Cats Calculator

Ready to calculate
Cat-Specific 0.5 mg/mL.
mg + mL Outputs.
Vet-Reference.
100% Free.
No Data Stored.

How it Works

01Enter Cat Weight

In pounds or kilograms.

02Pick Indication

Pre-op SC injection or post-op oral follow-up.

03Per-Dose mg

0.3 mg/kg pre-op SC, 0.05 mg/kg oral.

04mL Volume

Converts to mL of 0.5 mg/mL feline suspension.

What is a Metacam Dosage Cat Calculator?

The Metacam Dosage Cat Calculator calculates oral meloxicam (Metacam) doses for cats based on body weight and treatment day. Veterinary dosing per Boehringer Ingelheim label and EMA guidance: day 1 (loading): 0.1 mg/kg orally once, then 0.05 mg/kg once daily for maintenance. The standard cat formulation is 0.5 mg/mL oral suspension.


Critical safety note: Meloxicam is FDA-approved in cats only for ONE injectable post-surgical dose in the US. Long-term oral use carries serious renal toxicity risk and is contraindicated in cats with chronic kidney disease, dehydration, or concurrent NSAID/steroid use. Always under veterinary supervision. EU and other regions allow long-term use at the maintenance dose with bloodwork monitoring.

How to Use the Calculator

Enter cat weight in kg or lb.
Pick treatment day: loading dose (day 1) or maintenance (day 2+).
Calculate: Returns mg dose, mL of 0.5 mg/mL suspension, and equivalent drops.

The Math Behind It

Loading dose: 0.1 mg/kg × body weight (kg) = mg dose


Maintenance: 0.05 mg/kg × body weight (kg) = mg dose


mL of 0.5 mg/mL suspension = mg dose / 0.5


Always shake the bottle before measuring. Use the included graduated dropper or oral syringe — never household teaspoons.

Real-World Example

Worked Example

4 kg (9 lb) cat, day 5 of treatment (maintenance):

  • Dose = 4 × 0.05 = 0.2 mg meloxicam
  • Volume = 0.2 / 0.5 = 0.4 mL of 0.5 mg/mL oral suspension
  • Administer once daily with food.

Who Uses It

1
🏥 Veterinarians: Verify dose at the bedside.
2
👩‍⚕️ Vet Techs: Cross-check prescriptions and client dose instructions.
3
🐱 Cat Owners: Verify the prescribed dose looks right.
4
🩺 Feline Pain Management: Calculate ongoing OA pain control doses.

Technical Reference

Standard dosing (EMA/Boehringer cat label):

  • Loading day: 0.1 mg/kg PO once
  • Maintenance: 0.05 mg/kg PO daily
  • Concentration: 0.5 mg/mL oral suspension (Metacam Cat formulation)
  • Maximum: Do NOT exceed labeled dose; never combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids

Pre-treatment screening: renal/hepatic bloodwork, hydration status. Monitoring: CBC + chemistry every 4–6 months for long-term use; sooner if symptoms develop.

Contraindications: CKD, dehydration, GI ulceration, concurrent corticosteroid or other NSAID, age <6 weeks, pregnant/lactating queens, history of NSAID intolerance.

Key Takeaways

Meloxicam dosing in cats is precise and weight-sensitive — even small dosing errors can cause renal toxicity. Loading dose 0.1 mg/kg, maintenance 0.05 mg/kg. Use only the labeled 0.5 mg/mL feline oral suspension and the included graduated syringe. Always work with a veterinarian; long-term use requires baseline and ongoing renal bloodwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Metacam safe for long-term use in cats?
In the US, Metacam is FDA-approved only as a SINGLE injectable post-surgical dose in cats — long-term oral use is off-label. EU/UK approval includes long-term use at 0.05 mg/kg daily with regular renal monitoring. Always discuss with your vet, especially for older cats.
What if my cat misses a dose?
Give the missed dose when you remember (if within 12 hours). If close to the next dose, skip it — never double up. Continue normal schedule. NSAIDs need consistent levels; report missed doses if condition worsens.
Side effects to watch for?
Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy, increased thirst/urination (renal effect). Stop drug and call vet immediately if any appear.
Can I use dog Metacam (1.5 mg/mL) for my cat?
NO — concentration is 3× higher; dosing errors are easy. Use only the cat-specific 0.5 mg/mL suspension, prescribed by a vet.
How long does pain relief last?
12–24 hours for typical 0.05 mg/kg dose. Full anti-inflammatory effect builds over 3–7 days of consistent dosing.
What about Onsior or other cat NSAIDs?
Onsior (robenacoxib) is FDA-approved for short-term postop use in cats. Long-term cat NSAID options are limited; gabapentin, buprenorphine, and adjunctive therapies are often part of a chronic pain protocol.

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Disclaimer

Meloxicam in cats requires strict veterinary supervision. The FDA black-box warning notes renal injury risk, especially in dehydrated or CKD cats. Never administer human meloxicam tablets — concentration is wildly different. Always use the labeled 0.5 mg/mL feline oral suspension with the included graduated dosing syringe. Long-term use requires baseline and periodic renal function bloodwork.