Potassium’s Role in the Health of Cats
According to veterinarian medicine, potassium is considered an electrolyte. This means it functions on both the cellular and electricual levels (carries small electrical charges). These are key to having a healthy heart, nerves, and muscles.
What Can Cause Potassium Loss?
Hypokalemia is a term used when potassium levels are too low. This happens with severe cases of diarrhea, vomiting, irritable bowel disease (IBS), and malnutrition. There are also more severe conditions that will cause low potassium such as;
● Metabolic disease
● Increased urine production
● Severe/chronic stress
● Obstruction of the intestine
● Insulin and Glucose administration
● Antibiotic use
Symptoms of Low Potassium in Cats
If your cat is suffering from the following symptoms and has experienced any of the above conditions, then he or she may have low potassium levels. Some of the more common symptoms of low potassium in cats are;
● Loss of appetite
● Vomiting
● Legarthy
● Muscle pain
● Loss of muscle mass
● Weight loss
● Muscle weakness
● Difficulty breathing
● Increased urination and thirst
● Diabetes
● Hyperthyroidism
What Kind of Potassium Supplements are there?
There are three main types of potassium supplements that are commonly used with cats.
● Potassium gluconate: an oral supplement in pill or powder form
● Potassium citrate: also an oral treatment usually in a syrup form.
● Potassium chloride: Injectable through a small IV bag.
Many pet parents find the oral forms of potassium supplements oftentimes lead to stomach upset in their cats. Potassium gluconate pills may be given by crushing and mixing it with food (powders should also be mixed with food). In addition, pet parents have found mixing part of the dose with food and giving it more frequently throughout the day (over several meals) will also help alleviate stomach upset.
Potassium citrate often comes in a syrup formula. However, for those cats that are also on phosphorus binders (containing aluminum) potassium citrate will increase the absorption of this mineral. Waiting two hours to give the potassium supplement after the phosphorous binder will prevent this from happening.
Since potassium chloride is injectable, it is most likely your vet will be the one to administer it through an IV bag.
A Few Words of Caution
Your veterinarian can diagnose whether your feline is hypokalemic by running some in-office tests. Be sure to make an appointment for an official diagnosis before beginning a supplemental regime. Too much potassium can cause heart failure in your cat, so it’s vitally important to follow your vet’s prescription for your beloved fur baby.
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