Companion Animals

Cat Feline Idiopathic Hypercalcaemia Welfare

Idiopathic hypercalcaemia is an increasingly recognised condition in cats causing lethargy, weight loss, and urinary tract signs requiring specific management.

Key Facts

Feline idiopathic hypercalcaemia is diagnosed after excluding lymphoma, parathyroid disease, and vitamin D toxicity
Clinical signs include lethargy, weight loss, reduced appetite, and constipation
Urolithiasis and CKD may develop as complications of persistent hypercalcaemia
High-fibre diets reduce calcium absorption in some cats
Prednisolone reduces calcium levels in some affected cats without identifiable cause

Welfare Considerations

Hypercalcaemia causes malaise, lethargy, and reduced quality of life. Kidney damage from persistent hypercalcaemia causes long-term welfare compromise. Diagnosis requires elimination of serious causes including lymphoma. Once idiopathic hypercalcaemia is confirmed, dietary management can improve welfare substantially.

What You Can Do

Seek thorough investigation including lymph node assessment for cats with elevated calcium
Trial a high-fibre, low-calcium diet under veterinary guidance for idiopathic cases
Monitor kidney function regularly in cats with hypercalcaemia to detect early CKD