Metacam Dosage for Cats Calculator
Free Metacam dosage cats Calculator for cats. Enter variables to compute results with formulas and detailed steps. Free to use with no signup required.
Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer
Formula
Dose (mg) = Weight (kg) x Dose Rate (mg/kg); Volume (ml) = Dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/ml)
The Metacam dose is calculated by multiplying the cat's body weight in kilograms by the prescribed dose rate. Day 1 uses a higher loading dose (0.1-0.3 mg/kg depending on indication), while maintenance therapy uses 0.05 mg/kg. The volume to administer is determined by dividing the calculated dose by the concentration of the formulation being used.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Post-Surgical Cat (Day 1)
Problem:Calculate Metacam dose for a 10-lb cat on day 1 of acute pain treatment using 0.5 mg/ml oral suspension.
Solution:Weight: 10 lbs = 4.5 kg\nDay 1 dose: 0.2 mg/kg\nTotal dose: 0.2 x 4.5 = 0.9 mg\nVolume: 0.9 / 0.5 mg/ml = 1.8 ml\nGive 1.8 ml orally once
Result:0.9 mg (1.800 ml of 0.5 mg/ml suspension) — Day 1 loading dose
Example 2: Chronic Arthritis (Maintenance)
Problem:Calculate maintenance Metacam dose for a 12-lb senior cat with osteoarthritis using 0.5 mg/ml oral suspension.
Solution:Weight: 12 lbs = 5.4 kg\nMaintenance dose: 0.05 mg/kg\nTotal dose: 0.05 x 5.4 = 0.272 mg\nVolume: 0.272 / 0.5 mg/ml = 0.544 ml\nGive 0.544 ml orally once daily
Result:0.272 mg (0.544 ml of 0.5 mg/ml suspension) — Daily maintenance dose
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Metacam and is it safe for cats?
Metacam (meloxicam) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in veterinary medicine for pain relief and inflammation reduction. While widely used in dogs, its use in cats requires extreme caution due to the feline sensitivity to NSAIDs. Cats have limited ability to metabolize meloxicam through glucuronidation, leading to a much longer half-life (approximately 24 hours) compared to dogs (12 hours). In the US, only a single injectable dose of Metacam is FDA-approved for cats for post-surgical pain. In Europe and other regions, a cat-specific oral formulation (0.5 mg/ml) is approved for longer-term use at very low doses (0.05 mg/kg). Overdosing or prolonged use without monitoring can cause severe kidney damage and gastrointestinal ulceration.
What is the correct Metacam dose for cats?
The approved Metacam dosing for cats is very precise and differs significantly from dog dosing. For post-operative pain, a single subcutaneous injection of 0.3 mg/kg is given by the veterinarian. For ongoing oral pain management (where approved), the initial dose on day 1 is typically 0.1-0.2 mg/kg, followed by a maintenance dose of 0.05 mg/kg once daily. This maintenance dose is just one-quarter to one-tenth of the typical dog dose. The cat-specific formulation (0.5 mg/ml) comes with a graduated dropper calibrated for accurate feline doses. Using the dog formulation (1.5 mg/ml) for cats is risky because the volumes are extremely small and easily miscalculated. Always use an oral syringe for precise measurement.
What are the side effects of Metacam in cats?
Side effects of Metacam in cats can be serious and include gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, blood in stool), kidney damage (increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy), and liver problems. Cats with pre-existing kidney disease, dehydration, heart disease, or liver problems are at significantly higher risk and generally should not receive Metacam. Signs of adverse reaction include loss of appetite, vomiting, changes in drinking or urination patterns, dark or tarry stool, yellowing of gums or skin, and lethargy. If any of these signs occur, stop the medication immediately and contact your veterinarian. Regular bloodwork (kidney values, liver enzymes) should be performed before starting and during treatment to detect problems early.
Can I use dog Metacam for my cat?
Using the dog formulation of Metacam for cats is strongly discouraged unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian. The dog oral suspension is three times more concentrated (1.5 mg/ml vs. 0.5 mg/ml), making accurate dosing for cats extremely difficult. A tiny error with the dog formulation could result in a dangerous overdose. The dog formulation dropper is calibrated for dog-sized doses and cannot accurately measure the tiny volumes needed for cats. If only the dog formulation is available and your vet approves its use, you MUST use a precision oral syringe (0.1 ml graduations) and calculate the dose very carefully. The cat-specific 0.5 mg/ml formulation with its calibrated dropper is strongly preferred for feline patients.
References
Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer · Editorial policy