Idiopathic hypercalcemia in cats
Any pet owner may hear of the diagnosis of idiopathic hypercalcemia in cats. However, understanding this term on a medical level is essential to providing your cat with the best possible care during this challenging time. Essentially, this term refers to a spontaneous buildup of calcium in the bloodstream of the affected feline.
This issue is usually detected through routine blood tests during a vet visit. In fact, it’s one of the many reasons why regular checkups for cats, at least once a year, are so important.
What causes idiopathic hypercalcemia in cats?
In cases of idiopathic hypercalcemia in cats, owners have no control over their pet’s illness—this condition arises completely spontaneously.
Idiopathic hypercalcemia is not caused by:
- Diet
- Activity level
- Litter box habits
- Fleas or dog parasites
- Other pets
- A stressful environment
So, pet owners feeling guilty can relax—the most important thing now is to focus on professional treatment and the recovery of the affected cat.
Is idiopathic hypercalcemia in cats contagious?
Unlike some feline health issues like feline distemper, fleas, or skin diseases, hypercalcemia is not contagious. In fact, a cat diagnosed with this condition requires treatment and medication, but it can still be comfortable around its feline housemate. However, if the pet has frequent conflicts or fights with other animals in the household, it may be best to isolate it while it receives treatment.
The condition may signal or worsen other health issues.
Cat owners usually learn about this condition from their veterinarian after a blood test. While most veterinarians run preventive tests for co-occurring diseases, idiopathic hypercalcemia in cats is a relatively new condition, with cases increasing exponentially over the past twenty years. For this reason, it may be helpful to discuss the possibility of chronic kidney disease or certain cancer diagnoses in cats. Although idiopathic conditions by definition lack a clear cause, there is a correlation between these more serious health issues and the presence of hypercalcemia in cats. Additionally, due to the nature of hypercalcemia, diseases triggered by excess calcium, like kidney stones (uroliths), can worsen due to the calcium overload.
Treatment of idiopathic hypercalcemia in cats
Although hypercalcemia in cats is a serious condition, it is typically considered slow-progressing. Fortunately, the first line of treatment is generally the simplest, at least in terms of medication. A specialized diet, high in protein and low in carbohydrates, is recommended for about one to two months.
The veterinarian may recommend a brand available at their office or pet store that meets the cat’s adjusted dietary needs. Once the diet takes effect, additional blood tests will likely be conducted to assess calcium levels and determine if sufficient progress has been made to continue.
If results still indicate an abundance of unwanted calcium, the vet may recommend medications to suppress calcium reabsorption in the cat and prevent the cycle from continuing. As any pet owner who has had to “pill a cat” can confirm, this can be a challenging task.
To minimize the cat’s distress, try approaching with two people: one person wraps the cat in a towel to avoid scratches, while the other places the pill in the cat’s mouth and gently massages the throat with the back of their finger to encourage swallowing. Applying a small amount of oil to the cat’s nose can also stimulate licking and swallowing.
Keeping your cat healthy
Once idiopathic hypercalcemia is diagnosed, pet owners will need to stay vigilant and attentive. Even if your results improve from alarming to promising with diet adherence, regular check-ups are essential to ensure the condition doesn’t worsen.
Thus, ongoing communication and regular check-ups with your vet regarding the cat’s condition and overall health are very important. Be sure to ask for their recommendations on appointment scheduling and/or testing frequency to ensure a good quality of life for your cat.
