high calcium levels

I'm new here but am hoping to get some feedback regarding bloodwork my cat had done. The vet assistant called today and said he has high calcium levels in his blood and wants to re-check the calcium and also test for potassium. Everything else was fine.

I didn't have the presence of mind to ask level numbers, so I don't have any more detail. All I know is that when I turned to Google, it was nothing but bad news.

Does anyone have any insights to share with me? We go back in Monday evening.

Oftentimes these numbers don't mean much all by themselves.  That's why it takes a doctor to interpret them.  For example, I had my cholesterol tested recently.  My total cholesteral was 199 (which is right on the line for being high), but my GOOD cholesterol was really good, and my BAD cholesteral was really good, so my doctor said there was nothing to worry about.  Does that make sense? 

I'm not saying there is nothing wrong with your little one, but I'm just saying with the one item high, and not knowing anything else yet, it's just hard to say.  Did you take him in for tests because he is acting sick, or was this a routine check-up?  

Here's hoping when he gets retested, things turn out better.  At least you can hopefully have a discussion with the Vet this time to see what it might be, and what the next steps are.  Could you call them today to discuss possiblities, just to set your mind at ease?

I'm going by my knowledge of high calcium in people. Although it can mean bad things, there are also causes that aren't too bad. There is even one cause that means it runs in the family and is normal for that person. If you're thinking cancer, the cancer usually is detected before the calcium levels spike.

Hi megsi99 and welcome to the forum !

I have a couple of "backgrounders" for you - so you can get a sense of the value of knowing these blood numbers, prepare for your return on Monday, and maybe even promote some further discussion here to focus things even more for you.

First, though, it will probably be helpful for us to know some of the back story...was this testing simply part of a regular health checkup, or, was your cat presenting some strange/odd behaviours....why were the tests done? How old is your cat?

OK - the reading below is from a reputable, reliable health info site. It's written in plain language and provides links to solid science supporting info. The site's focus is feline kidney disease BUT information is presented in a wider health frame....so, don't take from this that I'm suggesting any potential diagnosis. I just think these pieces provide a good overall understanding of each blood value. Here you go:

1. Calcium: http://www.felinecrf.org/diagnosis_calcium_phosphorus_pth.htm#calcium
2. Potassium: http://www.felinecrf.org/potassium.htm

(btw...."my cat" just doesn't cut it here...she can't remain Ms Anonomous !)

How old is your cat?  Why was the bloodwork ran?  High calcium can be caused by several different things.  Joint changes, kidney problems, parathyroid problems, cancer.  Definitely have it checked again