# Carprofen vs Meloxicam in Cats: NSAID Dosing and Safety

> Carprofen in cats is presented as a single pre-operative injection, while meloxicam is also presented as a single pre-operative injection with an oral…

- Source page: https://wevet.in/compare/carprofen-vs-meloxicam-cats/
- Type: Comparison
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-02
- Medically reviewed by: Dr. Mayur Jadav, M.V.Sc. | Medicine (2026-11-02)
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Carprofen in cats is presented as a single pre-operative injection, while meloxicam is also presented as a single pre-operative injection with an oral follow-up option in some product labels [2][3][6][7][10][11][12].

## Carprofen and meloxicam at a glance

| Feature | Carprofen | Meloxicam |
|---|---|---|
| Main cat use described in these sources | Best given pre-operatively at the time of induction of anaesthesia, with perioperative single-dose use described in dogs and cats [6][7][8]. | Single subcutaneous dose before surgery for reduction of post-operative pain and inflammation, with oral follow-up described in some labels [10][11][12][1]. |
| Route in cats | Subcutaneous or intravenous injection is described for cats [7][8]. | Single subcutaneous injection is described for cats [1][10][11][12]. |
| Dose in cats | 4.0 mg/kg is the recommended dosage in cats [6][7][8]. | 0.14 mg/lb (0.3 mg/kg) is the recommended cat dose in one label, while another cat label gives 0.2 mg/kg before surgery and 0.3 mg/kg where no oral follow-up is possible [1][10][11][12]. |
| Repeat dosing in cats | A single dose is suggested for the first 24 hours perioperatively, and further analgesia with a half dose is described only for dogs, not cats [6][7][8]. | Additional meloxicam or other NSAIDs are contraindicated in cats, and repeated doses in cats can cause kidney failure or death [1][2][3][12]. |

## Cat pain control and surgery uses

- **Carprofen:** In cats, the sources describe carprofen as best given pre-operatively at the time of induction of anaesthesia, by subcutaneous or intravenous injection [6][7][8].
- **Carprofen:** Clinical trial evidence in dogs and cats suggests only a single dose of carprofen is required in the first 24 hours perioperatively [6][7][8].
- **Meloxicam:** In cats, one label gives a single one-time subcutaneous dose before surgery for post-operative pain and inflammation, with oral follow-up possible for up to five days [10][11][12].
- **Meloxicam:** Another label gives a single subcutaneous dose before surgery where no oral follow-up treatment is possible, for example in feral cats [11].
- **Meloxicam:** The FDA says meloxicam is given as a single subcutaneous injection before surgery in cats in the United States [2].

## Cat dosing and route comparison

| Drug | Species | Dose | Route | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carprofen | Cats | 4.0 mg/kg (0.24 ml/3.0 kg bodyweight) [6][7][8] | Subcutaneous or intravenous injection [7][8] | Best given pre-operatively at the time of induction of anaesthesia [6][7][8] |
| Carprofen | Cats | 4 mg/kg [8] | Subcutaneous injection [8] | Best given pre-operatively at the time of induction of anaesthesia [8] |
| Meloxicam | Cats | 0.14 mg/lb (0.3 mg/kg) body weight [1][12] | Subcutaneous injection [1][12] | Single, one-time dose [1][12] |
| Meloxicam | Cats | 0.2 mg meloxicam/kg body weight (i.e. 0.1 ml/kg body weight) [10][11] | Single subcutaneous injection [10][11] | Before surgery, for example at the time of induction of anaesthesia [10][11] |
| Meloxicam | Cats | 0.3 mg meloxicam/kg body weight (i.e. 0.06 ml/kg body weight) [11] | Single subcutaneous injection [11] | Before surgery, for example at the time of induction of anaesthesia [11] |

## Adverse effects and safety warnings

### Carprofen in cats
- Carprofen sources for cats state that particular care should be taken not to exceed the recommended dose, because of the longer half life in cats and narrower therapeutic index [7][8].
- Carprofen sources for cats state that the dose should not be repeated, and that repeated use in cats should not be done on repeated occasions [7][8].
- Carprofen sources for cats state that only a single dose is required in the first 24 hours perioperatively, and that a half dose may be given to dogs but not to cats if further analgesia is required [6][7][8].
- Carprofen sources state that there is a risk of rare renal or idiosyncratic hepatic adverse events, and they advise avoiding use in any dehydrated, hypovolaemic or hypotensive animal. [7]

### Meloxicam in cats
- Meloxicam sources for cats warn that more than one dose can cause kidney failure or death, and they state that no NSAIDs are approved for long-term use in cats [2][3].
- Meloxicam sources for cats report vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and behavioral changes as possible adverse reactions [12].
- Meloxicam safety studies in cats reported loose feces, vomiting, diarrhea, scratching or licking the injection site, and histological changes of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys at higher doses [1].
- Meloxicam safety studies in cats also reported one cat in each treated group died by Day 9 in the repeated-dosing study, and the studies were described as demonstrating a narrow margin of safety [4][12].

## When not to use these NSAIDs

### Carprofen in cats
- Carprofen should not be used in cats on repeated occasions, and the dose should not be repeated [7].
- Carprofen should not be used in cats less than 5 months of age [7].
- Carprofen should not be used after surgery associated with considerable blood loss, and it should not be administered by intramuscular injection [7].
- Carprofen sources advise avoiding use in any dehydrated, hypovolaemic, or hypotensive animal because of a potential risk of increased renal toxicity [7].

### Meloxicam in cats
- Meloxicam injection should not be used in cats with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam [4][12].
- Meloxicam injection should not be used in cats with pre-existing renal dysfunction [4][12].
- Meloxicam sources state that additional doses of meloxicam or other NSAIDs in cats are contraindicated, because no safe dosage for repeated NSAID administration has been established [4][12].
- Meloxicam sources say that no NSAIDs are approved for long-term use in cats, and repeated doses of meloxicam can cause kidney failure or death [2][3].

## NSAID interaction cautions

### Carprofen in cats
- Carprofen sources warn that concurrent administration of other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as other NSAIDs or corticosteroids, should be avoided because adverse reactions may increase [9].
- Carprofen sources advise that concurrent administration of potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be approached cautiously, with appropriate monitoring [9].
- Carprofen sources state that carprofen is highly bound to plasma proteins and may compete with other highly bound drugs, which can lead to toxic effects [7].
- Carprofen sources note that studies with other protein-bound or similarly metabolized drugs have not been conducted, and drug compatibility should be monitored closely in patients requiring additional therapy [5].

### Meloxicam in cats
- Meloxicam sources state that use of additional meloxicam or other NSAIDs is contraindicated in cats [1][4][12].
- Meloxicam sources advise careful approach and monitoring with concurrent administration of potentially nephrotoxic drugs [4].
- Meloxicam sources caution that anesthetic drugs may affect renal perfusion, so concomitant use of anesthetics and NSAIDs should be approached cautiously [4].

## Frequently asked questions

### In cats, how do carprofen and meloxicam differ for repeated dosing?

Carprofen sources for cats say the dose should not be repeated, and carprofen should not be used on repeated occasions in cats [7][8]. Meloxicam sources are even more explicit that more than one dose can cause kidney failure or death, and that additional doses are contraindicated [2][3][4][12].

### Which NSAID has the stronger safety warning in cats: carprofen or meloxicam?

The meloxicam sources give the strongest warning about repeated dosing in cats, including kidney failure or death and a narrow margin of safety [2][3][4][12]. Carprofen sources in cats focus on avoiding repeated dosing, avoiding use in younger cats, and avoiding use after major blood loss [7][8].

### What adverse effects are reported for carprofen and meloxicam in cats?

Carprofen sources report rare renal or idiosyncratic hepatic adverse events, and they advise caution in dehydrated, hypovolaemic, or hypotensive animals [7][9]. Meloxicam sources in cats report vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, behavioral changes, and kidney and gastrointestinal changes in safety studies [1][4][12].

### Can cats receive another NSAID after carprofen or meloxicam?

Carprofen sources say the use of another NSAID is not recommended, and meloxicam sources say additional meloxicam or other NSAIDs are contraindicated [4][5][9][12]. The FDA also states that switching between NSAIDs in cats is not feasible because of the short-term duration of use [2].

### What cats should not receive carprofen or meloxicam?

Carprofen sources say not to use it in cats less than 5 months of age, and not to use it after surgery associated with considerable blood loss [7]. Meloxicam sources say not to use it in cats with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam or pre-existing renal dysfunction [4][12].

## References

[1] METACAM (meloxicam) 5 mg/mL Solution for Injection ... — animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov. https://animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/app/search/public/document/downloadFoi/751
[2] What Veterinarians Should Advise Clients About Pain ... — www.fda.gov (Nov 20, 2024). https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/resources-you/what-veterinarians-should-advise-clients-about-pain-control-and-nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs
[3] Get the Facts about Pain Relievers for Pets — www.fda.gov (Sep 29, 2022). https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-about-pain-relievers-pets
[4] Meloxicam Injection for Cats — www.drugs.com (May 28, 2026). https://www.drugs.com/vet/meloxicam-injection-for-cats.html
[5] Carprofen Flavored Tablets — animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov. https://animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/app/search/public/document/downloadLabeling/701
[6] Rycarfa 50mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats & Dogs — www.noahcompendium.co.uk (Nov 25, 2015). https://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-468565
[7] summary of product characteristics — www.vmd.defra.gov.uk. https://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/files/SPC_Documents/SPC_293518.PDF
[8] Rimadyl Small Animal Solution for Injection 50 mg/ml — www.noahcompendium.co.uk (May 12, 2016). https://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-458177
[9] RIMADYL® (carprofen) — dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=ae09baf6-1d34-44b0-b9c9-aa9766cdab14&type=display
[10] Metacam 2 mg/ml solution for injection for cats — www.noahcompendium.co.uk (May 12, 2016). https://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-447638
[11] Metacam 5 mg/ml solution for injection for dogs and cats — www.noahcompendium.co.uk (May 12, 2016). https://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-447651
[12] meloxicam — dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=70f3d14e-85d8-481c-84e6-1f0e4baecec0&type=display

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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