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Is Meloxoral safe for my lactating cat with mastitis and her kittens?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Turkish Van | Female | unspayed | 8.8 lbs

Vet prescribed Meloxoral for a cat after being diagnosed with mastitis. He said it won't hurt the kittens but in the leaflet it's mentioned that the medicine should not be given to lactating cats. So shall I continue with the treatment?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Christie Long, DVM

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on March 29th, 2017

This is the write-up on Meloxicam (same as Meloxoral) from Plumb's Veterinary Drug handbook:

Reproductive/Nursing Safety

Safe use has not been established in dogs or cats used for breeding, or in pregnant or lactating animals. In humans, the FDA categorizes this drug as category C for use during pregnancy (Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no adequate studies in humans; or there are no animal reproduction studies and no adequate studies in humans.)

Most NSAIDs are excreted in milk; use cautiously.

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In general, I would want to avoid using this drug in a lactating queen. It will make her feel better and possibly resolve the mastitis faster, so likely the better approach would be to bottle feed the kittens while she's getting the meloxicam and then return them to her at least 48 hours after the last dose. I would call your vet and discuss your concerns.
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