Are Calcium Supplements toxic to cats?

Low severity

Calcium Supplements are mildly toxic to cats. Severe cases are rare, but they can cause discomfort and are best kept out of reach.

Symptoms to watch for

vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
nausea
lethargy
lack of appetite
excessive thirst
excessive urination
weakness
tissue mineralization
acute kidney failure

How vets treat it

Contact a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately to determine if the ingested dose is concerning based on the pet's weight and the specific product formulation.

Why it's dangerous

Ingestion of large amounts can cause transient elevations in blood calcium levels, though healthy kidneys usually maintain homeostasis; however, the addition of Vitamin D3 significantly increases absorption and risk of organ damage.

Toxic compound: Calcium

Good to know

Vitamin D3 content in many calcium supplements significantly increases the risk of toxicity and kidney failure. Cats are less likely to ingest toxic amounts due to their discriminating palate.

Sources

Pet Poison Helpline

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

The StrawPaw Team · How we prepare our guides

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