Cat Starts Shaking Days Post-Pregnancy: Possible Causes

What is Hypocalcemia in Cats?

Hypocalcemia in cats, often referred to as milk fever, is a condition that can lead to postpartum spasms and seizures in felines. While it's a common occurrence, it should not be overlooked. It typically affects queens with large litters and often manifests between 2 to 4 weeks after giving birth.

In the early stages of hypocalcemia, cats may exhibit symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, frothing at the mouth, and a bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes. If calcium supplementation is not administered promptly, more severe symptoms can arise, including a body temperature of 41 degrees Celsius or higher, spasms, and potentially death within 1 to 2 hours if not treated immediately.

How to Treat Postpartum Seizures in Cats?

1. The first step in treating postpartum seizures caused by hypocalcemia is to wean the kittens off their mother's milk. This can be done through artificial feeding to ensure the kittens receive adequate nutrition, while also preventing further calcium loss from the mother. It's also important to avoid feeding the mother, as medications can affect the quality of her milk.

2. Provide the mother cat with energy. Since she is weak, she may not be able to eat normally. Administering 10% calcium gluconate injections can help. If you're not comfortable performing this procedure, it's best to seek veterinary care. Typically, this treatment is administered daily. Once the cat begins to eat normally, you can add a pet electrolyte concentrate to her diet to continue replenishing her energy and aid in her recovery.

3. Calcium supplementation is crucial for postpartum cats, even if they haven't shown signs of seizures. If a cat starts to have seizures a few days after giving birth, it indicates that her blood calcium levels are significantly below normal. It's essential to take her to a veterinary clinic for a checkup and to determine the exact amount of calcium she needs. After an initial period of hospital treatment, when her blood calcium levels are stable, you can provide her with calcium supplements like highenergy milk calcium tablets. These tablets are specifically formulated for pets and contain vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption, so additional vitamin D supplementation is not necessary.

4. Encouraging your cat to get plenty of sunlight can also help her absorb calcium and improve circulation, reducing the risk of various diseases.

Regarding the issue of cats developing seizures a few days after giving birth, it's important to note that poisoning or other diseases can also cause seizures. If you're unsure about the cause of your cat's postpartum seizures, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian or an online pet doctor for guidance.