Frequently Asked Questions
What concentration of Metacam is used for cats?
Feline Metacam oral suspension is 0.5 mg/mL. Dog Metacam is 1.5 mg/mL - three times stronger. Never use dog Metacam on a cat; a concentration error can be fatal.
What is the difference between the initial and maintenance doses?
The initial (loading) dose is 0.1 mg/kg, given once to rapidly achieve therapeutic drug levels. The maintenance dose is 0.05 mg/kg once daily for up to 3 days, which provides ongoing pain control at a lower, safer level. Both doses are only appropriate under veterinary supervision.
Can cats use meloxicam long-term?
In the US, feline Metacam is only FDA-approved for short-term post-surgical use (up to 3 days). Some veterinarians prescribe it off-label for long-term management of chronic pain such as osteoarthritis, but this requires regular kidney and liver function monitoring due to cumulative nephrotoxic risk in cats.
What should I do if I accidentally gave too much Metacam to my cat?
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear - kidney damage from NSAID overdose may not be immediately obvious. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (fee may apply).
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