Milk Fever in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Milk fever, also known as eclampsia or hypocalcaemia, is a serious condition that can affect nursing queens (mother cats). It is caused by dangerously low calcium levels in the bloodstream, usually during peak milk production after giving birth. Without prompt treatment, milk fever can be life-threatening. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for any cat owner with a nursing queen.

What Is Milk Fever?

Milk fever occurs when a lactating cat’s calcium demand exceeds the amount available in her body. Producing milk for a litter of kittens places a huge strain on her calcium reserves. If her body cannot keep up with the demand, blood calcium levels drop to unsafe levels, disrupting normal muscle and nerve function.

When Does Milk Fever Happen?

• Most cases occur two to four weeks after giving birth, when milk production is at its peak.
• It is more common in queens nursing large litters, as the demand for milk is higher.
• Rarely, it may also occur during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth.

Causes of Milk Fever

Several factors contribute to the development of milk fever:

• High calcium demand: Large litters or particularly demanding kittens.
• Poor diet: Feeding a diet lacking in essential nutrients, especially calcium.
• Excess calcium supplementation during pregnancy: This can interfere with the queen’s ability to regulate calcium properly after birth.
• Underlying health problems: Conditions that affect calcium absorption or metabolism.

Symptoms of Milk Fever

Milk fever develops rapidly and requires urgent attention. Owners should watch for:

• Restlessness or agitation
• Panting and rapid breathing
• Muscle tremors, twitching, or stiffness
• Loss of coordination or staggering
• Weakness and lethargy
• Seizures in severe cases
• Collapse or coma if untreated

These symptoms may appear suddenly, often when the kittens are between two and four weeks old.

Diagnosis

A vet will usually diagnose milk fever based on clinical signs and the queen’s recent history of nursing. To confirm, they may run:

• Blood tests to check calcium levels
• Additional tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as poisoning or neurological disease

Treatment of Milk Fever

Milk fever is a medical emergency. Immediate veterinary care is essential:

• Calcium supplementation: Administered by injection (usually intravenous or subcutaneous) to quickly restore blood calcium levels.
• Supportive care: Oxygen, fluids, and temperature control may be provided in severe cases.
• Oral calcium supplements: Given after stabilisation to maintain safe levels during lactation.

Most cats respond quickly to treatment, with symptoms improving within hours once calcium is restored.

Caring for the Kittens During Treatment

While the queen is recovering:

• The kittens may need to be hand-fed using kitten milk replacer.
• Once the queen stabilises, she may be able to resume nursing under veterinary guidance.
• In some cases, gradual reintroduction of nursing is recommended to avoid overwhelming the queen’s calcium reserves.

Preventing Milk Fever

Prevention is always better than cure. Steps to reduce the risk include:

• Feeding a balanced diet: High-quality kitten food during pregnancy and lactation provides the right nutrients.
• Avoiding calcium supplements during pregnancy: Unless specifically recommended by a vet, supplementation can be harmful.
• Monitoring queens with large litters closely: Watch for early signs of milk fever when nursing demand is high.
• Regular vet check-ups: Ensure both queen and kittens are monitored during lactation.

Conclusion

Milk fever in cats is a serious but preventable condition. By recognising the early warning signs, providing your cat with proper nutrition, and seeking immediate veterinary care if symptoms develop, you can protect both the queen and her kittens. With the right preparation and vigilance, nursing can be a safe and healthy experience for mother and litter alike.