Feline Hyperkalemia Symptoms

Feline hyperkalemia is a condition in which a cat has too much potassium in its system. According to Heather R. Sims, author of "The Feline Patient," hyperkalemia is typically caused by kidney failure or urinary-tract problems. (See References 2) A cat's kidneys filter excess potassium from its blood and excrete it in its urine, so a problem with his renal or urinary systems can result in a dangerous buildup of potassium. Excess potassium in your cat's body interferes with its muscle functions and can cause heart failure. (See References 1) Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms. Hyperkalemia can usually be diagnosed with a blood test. (See Reference 4)

  1. Nausea

    • According to the U.S. Library of Medicine, hyperkalemia commonly causes nausea in felines. (See References 3) Signs that hyperkalemia is causing your cat's bouts of nausea are when his vomiting is accompanied by a decreased appetite or a refusal to eat at all.

    Irregular Heartbeat

    • If you suspect your cat may be hyperkalemic, checking his heartbeat is one way to find out. (See References 1) If there is extra potassium in your cat's bloodstream, it can cause the heart to confuse the electrical signals it sends throughout the body. (See References 4) This can cause the heart to beat in unstable rhythms or diminish in strength. To check your cat's heartbeat, place two fingers along your cat's neck, just below the jaw and feel for the heartbeat. If it feels irregular it can be a sign of advanced hyperkalemia.

    Seizures

    • Advanced cases of hyperkalemia also can cause increased levels of potassium to interfere with the electrical signals sent to your cat's skeletal muscles. This interference can lead to life-threatening seizures, which are another symptom of advanced hyperkalemia. (See References 4) If the disorder has advanced to this degree it also can cause heart failure. Always contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat has a seizure.

    Urination Problems

    • Another serious symptom of hyperkalemia is when your cat has trouble urinating or stops urinating completely.According to "The Feline Patient," a disturbance in your cat's urinary tract or bladder can result in it becoming swollen and it can protrude to the point where it is visible through the skin of the abdomen. Your cat also may display a response to pain when light pressure is applied to its abdomen, if disorders in the urinary tract or bladder are present.