Metacam. IMPORTANT!

[Miss Z]

There are two types of Metacam - a canine and feline version. The canine one probably shouldn't be used on cats, and I expect this is what your brochure was referring to.

I have used the canine version on a rat before. Metacam is basically a steroid alternative, and as steroids are used on a wide variety of animals, Metacam should be safe in all respects too. In all the surgeries I've been gaining experience in, 99% of the time Metacam is prescribed as an anti-inflammatory to ease joint and muscular pain.

I wouldn't panic about the Metacam - it has far less side effects than any steroids you could be offered!

[Catty1]

I just hope poor Boo feels better on it!

[Lizzie]

I've given Metacam both short term and long term to several cats, and I know a number of my rescue friends have used it also. Used as prescribed it's a great drug giving excellent results and I've never seen a problem with any of my cats. The previous shelter vet insisted it could be given only once, so I queried my vet on the subject and he said that was old advice and the latest research has shown it to very well worth the minor risks - and risk is part of any drug.

[Medusa]

There are two types of Metacam - a canine and feline version. The canine one probably shouldn't be used on cats, and I expect this is what your brochure was referring to.

I have used the canine version on a rat before. Metacam is basically a steroid alternative, and as steroids are used on a wide variety of animals, Metacam should be safe in all respects too. In all the surgeries I've been gaining experience in, 99% of the time Metacam is prescribed as an anti-inflammatory to ease joint and muscular pain.

I wouldn't panic about the Metacam - it has far less side effects than any steroids you could be offered!

Yes, you're right about different uses for cats and dogs so I'm not panicked but concerned. I do have a couple of my cats on Clomicalm for inappropriate urinating and it's supposedly only for dogs' behavioral issues but it's now routinely prescribed for cats.

Right now Boo is curled up in the patio room w/his head tucked upside down, which is a good sign for me because in the last few days he's either taken the vulture position that I've described or he's laid w/his head straight. I could tell that he wasn't comfortable but now it appears as though he is. I sure hope so. He's been such a good cat all his life. Everyone loves this boy and my son just adores him. My son will be home visiting in about 3 weeks and I sure don't want anything to happen before or during his visit. When he walks in the door, Boo always runs to him and in his younger kitty days, he used to leap onto my son's shoulder. I'd be happy to see him just walk over to him, forget the leaping.

[smokey the elder]

Metacam(TM) (meloxicam) is one of the few NSAIDs indicated for cats. Before it was approved for dogs and cats, it was used as a human drug (MobicTM). One of my vets told me he used it off-label for cats for years. I suspect the label message may be because of the dosage, not the drug itself.

Disclaimer: I work for the company that makes this stuff.

[jenluckenbach]

I also have used metacam for cats. And it works well, too.

[kitten645]

"Right now Boo is curled up in the patio room w/his head tucked upside down, which is a good sign for me because in the last few days he's either taken the vulture position that I've described or he's laid w/his head straight. I could tell that he wasn't comfortable but now it appears as though he is. I sure hope so. He's been such a good cat all his life. Everyone loves this boy and my son just adores him. My son will be home visiting in about 3 weeks and I sure don't want anything to happen before or during his visit. When he walks in the door, Boo always runs to him and in his younger kitty days, he used to leap onto my son's shoulder. I'd be happy to see him just walk over to him, forget the leaping."
It will be so. Keep the good energy going. He will be kitten again when your boy is around. It's hard I know but you will know when he's done. You have some precious time right now. Take advantage and be grateful. Blessings to you.
Claudia