Low Blood Potassium in Cats

A cat with low blood potassium may not present any symptoms unless the potassium levels are extremely low or the condition has been ongoing for a prolonged period. The most common symptoms associated with low levels of potassium are weakness and an inability to hold the head up, resulting in a drooped head or irregularly bent neck. Depending on the underlying cause of the decrease in potassium, other symptoms may be observed. 

Symptoms include:

• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Weight loss or loss of muscle mass
• Pain and associated vocalizations
• Moderate to extreme weakness
• Difficulty getting up or walking
• Inability to support head weight
• Trouble breathing
• Muscle paralysis
• Respiratory failure
• Nervous disorders and depression
• Heartbeat irregularities
• Cardiac arrest
• Poor growth
• Poor coat quality
• Increased drinking and urination

Loss of blood potassium most commonly occurs from one of three presentations. Either the cat has increased excretion of potassium, suffers from inadequate intake, or potassium is being redistributed within their body. These presentations can be a result of a variety of causes. Common causes of low blood potassium in cats include:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Excessive or prolonged vomiting or diarrhea
• Diabetes and related conditions, including ketoacidosis and administered insulin or glucose
• Severe lack of potassium in diet
• Administration of intravenous fluids that either lack potassium or increase urination
• Severe or prolonged anorexia or malnutrition
• Certain medications
• Metabolic diseases and disorders, including hyperthyroidism or alkalosis
• Some types of cancer, including aldosterone-secreting tumors
• Barium poisoning
• Intestinal obstruction
• Strong emotional responses like stress and anxiety 

Treatment methods may vary depending on the underlying cause of low potassium in the blood. In severe cases, hospitalization will be required while your pet is being treated. Hospitalization may be prolonged as it is important for your pet to be supported until muscle weakness is no longer a problem. This is due to the potential for respiratory or cardiac failure. Some treatment methods that are commonly used for low blood potassium include:

Potassium Supplementation

The primary goal of treatment for low blood potassium is to restore the potassium levels to a normal range. This is generally accomplished with supplementation. If your pet is well enough, oral supplements will be provided. Intravenous supplementation may be required in some cases. Your cat will require monitoring of blood potassium levels during the initial supplementation phase. The use of potassium supplements could be temporary but may require use on a long-term or permanent basis depending on the underlying cause of the condition. They are generally administered in smaller doses to lower the risk of cardiac disruption. More rapid delivery may be deemed necessary if your cat’s condition is poor. Close monitoring of levels will also mitigate the associated risk. 

Oxygen Therapy 

Oxygen may be provided using tubing, a mask, or an oxygen cage. This is an important treatment for cats that are experiencing difficulty breathing. Oxygen therapy will be provided during hospitalization or while visiting the veterinarian. It carries a very low risk of side effects. 

Intravenous (IV) Fluid Therapy

This treatment will only be prescribed if dehydration is an issue or intravenous potassium supplementation is required. Although IV fluids are considered a common and relatively low-risk treatment, the use of fluids that do not contain potassium could potentially worsen the condition. This treatment method is generally only used while the animal is hospitalized.