Seizures after Meloxicam (Metacam) in cats

103 reports to the FDA describe seizures in cats given Meloxicam. That is 2.8% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.6% across reports for all cat medicines.

103Reports

34%Marked serious

15%Recovered

47%Died or euthanised

1 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

12 34%

1–2 days

13 37%

3–7 days

4 11%

1–4 weeks

3 8.6%

Over a month

3 8.6%

How the animals did

Recovered

15 15%

Still unwell when reported

6 5.8%

Died

41 40%

Euthanised

7 6.8%

Not known

34 33%

Problems reported at the same time

48 47%

28 27%

20 19%

19 18%

14 14%

Eye or vision problems

14 14%

Vomiting

13 13%

Hyperphosphataemia

12 12%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

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 seizures in cats?: 103 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 1 day 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).

Seizures with similar medicines

Seizures after Robenacoxib (Onsior) 113 reports · 3.4% of its reports

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