Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My cat has high calcium. What tests are needed to find the cause?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 17 years and 3 months old | 7.9 lbs

My 17 year old cat has just been diagnosed with an elevated calcium level. What kind of testing would be needed to find the cause?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 12th, 2019

According to the PetHealth network, testing involves: Complete blood count to look at the white and red blood cells and platelets Chemistry panel to look at the kidney and liver function Electrolytes to look at the calcium, phosphorous, and salt balance (e.g., sodium, potassium, etc.) Urinalysis to look for the presence of an underlying infection, crystals, or appropriate urine concentration Urine culture to rule out an underlying urinary tract infection Feline leukemia (FELV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) X-rays to rule out underlying cancer, bladder stones, or evidence of mineralization of tissue (secondary to hypercalcemia) Ultrasound to rule out underlying cancer, bladder stones, or inappropriate mineralization Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-rP concentration (parathyroid hormone related protein) levels. With hyperparathyroidism, the PTH levels are typically normal to high. With hypercalcemia of malignancy, PTH-rP concentrations are typically elevated. With idiopathic hypercalcemia in cats, PTH levels and PTH-rP levels are typically low. This can be expensive, but necessary to get to the cause. I would speak to Sammy's vet to discuss what tests should be done first. Best of luck.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?
Dambo's weight loss, rough breathing, and mucus worry you? A Petco veterinarian addresses these concerning symptoms and recommends urgent professional care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?
Nike's worsening sores and constant scratching worry his owner. A certified Petco veterinarian offers expert guidance on potential causes like bacterial infections and next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Do pet snails need calcium sand in their tank? What about hermit crab sand?
Got a new pet snail? Wondering about calcium-rich sand for their tank? A Licensed Vet Tech offers expert advice on snail substrate and care. Get answers for your cold water snail!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why do quills seem to migrate deeper into my pet's body over time?
Why do quills migrate deeper into your pet? Licensed Vet Tech Angel Alvarado explains the body's response to foreign objects. Get expert insights from Petco.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My bird has PFBD. Is chest trembling a normal sign or a symptom?
Cloudy has PFBD and chest trembling. Is this normal? A certified Vet Tech explains potential secondary issues like infections and advises vet consultation for testing.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored