Meloxicam Dosage Chart for Cats: Risks, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

Is your cat struggling to walk, having a hard time playing, or meowing more than usual? These may be signs that your cat may have stiff joints. Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that can help ease soreness and muscle pain in your cat. This article will discuss the dosage, what to look out for, and how it affects kitties.

Meloxicam Cautions

Before you administer this drug to your cat please be advised that

• You should never administer this drug to your cat without following your vet’s instructions on administering the prescription.
• Additionally, you should keep your eye on your cat the first time that you administer this drug to make sure that there are no adverse reactions that would require a trip to the emergency vet.
• Do not administer your cat’s prescription to other cats or pets within the home.
• Dosage can be calculated by a veterinarian based on your cat’s weight.

Meloxicam for cats is a Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug also known as an NSAID. These drugs are meant to help alleviate aches and pains in cats. Additionally, Meloxicam is used to reduce joint pain in kitties as well.

What’s more is that a doctor will prescribe a human edition of Meloxicam to someone who is having joint issues, or back issues.

However, even though there is a human edition of the drug, it doesn’t mean that you can give it to your cat. 

Human bodies versus cat bodies function differently. Therefore it is far too dangerous to give your cat the same medicine you have been prescribed. The chemicals in the human version of Meloxicam can be poisonous to kitties.

How it Works

Meloxican is administered either through injection or orally. It works by diminishing the hormones that are creating pain and swelling in your cat’s body.

Dosage

In injection form, Meloxicam is administered with a dosage of .0136 per lb through injection. Whereas Meloxicam that is administered orally is prescribed in a dosage of .01 to .045 mg per lb. 

In addition, you should always let your vet determine the correct dosage for your kitty.

Additional Dosage Tips

• Your vet may start your cat with a heavy dose and then reduce it into smaller dosages as your cat’s health progresses.
• Typically, oral prescriptions of this drug are administered once a day or every 24 hours. 
• Be sure to carefully, and thoroughly follow your vet’s instructions. 
• Even as your cat begins to improve, it is important to make sure that you complete the entire prescription.
• It is best if you serve food with the oral version so that you do not upset their tummies. Also, you can serve the medicine following dinner if you want to be sure that your cat has a little extra coating before taking the medication.

Side Effects

As with any drug, there are side effects such as 

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of interest in food. 
• Lethargy.
• Increase in rest time.
• Tenderness at the injection location.
• Increase in blood urea nitrogen. An increase in blood urea nitrogen can signify kidney disease.
• Low red blood cell count. In addition, this can create bone marrow issues such as leukemia. Also, your cat can increase their risk of anemia if their red blood cells drop too low.

In addition, if you think your cat has been prescribed too much medication, please rush to your veterinarian immediately.

Who Meloxicam is Not For

• Cats with kidney disease or kidney issues.
• Cats who are vomiting.
• Blood in feces.
• Loss of appetite.
• Kitties who are taking other variations of NSAIDs (Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs).
• Felines that are breastfeeding, or pregnant.
• Kitties that are dehydrated.
• Kittens that are 4 months or younger.

Administer Meloxicam With Caution If

• There is a known history of ulcers. Plus, if your kitty has an ulcer now.
• Pre-existing heart conditions.
• You have a cat that is older, weak, or fragile.
• Your cat has bleeding disorders or diseases.

Is There Any Further Observations Required?

Yes, aside from watching your cat after administering the drug, your vet will run blood tests before, and after the use of Meloxicam. This is required to rule out any gastrointestinal issues, or any serious side effects that may occur during, or after the use of this drug.

How Fast Can I Expect Results?

With this drug, it can take 1 to 2 hours before injection or oral administration for it to take effect. In addition, you should start seeing your kitty pipe up soon after. 

My Cat Won’t Take Medicine By Mouth Without a Fight. What Can I Do?

If your precious cat is a monster when it comes to administering medication, what you can do is add the oral medication with food or a treat. However, you cannot inject food with the injectable solution. This is because the injection version of Meloxican is meant to be absorbed by blood rather than digestion.

In conclusion, Meloxicam is a great option to speak to your vet about if you are looking to help your feline pain ease their pain and stiff joints.