Metacam® Oral Suspension for Cats

Metacam® Oral Suspension for Cats is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (meloxicam) for managing pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and acute musculoskeletal conditions in cats. This liquid formulation supports precise, weight-based dosing under veterinary direction. With US delivery from Canada, Metacam Oral Suspension for Cats arrives at Canadian pricing through a licensed pharmacy network. Many customers see out-of-pocket savings, including those without insurance.

What Metacam® Is and How It Works

Metacam® contains meloxicam, a veterinary NSAID. It helps reduce production of prostaglandins that drive inflammation, swelling, and pain. In practice, cats may move more comfortably, show improved willingness to jump, and rest more easily once inflammation is controlled. The oral suspension format allows careful dose adjustments tailored to a cat’s weight and clinical response, and it is typically given with or after food to support gastrointestinal tolerance.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. We verify your prescription with your clinic, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

This product ships from Canada to the US through our pharmacy partners. The model is designed to provide reliable access and Canadian pricing for eligible prescriptions, including for those paying without insurance. For related options and guidance, see our Pet Medications category.

Who Metacam Is For

Veterinarians prescribe meloxicam to relieve inflammation and pain in cats with osteoarthritis, soft-tissue injury, or post-procedural discomfort when an NSAID is appropriate. Cats with dehydration, kidney disease, existing gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding disorders, or significant liver disease may not be suitable candidates. Use with caution in older cats and in those on multiple medications; close monitoring is often recommended. Do not use in cats with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam or other NSAIDs, and avoid use in pregnant or nursing cats unless a veterinarian determines the benefits outweigh the risks. For background on joint disease, see Arthritis In Cats.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the prescription directions provided by your veterinarian and the product label. The bottle includes a calibrated dosing syringe designed to help measure doses according to body weight. Shake the bottle gently before each use to ensure uniform suspension. Administer by mouth, ideally with a small amount of food. Many treatment plans start with a veterinarian-directed initial dose followed by the lowest effective once-daily amount for the shortest duration necessary to control signs.

Do not combine meloxicam with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids. If appetite declines, vomiting or diarrhea occurs, or behavior changes are observed, contact the prescribing clinic promptly. Periodic rechecks and laboratory monitoring may be advised for longer courses.

Strengths and Forms

Availability can vary by pharmacy and region. Common presentations include:

• Metacam oral suspension for cats: 0.5 mg/mL
• Metacam oral suspension for dogs: 1.5 mg/mL (canine use only; see Metacam For Dogs)
• Metacam solution for injection: 5 mg/mL (clinic-administered or as directed; see Metacam Injection)
• Brand overview and other pack sizes may be listed here: Metacam

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, give it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. Do not double up doses. Cats can be sensitive to NSAIDs; maintaining the prescribed interval and amount is important for safety. If multiple doses are missed, contact the prescribing clinic for guidance.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store at controlled room temperature according to the label, in the original bottle with the cap tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children and other animals. Avoid freezing, excessive heat, and prolonged light exposure. During travel, place the upright bottle and syringe in a sealed, leak‑resistant bag inside a carry-on. Keep the dosing syringe clean and dry between uses.

Temperature-sensitive items ship with cold‑chain handling and insulated packaging. While Metacam oral suspension is generally stored at room temperature, other medicines in the same order may require special packaging.

Benefits

• Veterinary NSAID that targets inflammatory pain pathways
• Liquid format enables precise, weight-based dosing
• Helps improve comfort, mobility, and activity in affected cats
• Used for osteoarthritis and acute musculoskeletal pain under veterinary direction
• Once‑daily administration plans are common when appropriate
• Canadian pricing and US delivery available through our pharmacy partners

Side Effects and Safety

• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting or regurgitation
• Soft stools or diarrhea
• Lethargy or reduced activity
• Increased thirst or urination
• Behavior changes such as restlessness
• Mild injection-site discomfort if given by injection in a clinic

Serious but less common risks include gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, kidney injury, and elevations in liver enzymes. Risk increases with dehydration, pre-existing kidney or GI disease, concurrent use of other NSAIDs or steroids, and overdosing. Stop treatment and contact the prescribing clinic immediately if black stools, bloody vomit, severe lethargy, jaundice, or marked reductions in appetite occur.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

• Do not use with other NSAIDs (for example, carprofen) or corticosteroids
• Use caution with anticoagulants, certain diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or other nephrotoxic drugs
• Ensure cats are well hydrated; avoid in dehydration or current GI ulceration
• Older cats and those with kidney or liver concerns may need closer monitoring
• Dog-only NSAIDs such as those discussed in Deramaxx For Dogs are not appropriate for cats
• Discuss all supplements, flea preventives, and prescription drugs with the prescribing veterinarian

What to Expect Over Time

When effective, many cats show improved comfort during rest and greater ease when moving, jumping, or grooming. Some regain interest in play or social activities as pain control improves. Regular rechecks help determine whether to adjust dose, taper, or discontinue treatment based on response and safety monitoring.

Compare With Alternatives

Veterinarians may consider robenacoxib for cats as an alternative NSAID. See Onsior Cat for product details and indications. In some situations, a clinic may recommend a different route, such as an injectable dose; see Metacam Injection. For more background on feline use, this overview may help: Onsior Cat Medicine.

Pricing and Access

Ordering through our Canadian pharmacy partners can offer meaningful savings versus typical US cash prices. Check current pricing, verify prescription details, and place an order online with US delivery from Canada. Canadian pricing may reduce out-of-pocket costs, including for those paying without insurance. For any seasonal offers, visit our promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

Product availability can vary by pack size and formulation. If a specific presentation is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative or a different route of administration. Pharmacists can coordinate with the clinic, when appropriate, to support a safe substitution.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Cats with active GI ulceration, uncontrolled kidney disease, or known NSAID intolerance are generally not candidates. Suitability depends on exam findings, lab work, concomitant medications, and clinical goals. To manage costs, consider a multi-month supply when appropriate, align refills with clinic rechecks, and use the provided dosing syringe to avoid waste. Enrolling in refill reminders helps prevent gaps in therapy.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is an NSAID appropriate for my cat’s condition, or is another class preferred?
• What starting dose and duration do you recommend, and when should we reassess?
• Which signs suggest we should pause the medicine and call your office?
• How should this interact with any current medications or supplements?
• Would an injectable option be better initially or for flares?
• What lab monitoring schedule do you recommend for safety?
• How can we support joint health alongside medication, such as weight and activity plans?

Authoritative Sources

• FDA: Meloxicam products for dogs and cats
• Health Canada: Veterinary Drugs Database
• Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada

Ready to proceed? Order with prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping and US delivery from Canada through CanadianInsulin’s pharmacy partners.

Disclaimer: This information is educational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always follow your veterinarian’s directions and the approved product label.