Hypocalcemia (milk fever) in nursing cats causes severe neurological symptoms. Recognizing this emergency and understanding prevention protects queen and kitten welfare.
Hypocalcemia causes acute severe suffering including uncontrolled muscle tremors and seizures that are extremely distressing. The welfare emergency is compounded by the impact on the kittens who lose access to maternal care during the episode and may be abandoned or harmed by an disoriented queen. The welfare priority is immediate veterinary treatment of the queen and temporary separation of kittens during treatment to prevent accidental crushing. Prevention through appropriate nutrition during pregnancy and early lactation reduces incidence in queens with history of hypocalcemia. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy should be discussed with a veterinarian as inappropriate supplementation can paradoxically increase risk.