Companion Animals

Periparturient Hypocalcaemia in Cats: Welfare and Management

Eclampsia (periparturient hypocalcaemia) is a serious welfare emergency in lactating cats, particularly those nursing large litters.

Key Facts

Feline eclampsia typically occurs at peak lactation (2-4 weeks post-partum) when calcium demand from milk production exceeds dietary supply
Clinical signs include muscle tremors, tetany, hyperthermia, seizures and collapse — it is rapidly life-threatening
Calcium supplementation during pregnancy paradoxically increases risk by suppressing the cat's own calcium regulatory mechanisms
Brachycephalic cats and cats nursing litters of four or more kittens are at highest risk

Welfare Considerations

Eclampsia is an acute severe welfare emergency that is fully treatable if recognised early but fatal if untreated. The distress of severe muscle tetany and hyperthermia is extreme. Owner education about early signs — restlessness, panting, stiff gait and facial muscle twitching — is critical for early intervention. Prompt intravenous calcium administration is life-saving. Affected queens should have litters weaned or supplemented immediately to prevent recurrence.

What You Can Do

Recognise early signs: restlessness, muscle stiffness, excessive panting and pawing at face
Seek emergency veterinary treatment immediately — IV calcium is the only definitive treatment
Supplement kittens with commercial kitten milk replacer to reduce demands on the queen
Avoid routine calcium supplementation during pregnancy as it increases eclampsia risk