Hypercalcaemia in cats has multiple causes and creates a range of welfare-significant clinical effects requiring targeted investigation and management.
Hypercalcaemia causes welfare compromise through multiple mechanisms. Elevated calcium affects neuromuscular function causing weakness and lethargy. Increased urination with concurrent polydipsia reflects the metabolic burden. Anorexia and nausea worsen overall welfare. The long-term risk of renal damage from calcium deposition means that welfare is progressively compromised even when acute signs are mild. Thorough investigation to identify the underlying cause is essential for targeted treatment rather than non-specific calcium-lowering approaches. Idiopathic hypercalcaemia responding to dietary management represents a welfare-positive outcome compared to the alternative of progressive renal failure from unmanaged elevation.