Metacam for Cats
Prices, Side Effects & Alternatives
A widely used feline painkiller with important safety considerations. Learn about correct dosing, kidney risks, and how to save up to 50% buying online.
Buy Metacam at UK pharmacy prices
UK registered pharmacies dispense the same Metacam your vet prescribes, often for less. Ask your vet for a written prescription (capped at £21 under the CMA Order, from 2027), then fill it online.
Affiliate link to The Pharm Pet Co., a UK registered veterinary pharmacy. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Always follow your vet's guidance on medication choice and dosing.
What is Metacam
for Cats?
Metacam for cats is a 0.5 mg/ml oral suspension of meloxicam, specifically formulated for felines. It is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim and is one of very few NSAIDs licensed for use in cats in the UK.
Cats metabolise drugs very differently from dogs. They lack certain liver enzymes (particularly glucuronyl transferase), which means they process NSAIDs much more slowly. This is why the cat formulation is one-third the concentration of the dog version, and why the treatment duration is strictly limited.
In the UK, Metacam is licensed for cats for up to 5 days for post-operative pain and acute musculoskeletal disorders. Some vets prescribe it off-label for longer periods in cats with chronic arthritis, but this carries additional kidney risks and requires careful monitoring with regular blood tests.
Cat-specific concentration — one-third of dog formula
Licensed for short-term use only in cats
Prescription only — requires a vet consultation
What Does Metacam
Treat in Cats?
Post-Operative Pain
The primary licensed use. Metacam is commonly given after spaying, castration, dental extractions and other surgical procedures. Treatment is typically 1-3 days post-surgery with a maximum of 5 days.
Acute Musculoskeletal Pain
Sprains, strains and soft tissue injuries from falls, fights or misadventure. Short-term Metacam helps reduce pain and inflammation while the injury heals. Typically prescribed for 3-5 days.
Osteoarthritis (Off-Label)
Some vets prescribe low-dose Metacam long-term for cats with chronic arthritis, though this is off-label in the UK. It requires regular kidney and liver blood tests. Many vets now prefer Solensia injections for chronic feline arthritis.
Fever Reduction
Metacam can be used to reduce high fever in cats caused by infections, abscesses or other inflammatory conditions. A single injection may be given at the vet practice, sometimes followed by a short course of oral suspension.
Metacam Dosage for Cats
Cats are extremely sensitive to NSAIDs. Never exceed the prescribed dose.
Critical warning: The cat formulation is 0.5 mg/ml. The dog formulation is 1.5 mg/ml. Never use the dog version on a cat. Even a small dose of the dog formulation can cause acute kidney failure and death in cats. Always check the label says "for cats" before administering.
Side Effects & Warnings
Cats are significantly more sensitive to NSAIDs than dogs. Monitor closely.
Common Side Effects
- • Loss of appetite
- • Vomiting
- • Diarrhoea or soft stools
- • Lethargy or withdrawal
- • Increased thirst and urination
Serious Side Effects
- • Kidney damage or acute renal failure
- • Gastrointestinal ulceration
- • Black or bloody stools
- • Jaundice (liver damage)
- • Collapse or seizures (overdose)
Critical Warnings for Cat Owners
Never use dog Metacam: The 1.5 mg/ml dog formulation is three times stronger and can kill a cat. Always verify the label says "0.5 mg/ml for cats".
Kidney disease: Cats with any degree of kidney disease should not take Metacam. Many older cats have sub-clinical kidney problems, so blood tests should be done before starting treatment.
Dehydration risk: Never give Metacam to a dehydrated cat. Ensure your cat is drinking well and eating normally. If your cat is off food or unwell, contact your vet before giving the next dose.
Maximum 5 days: The UK licence is for a maximum of 5 days. If your cat needs longer pain relief, discuss alternatives like Solensia or gabapentin with your vet.
Metacam Price Comparison
Typical UK prices for Metacam oral suspension for cats (0.5 mg/ml).
Metacam 0.5mg/ml — 3ml dropper bottle
Metacam 0.5mg/ml — 15ml bottle
Metacam 0.5mg/ml — 30ml bottle
Note: Because Metacam for cats is typically prescribed short-term (3-5 days), the overall cost savings per course are smaller than for dogs on long-term treatment. However, if your cat has chronic arthritis and needs ongoing Metacam, the annual savings from buying online can reach £50-£100+.
Alternatives to Metacam
for Cats
Solensia (Frunevetmab)
A monthly injection for feline osteoarthritis. Not an NSAID — it is a monoclonal antibody targeting nerve growth factor. Given at the vet practice. Around £60-£90 per injection. No kidney risks. Increasingly the first choice for chronic arthritis in older cats.
Onsior (Robenacoxib)
An NSAID specifically designed for cats with a shorter half-life than meloxicam, potentially reducing kidney risk. Licensed for up to 6 days in cats. Available as small palatable tablets. Similar price to Metacam.
Gabapentin
An anti-convulsant that also works for nerve pain and anxiety in cats. Very commonly used as a pre-vet visit sedative and for chronic pain management. No kidney or stomach risks. Very affordable at £5-£15 per month. Often combined with other pain relief.
Buprenorphine
An opioid painkiller commonly used for moderate to severe pain in cats. Given as drops under the tongue (sublingual). More potent than Metacam but controlled drug, so only dispensed by vets. Used for post-operative pain and acute injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Metacam is licensed for short-term use in cats (up to 5 days) for post-operative pain and musculoskeletal disorders. Long-term use in cats is controversial due to the increased risk of kidney damage. Cats are more sensitive to NSAIDs than dogs, and only the 0.5 mg/ml cat-specific formulation should ever be used.
Absolutely not. The dog formulation is 1.5 mg/ml — three times the concentration of the cat version. Even a small amount of the dog formulation can cause fatal kidney failure in cats. Always check the label carefully and only use the cat-specific 0.5 mg/ml formulation.
A 15ml bottle of Metacam for cats costs £18-£30 at a vet practice. Online retailers sell it for £10-£18 with a valid prescription. Including the £21 prescription fee cap, buying online can still save you £5-£15 per bottle.
The initial dose is 0.2 mg/kg on day one, followed by 0.1 mg/kg once daily for up to 4 more days. The cat formulation is 0.5 mg/ml. Always give with food and use the dropper syringe provided for accurate dosing.
Alternatives include Solensia (a monthly injection for arthritis, no kidney risk), Onsior (another NSAID with shorter half-life), gabapentin (for nerve pain and anxiety), and buprenorphine (opioid for moderate to severe pain). Ask your vet which is most suitable for your cat's condition.
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