Loss of appetite after Meloxicam (Metacam) in cats

1,569 reports to the FDA describe loss of appetite in cats given Meloxicam. That is 43% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 14% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,569Reports
21%Marked serious
6.6%Recovered
24%Died or euthanised
3 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
79 19%
1–2 days
129 30%
3–7 days
113 27%
1–4 weeks
86 20%
Over a month
19 4.5%

How the animals did

Recovered
97 6.2%
Recovered with lasting effects
7 0.4%
Still unwell when reported
139 8.9%
Died
298 19%
Euthanised
75 4.8%
Not known
953 61%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
177
1–3 years
196
4–7 years
361
8–11 years
409
12+ years
391

About this medicine

Meloxicam relieves pain and inflammation.

Products with this ingredient include Metacam. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

NSAIDs can affect the stomach, liver and kidneys. Vets usually recommend blood tests before and during long-term use.

Questions owners ask

Can Meloxicam cause loss of appetite in cats?
1,569 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 3 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Loss of appetite with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in cats · Medicines most reported with loss of appetite