{"id":627811,"date":"2024-04-15T14:22:48","date_gmt":"2024-04-15T18:22:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627811"},"modified":"2026-03-03T18:01:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T23:01:47","slug":"meloxicam-for-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/meloxicam-for-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Meloxicam for cats"},"content":{"rendered":"

Meloxicam<\/span><\/a> is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (<\/span>NSAID<\/span><\/a>) similar to but more powerful than ibuprofen or aspirin. For cats, veterinary meloxicam can provide much-needed pain relief. Meloxicam is FDA-approved as a one-time injection in cats to relieve pain and swelling due to spays, neuters, or bone or muscle surgery, but veterinarians can prescribe low-dose oral meloxicam off-label as a daily treatment for feline pain. There are risks, so caregivers should closely monitor their cat for side effects while the cat is on meloxicam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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What is meloxicam used for in cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In cats, meloxicam is used to relieve pain. The FDA has approved its use as a one-time injection that\u2019s given right before surgeries: spaying, neutering, or orthopedic surgery. Additionally, <\/span>international and American veterinary guidelines<\/span><\/a> recommend low-dose meloxicam for long-term pain management in cats, noting it is both safe and effective.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As an NSAID, meloxicam inhibits the enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These enzymes synthesize prostaglandins, which initiate the process of swelling and pain after an injury.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>How to treat your pet\u2019s pain<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Spaying, neutering, and orthopedic surgery<\/span><\/h3>\n

Meloxicam is FDA-approved as a single injected dose before ovariohysterectomy (spaying) or castration (neutering). It can also be used as a single injection before orthopedic surgery, such as joint or ligament surgery. In cats, the meloxicam injection is a pre-emptive treatment for post-surgical pain and swelling. Other pain relief drugs may also be used before or immediately after surgery. Following surgery, the cat will probably be sent home with other pain relief medications or therapies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daily pain management<\/span><\/h3>\n

For the Food and Drug Administration, multiple doses or the <\/span>use of meloxicam oral suspension<\/span><\/a>, such as brand-name Metacam, should never be given to cats. All FDA-approved meloxicam products come with a black box warning that repeated doses of meloxicam can cause renal failure or death in cats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, recent research suggests that low-dose meloxicam can be safe and effective for cats when used daily, but the cat requires careful screening, and the pet\u2019s caregiver must dose the cat correctly and monitor the cat closely for side effects. Because meloxicam is associated with kidney damage in cats, caregivers should make sure the cat is drinking enough water to avoid dehydration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is meloxicam safe for cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Meloxicam is safe for cats as a single one-dose injection before surgery. Multiple doses are considered safe when given in small doses, but the caregiver must monitor the cat closely for side effects. Currently, <\/span>only two NSAIDs are FDA-approved for use in cats<\/span><\/a>: meloxicam as a single-dose injection and robenacoxib for up to three doses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Meloxicam decreases blood flow to the kidneys, so even a single dose can cause mild kidney dysfunction. Because of its adverse effects on the kidneys, meloxicam and other NSAIDs may be too risky to give to a cat with kidney disease. Kidney problems due to meloxicam are also a risk for dehydrated cats or cats with low blood pressure. To avoid these risks, veterinarians will carefully screen the cat and perform blood tests before administering meloxicam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meloxicam is never safe to give to cats who are dehydrated or who have:<\/span><\/p>\n