Metacam Dosage Calculator for Cats

Calculate the right meloxicam dose for your feline

Enter your cat's weight and select the indication to get the recommended Metacam dosage for the first 24 hours and following treatment.

Last updated: June 4, 2026

CreatorFrank Zhao

Basic Information

Your cat's weight

More info

Indication

💉

Before the surgery: use the 2 mg/mL solution.

After the surgery: use the 0.5 mg/mL solution.

Dosage for the first 24 hours

More info

Volume needed

More info

📋

• Typical dosage: 0.2 mg/kg with a 2 mg/mL solution.

• Single subcutaneous injection.

Dosage after 24 hours

More info

Drops needed

More info

💊

• Typical dosage: 0.05 mg/kg, orally.

• 24-hour intervals.

• Up to 4 days.

1First 24h dose

\text{Dosage} = \text{Weight} \times f

2Volume needed (post-operative)

\text{Volume} = \frac{\text{Dosage}}{2}

3Drops needed (oral)

\# = \text{Dosage} \times 60

4Maintenance dose (after 24h)

\text{Later dosage} = \text{Weight} \times 0.05

5Maintenance drops

\#_m = \text{Later dosage} \times 60

Parameter Reference

First 24 hours

Weight

Dosage

Volume

Drops

drops

Following treatment

D_m

Later dosage

#_m

Maint. drops

drops

Indication factor

post-op: 0.2 / acute: 0.2 / chronic: 0.1

Getting the right dose of meloxicam for your cat can feel a bit overwhelming — but it doesn't have to be. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: what meloxicam is, how the dosage calculator works, real-life examples, and answers to common questions cat owners ask.

→What is meloxicam for cats?
→How to use (quick start)
→Real-world examples
→Common scenarios
→Tips & best practices
→Calculation method
→Side effects & safety
→Frequently asked questions
→Limitations & disclaimers

What is meloxicam for cats?

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that vets commonly prescribe to manage pain in cats. Think of it as a targeted pain reliever that focuses on reducing inflammation at the source — whether that's from a recent surgery, an injured joint, or a chronic condition like arthritis. It works by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is responsible for producing the chemicals that cause pain and swelling.

Brand names you might know: Metacam, Mobic, Vivlodex. Metacam is the most common brand used in veterinary medicine for cats and dogs.

Who needs this calculator?

Cat owners whose cat has been prescribed Metacam and want to double-check the dosage
Pet sitters or foster carers who need to administer the medication correctly
Vet students and technicians learning about NSAID dosing in felines

How to use the Metacam dosage calculator

Using the calculator is straightforward — just three steps and you'll have your cat's recommended dose.

Weigh your cat and enter its weight

Use the unit selector to switch between kilograms, pounds, or ounces. Make sure the weight is as accurate as possible — even small errors can affect the dose.

Select the indication (why your cat needs the medication)

Choose from three options: Post-operative pain, Acute musculo-skeletal disorders, or Chronic musculo-skeletal disorders. Each indication has a different recommended starting dose.

Read the results

The calculator automatically shows the dose for the first 24 hours, the volume or drops needed, and the maintenance dose for the following days. All values update in real time as you adjust the inputs.

Worked example — post-operative care

Let's say your cat weighs 4.5 kg and is about to have dental surgery. Here's how the numbers work out:

Step 1: Calculate the first 24-hour dose

\text{Dosage}

=

4.5\ \text{kg} \times 0.2\ \text{mg/kg}

=

0.9\ \text{mg}

Step 2: Calculate the volume of solution needed (2 mg/mL)

\text{Volume}

=

\frac{0.9\ \text{mg}}{2\ \text{mg/mL}}

=

0.45\ \text{mL}

Step 3: Calculate the maintenance dose (after 24 hours)

\text{Later dosage}

=

4.5\ \text{kg} \times 0.05\ \text{mg/kg}

=

0.225\ \text{mg}

Real-world examples

Post-operative recovery — spay surgery

Cat: Luna, 3.5 kg, female, recovering from spay surgery

Luna is coming home after being spayed. The vet prescribed Metacam for post-operative pain management. Using the post-operative pain setting, the calculator recommends:

\text{First dose} = 3.5 \times 0.2 = 0.7\ \text{mg}

\text{Volume} = 0.7 \div 2 = 0.35\ \text{mL}

💉 This is given as a single subcutaneous injection before or during the surgery using the 2 mg/mL solution. The next day, Luna starts the maintenance dose: $3.5 \times 0.05 = 0.175\ \text{mg}$ orally.

Chronic arthritis management

Cat: Oliver, 6.8 kg, male, 12-year-old with arthritis

Oliver has been slowing down — he hesitates before jumping onto the sofa and doesn't groom his lower back as much. The vet diagnosed chronic musculo-skeletal disorder and prescribed Metacam.

\text{First dose} = 6.8 \times 0.1 = 0.68\ \text{mg}

\text{Maintenance} = 6.8 \times 0.05 = 0.34\ \text{mg}

\text{Daily drops} = 0.34 \times 60 \approx 20\ \text{drops}

💊 Oliver's treatment uses the 0.5 mg/mL oral suspension. He needs about 20 drops per day. Clinical response should be seen within 7 days — if not, the vet may reassess after 14 days.

Acute musculo-skeletal injury

Cat: Milo, 5.2 kg, male, limping after a fall

Milo came home limping after exploring the garden. The vet confirmed a soft tissue injury and prescribed Metacam for acute pain management.

\text{First dose} = 5.2 \times 0.2 = 1.04\ \text{mg}

💊 Milo receives this as a single oral dose. The following days, the dose drops to $5.2 \times 0.05 = 0.26\ \text{mg}$ once daily, as long as the acute pain persists. The 0.5 mg/mL oral suspension is used throughout the entire treatment.

Common scenarios

Before and after surgery

The most common use — a single injection before the procedure using the 2 mg/mL solution, followed by oral doses for a few days after. Ideal for spays, neuters, dental procedures, and minor surgeries.

Chronic pain management

For older cats with arthritis or degenerative joint disease. The lower starting dose (0.1 mg/kg) reflects the need for a gentler approach. Works well alongside joint supplements and weight management.

Acute injury recovery

For cats with soft tissue injuries, sprains, or sudden-onset lameness. A short course (a few days to a week) is usually enough — treatment continues only as long as the pain is present.

Multi-cat households

If you have multiple cats of different weights, the calculator lets you quickly compute doses for each one. Just change the weight — the indication and dose recalculate automatically.

Tips & best practices

Weigh your cat accurately

Use a digital pet scale if possible. A difference of 0.5 kg can change the dose noticeably — especially for small cats under 3 kg. Kitchen scales work fine for kittens.

Use the right concentration

The 2 mg/mL solution is for the initial injection (post-op). The 0.5 mg/mL solution is for oral maintenance. Mixing them up can lead to a four-fold dosing error.

Administer with food

Give oral Metacam with a small amount of food or directly after a meal. This helps reduce the chance of gastrointestinal upset, one of the most common (though rare) side effects.

Keep a dosing diary

Note down the date, time, and dose you gave. This helps you track the treatment duration and spot any missed doses. Share this with your vet at follow-up appointments.

How Metacam dosage is calculated

The calculation is based on a simple principle: the dose depends on your cat's weight and the reason for treatment. Here are the formulas the calculator uses:

First 24 hours — Initial dose calculation

Dosage formula

\text{Dosage} = \text{Weight} \times f

Where $f$ = 0.2 (post-op / acute) or 0.1 (chronic)

→

Volume or drops

Post-op

\text{Volume} = \frac{\text{Dosage}}{2\ \text{mg/mL}}

Oral

\# = \text{Dosage} \times 60

After 24 hours — Maintenance dose

D_m

Maintenance dosage

\text{Later dosage} = \text{Weight} \times 0.05

Standard maintenance dose — once daily for all indications

#_m

Maintenance drops

\#_m = \text{Later dosage} \times 60

1 mg of meloxicam = 60 drops of the 0.5 mg/mL oral suspension

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Source
W	Cat's weight	kg	User input
D	First 24h dose	mg	Weight × indication factor
V	Volume for injection	mL	Dosage / 2 mg/mL
#	Oral drops (first 24h)	drops	Dosage × 60
D_m	Maintenance dose	mg	Weight × 0.05
#_m	Maintenance drops	drops	Later dosage × 60
f	Indication factor	—	0.2 (post-op/acute), 0.1 (chronic)

Indication	First 24 hours	After 24 hours	Route
Post-operative pain	0.2 mg/kg*	0.05 mg/kg	Subcutaneous injection → oral
Acute musculo-skeletal	0.2 mg/kg	0.05 mg/kg	Oral
Chronic musculo-skeletal	0.1 mg/kg	0.05 mg/kg	Oral
*Note: The first dose is given before surgery as a single subcutaneous injection using the 2 mg/mL solution.

Side effects & safety profile

Meloxicam is considered one of the safer NSAIDs for cats because it selectively blocks COX-2 more than COX-1. This means it targets inflammation without interfering as much with the protective lining of the stomach and intestines — unlike older NSAIDs like aspirin that block COX-1 almost exclusively.

Side effects occur in less than 1 in 10,000 animals treated

However, it's still important to watch for:

Loss of appetite
Vomiting or diarrhea
Lethargy or unusual tiredness
Elevated liver enzymes (detected through blood work)
Gastrointestinal ulcers (rare)
Kidney function changes (rare)
Allergic reactions (very rare)

How long does Metacam stay in a cat's system?

The half-life of Metacam is approximately 24 hours. This means after one day, half of the drug has been eliminated from your cat's body. After two days, only one quarter remains. It typically takes more than 6 days for Metacam to leave the system entirely. This long half-life is why the medication is given only once daily.

\text{After 24h: } \frac{1}{2}\ \text{remains}

\text{After 48h: } \frac{1}{4}\ \text{remains}

\text{After 6 days: } \approx 0\ \text{remains}

Frequently asked questions

Can I give my cat meloxicam meant for dogs?

No — feline and canine Metacam dosing is different. Cats are more sensitive to NSAIDs and require a lower, more carefully calculated dose. Always use a product specifically labeled for cats and follow your vet's instructions. If you have a dog as well, check out our Metacam dosage calculator for dogs.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one entirely — never give a double dose. Resume the normal schedule the next day. If you're unsure, contact your veterinarian.

How long can my cat stay on Metacam?

For post-operative pain, treatment usually lasts 3–4 days. For acute conditions, it continues as long as the pain persists. For chronic conditions (like arthritis), the vet may prescribe it long-term but will typically want to check your cat's kidney function and liver enzymes every few months. Clinical response for chronic cases should be seen within 7 days; treatment is typically discontinued after 14 days if there's no improvement.

How do I give the oral suspension?

The oral suspension (0.5 mg/mL) comes with a dropper. Draw up the calculated number of drops and gently squirt them into your cat's mouth, ideally toward the cheek pouch. You can also mix the drops with a small amount of wet food — just make sure your cat eats all of it. Give the medication at the same time each day, ideally with or after a meal.

What's the difference between the 0.5 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL solutions?

The 2 mg/mL solution is four times more concentrated and is used for the initial subcutaneous injection (given by the vet before surgery). The 0.5 mg/mL solution is for oral maintenance at home. They are not interchangeable — using the wrong concentration would result in a significantly incorrect dose. The amount of substance in 10 mL of each:

0.5\ \text{mg/mL} \times 10\ \text{mL} = 5\ \text{mg}

2\ \text{mg/mL} \times 10\ \text{mL} = 20\ \text{mg}

Can Metacam be used with other medications?

Metacam should not be used alongside other NSAIDs or corticosteroids, as this increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and kidney damage. Always tell your vet about any other medications or supplements your cat is taking, including over-the-counter products.

Is Metacam safe for kittens or pregnant cats?

Metacam is generally not recommended for kittens under 6 weeks of age, pregnant cats, or nursing mothers unless specifically prescribed by a veterinarian. These cats may be more susceptible to NSAID side effects, and safer alternatives may be available.

What should I do if my cat shows side effects?

Stop the medication immediately and contact your veterinarian. Mild side effects like temporary loss of appetite may resolve on their own, but symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy warrant a vet visit. In case of severe reactions (difficulty breathing, facial swelling), seek emergency care.

Limitations & disclaimers

Important: This calculator is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before administering any medication to your cat. The dosage recommendations provided by this calculator are based on published guidelines, but individual cases may require adjustments.

The calculator assumes your cat is in normal health with no pre-existing conditions that might affect drug metabolism. Cats with kidney disease, liver disease, dehydration, or those taking other medications may require dose adjustments or alternative treatments. Never exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment without veterinary supervision.

External references & sources

1
National Office of Animal Health; Boehringer Ingelheim
Metacam 2 mg/ml solution for injection for cats: Dosage and administration
Compendium of Data Sheets for Animal Medicines — Accessed 22.08.2022
2
Evans Pharmacy; Boehringer Ingelheim
Metacam 0.5 mg/ml oral suspension for cats
Accessed 22.08.2022

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