Low potassium in cats with kidney disease

Hypokalemia in Cats

A cat with abnormally low concentrations of potassium in the blood is said to have hypokalemia. A vital element to an important group of blood minerals called electrolytes, potassium functions in both cellular and electricual functions, such as in the conduction of electrical charges in the heart, nerves, and muscles.

Therefore, lower levels of potassium in the bloodstream will compromise the normal functioning ability of these tissues.

Potassium is a vital element of both electrical and cellular functions.

Natural sources of potassium for cats

It belongs to an important group of blood minerals called electrolytes, which means it can carry small electrical charges. This primary positive ion is found within the cells and has a very important role in maintaining normal fluid levels within the cells and normal functions of many of the other enzymes within cells.

Being an electrolyte that can carry a charge, potassium serves an important function in the conduction of electrical charges in the heart, nerves and muscles.

Symptoms and Types

Symptoms relate to the underlying cause of hypokalemia.

Some

side effects of low potassium in cats

treating low potassium in cats