Metacam is not the only NSAID available to treat arthritis in cats.
Loxicom is also available in the same format as Metacam but offers a more accurate syringe to ensure your cat gets an accurate dose.

All NSAIDs have side effects but this is the risk we take in both human and animal medicine to see results. Nutraceutical alternatives are available but may not offer the benefits of more severe cases of arthritis or inflammation.

There are also slightly different NSAID products available for cats from vets, such as Onsior tablets.

Meloxicam is the only NSAID liscensed for cats.The drug you mentioned is exactly the same drug its just made by a different company.
There are a few different trade names for meloxicam but the generic name of them is all the same.
Many different drug companies have their own version out in the veterinary market but it is exactly the same drug.
The reason the cat version of metacam was brought out was for more accurate dosing as there is a syringe which attaches to the bottle which can be measured for their exact weight - same as the dog syringe.