Health July 13, 2026 · 8 Min Read

Metacam Dosage Calculator for Cats – Guide & Formulas

Calculate the correct Metacam (meloxicam) dose for your cat by weight. Get safe, vet-recommended NSAID dosage guidelines for feline pain and inflammation.

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Put these formulas into practice with our instant, step-by-step Metacam Dosage Calculator for Cats.

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Calculate the correct Metacam (meloxicam) dose for your cat by weight. Our free NSAID dosage calculator provides safe, vet-recommended guidelines for feline pain and inflammation management.

Key Takeaway

Use the free Metacam Dosage Calculator for Cats to calculate the correct metacam (meloxicam) dose for your cat by weight. get safe, vet-recommended nsaid dosage guidelines for feline pain and inflammation. Get instant results with step-by-step explanations.

How to Use the Metacam Dosage Calculator for Cats

  1. Enter your cat's weight in pounds or kilograms.
  2. Select your preferred unit system (Imperial or Metric).
  3. Review the recommended initial and maintenance dose.
  4. Check the critical safety warnings and consult your vet.

The Formula

Metacam (Meloxicam) Initial Dose: 0.05 mg/kg as a single loading dose on day one. Maintenance Dose: 0.02—0.03 mg/kg given once daily. Available as 0.5 mg/mL oral suspension (cats) or 1.5 mg/mL (dogs — do NOT use dog formulation for cats). Single-dose post-surgical formulation: 0.05 mg/kg.

Variable Definitions

  • Metacam: Brand name for meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief in cats
  • mg/kg: Milligrams of meloxicam per kilogram of body weight
  • Loading Dose: The initial higher dose given on day one to achieve therapeutic blood levels quickly
  • Maintenance Dose: The lower daily dose given after the initial dose to maintain therapeutic effect

Calculating Metacam Dose for a 10 lb Cat

Find the safe Metacam dose for a 10-pound cat with arthritis.

  1. Step 1: Convert weight: 10 lbs ÷ 2.2 = 4.5 kg.
  2. Step 2: Calculate initial (loading) dose: 4.5 kg × 0.05 mg/kg = 0.225 mg.
  3. Step 3: Calculate maintenance dose (low): 4.5 kg × 0.02 mg/kg = 0.09 mg/day.
  4. Step 4: Calculate maintenance dose (high): 4.5 kg × 0.03 mg/kg = 0.135 mg/day.
  5. Step 5: A 10 lb cat receives 0.225 mg initially, then 0.09—0.135 mg daily for ongoing pain management.

Financial Advisory Notice

This Metacam Dosage Calculator provides general guidelines only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Metacam is a prescription medication — always use under veterinary supervision. Improper dosing can cause serious kidney damage or death in cats.

Frequently Asked Questions