# Liver Disease in Cats: Symptoms, Causes and Jaundice Liver disease in cats symptoms are often quiet and easy to miss. A cat may simply stop eating, hide more, or vomit once or twice a week. Because the liver has a large reserve, signs may not appear until a lot of function is already lost, so early clues matter. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - The earliest and most common sign is a cat that stops eating or eats much less than usual. - Yellow color in the gums, inner eyelids, or ear flaps (jaundice) is never normal and needs same-day veterinary care. - Vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, and increased thirst are common but vague signs that overlap with many other diseases. - Sudden liver failure can cause confusion, wobbling, or bleeding, and it is an emergency [1]. - Cats with hepatic lipidosis often have a history of anorexia and negative energy balance before the liver problem appears [2]. ## What Liver Disease Looks Like in Cats ### Early signs owners notice first Cats are good at hiding illness. The first change is often appetite. Your cat may walk to the bowl, sniff, and walk away. Some cats eat a little and then quit. Others stop grooming or start sleeping in closets. Vomiting is common but easy to dismiss. It may happen once a day or a few times a week. If your cat vomits bile, that can point to several problems, including liver and stomach issues. You can read more about that pattern here: [Cat Vomiting Bile: Causes and When to Call the Vet](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/cat-vomiting-bile-causes-when-call-vet). Weight loss can be slow. You may notice a bony spine or sunken flanks before the scale shows a big change. Lethargy and hiding are also frequent. ### Jaundice in cats symptoms Jaundice (also called icterus) means a yellow tint to the skin and mucous membranes. In cats, the easiest places to see it are the gums, the inside of the eyelids, the ear flaps, and the skin of the belly. Jaundice happens when bilirubin builds up in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment made when old red blood cells break down, and the liver normally processes it. When the liver is damaged or the bile ducts are blocked, bilirubin backs up into the tissues. In one study of cats with hepatobiliary disease, total bilirubin was significantly higher than in healthy cats [3]. In a case of a cat with a blocked cystic duct, the cat had progressive weight loss, anorexia, and jaundice, and the liver was mildly enlarged with an orange discoloration [4]. Jaundice is a red flag. Call your veterinarian the same day you see it. ### Enlarged liver in cats symptoms An enlarged liver is usually found by your veterinarian during an exam or on an ultrasound. You will rarely feel it at home. When the liver is enlarged, cats may show the same vague signs: poor appetite, vomiting, weight loss, and a dull coat. In the blocked-duct case, the liver was mildly enlarged and the gallbladder was enlarged with thickened bile [4]. An enlarged liver is a finding, not a diagnosis. It can happen with fat accumulation, inflammation, infection, or cancer. ### Liver shunt in cats symptoms A liver shunt (portosystemic shunt) is a blood vessel that lets blood bypass the liver. Toxins that should be filtered instead go into the general circulation. In a study of 93 cats with hepatobiliary disease, 39 had congenital portosystemic shunting confirmed by abdominal ultrasound [3]. Cats with a shunt often show signs early in life. Common clues include poor growth, a pot-bellied look, drooling, head pressing, staring into space, and seeming confused after meals. Some cats have seizures. These signs come from hepatic encephalopathy, which is a buildup of toxins that affect the brain. ### Hepatic lipidosis in cats symptoms Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) is a life-threatening disease where large amounts of triglyceride build up in the liver [2]. It is often triggered by anorexia and negative energy balance [2]. The typical story is a cat that stopped eating for any reason (stress, a new pet, dental pain, another illness) and then got worse. Signs include jaundice, vomiting, weight loss, weakness, drooling, and lethargy. In one case report, a cat with hepatic lipidosis had a one-week history of anorexia, intermittent vomiting, and jaundice, with markedly elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin [5]. Hepatic lipidosis can happen alongside other liver diseases and can confuse the initial assessment [6]. It can also occur with pancreatitis, so vomiting and belly pain may have more than one cause. For more on that overlap, see [Pancreatitis In Cats Symptoms](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/pancreatitis-in-cats-symptoms). ## Main Causes of Liver Disease in Cats | Cause | Typical clues | How urgent | |---|---|---| | Hepatic lipidosis | Overweight cat, recent anorexia, jaundice, vomiting | Emergency. Needs feeding support and hospitalization | | Cholangitis / cholangiohepatitis | Waxing and waning appetite, vomiting, jaundice, sometimes fever | Urgent. Most common acquired inflammatory liver disease in cats [6] | | Bile duct obstruction | Jaundice, weight loss, pale stools, enlarged gallbladder | Emergency. Blocked bile can damage the liver fast [4] | | Liver shunt (portosystemic) | Young cat, small body, drooling, confusion, seizures | Urgent. Needs imaging and often surgery [3] | | Toxin or drug injury | Known exposure to a poison or medication | Emergency. Tell your vet about all exposures [1] | | Cancer (primary liver tumor) | Weight loss, enlarged liver, poor appetite | Urgent. Needs biopsy for diagnosis [3] | | Infection (including cytauxzoonosis) | Fever, anemia, low white cells, low platelets, jaundice | Emergency. Can look like lipidosis or cholangitis [7] | Cholangitis and cholangiohepatitis are the most common acquired inflammatory liver disease in domestic cats [6]. The disease is slowly progressive, and some cats can survive several years beyond diagnosis without treatment, but cats with disease in multiple organ systems have much shorter survival times if untreated [6]. Cytauxzoonosis is a tick-borne disease that is spreading in the United States. Its signs (lethargy, anorexia, icterus) look like hepatic lipidosis and cholangiohepatitis, so your veterinarian may test for it when the blood work shows anemia, low white cells, or low platelets [7]. ## Red Flags That Make It an Emergency Call an emergency clinic right away if you see any of these: - Yellow gums, eyelids, or ear flaps - Collapse, weakness, or inability to stand - Confusion, head pressing, circling, staring, or seizures - Bleeding from the nose, gums, or in the stool - Vomiting that will not stop, or vomiting blood - Not eating for more than 24 hours, especially in an overweight cat - Breathing that looks labored or fast Acute liver failure causes sudden loss of liver function and is often linked to hepatic encephalopathy and clotting problems [1]. It can happen after a sudden injury to a healthy liver or after a second hit to an already diseased liver [1]. Immediate veterinary treatment is needed to support the liver while it tries to regenerate [1]. ## Safe Things You Can Do at Home While Waiting Do not give your cat any human medication, supplement, or herbal product unless your veterinarian tells you to. Many common drugs are toxic to cats, and the liver has to process them. Do not force-feed your cat. If your cat is vomiting or has a blockage, force-feeding can make things worse. If your cat is not eating, that is a medical problem, not a behavior problem. Do keep fresh water available. Cats with liver disease can get dehydrated quickly. Do collect information. Write down when your cat last ate, how much, what the vomit looked like, and whether you have seen any yellow color. Bring a list of all medications, supplements, and possible exposures (plants, human food, medications, chemicals). Do keep your cat warm and quiet. Stress makes many cats worse. Do call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic for advice. If your cat has jaundice or neurologic signs, go in instead of waiting for a call back. ## What Your Veterinarian Will Check and Test Your veterinarian will start with a full physical exam. They will check your cat's gums for jaundice, feel the belly for an enlarged liver or fluid, check hydration, and look for neurologic signs. Blood work is the next step. A complete blood count and chemistry panel look at liver enzymes (ALT, ALP, GGT), bilirubin, albumin, and blood sugar. In a study of 93 cats with hepatobiliary disease, cats with liver disease had significantly higher enzyme activities and total bilirubin and lower albumin than controls [3]. These tests help your veterinarian narrow down the cause, but they do not give a final diagnosis on their own. Your veterinarian may also run tests for pancreatitis, tick-borne disease, and viral infections. Cytauxzoonosis testing can help tell it apart from hepatic lipidosis and cholangiohepatitis [7]. Imaging comes next. Abdominal ultrasound can show an enlarged liver, a blocked bile duct, a gallbladder problem, or a shunt. In the study above, portosystemic shunts were confirmed by abdominal ultrasound [3]. A liver biopsy may be needed for a firm diagnosis. Liver lobe involvement can vary, and a single small needle biopsy may miss the main problem [6]. Your veterinarian will discuss the risks and benefits. Treatment depends on the cause. For acute liver failure, treatment may include intravenous fluids, vitamin supplementation, diet changes, antibiotics, and liver medications, plus steps to prevent or treat hepatic encephalopathy [1]. For long-term or end-stage disease, supportive care aims to slow progression, limit complications, and give the liver time to regenerate and compensate [1]. In one case of recurrent hepatic lipidosis, standard therapy with hepatoprotective agents and nutritional support led to limited improvement, and the cat was later managed with an added supplement alongside ursodeoxycholic acid [5]. That is a single case, so ask your veterinarian what is appropriate for your cat. Nutrition is a major part of treatment. Many cats with liver disease need a feeding tube to get enough calories. In one case, a cat with pancreatitis and secondary hepatic lipidosis had an esophageal feeding tube placed for support [8]. Feeding tubes are common and can be life-saving. ## Prevention and Monitoring Some liver diseases cannot be prevented, but you can lower risk and catch problems earlier. Keep your cat at a healthy weight. Obesity raises the risk and severity of hepatic lipidosis [2]. Never let an overweight cat go without food for more than a day. If your cat stops eating, call your veterinarian. Anorexia and negative energy balance are the main triggers for hepatic lipidosis [2]. Feed a balanced diet made for cats. Cats have specific nutrient needs, and homemade diets can be deficient unless formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. Keep all medications, supplements, and household chemicals out of reach. Tell your veterinarian about any possible exposure [1]. Schedule routine exams at least once a year, and twice a year for senior cats. Ask your veterinarian to check liver values on routine blood work. If your cat has kidney disease, liver values still matter, and you can read about the overlap here: [Symptoms Of Kidney Disease In Old Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/symptoms-of-kidney-disease-in-old-cats). Watch for subtle changes at home. Track your cat's appetite, weight, water intake, and litter box habits. A weekly weight on a baby scale can catch weight loss before it becomes severe. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article cannot tell you what is wrong with your cat. Liver disease signs overlap with many other diseases, and only your veterinarian can examine your cat, run tests, and make a diagnosis. Individual cases need a veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian the same day if your cat has a poor appetite for more than 24 hours, is vomiting repeatedly, has lost weight, or seems more tired than usual. Go to an emergency clinic now if your cat has yellow gums or eyes, is confused or wobbly, has a seizure, is bleeding, is struggling to breathe, or cannot stand. If your cat is stable but you have noticed changes over weeks, book a routine visit. Bring a written timeline of signs, a list of medications, and any photos or videos of unusual behavior. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the first sign of liver disease in cats? The first sign is usually a change in appetite. Your cat may stop eating, eat less, or show less interest in food than normal. Vomiting, weight loss, and hiding often follow. ### Can a cat recover from liver disease? Yes, some cats recover, especially with early treatment. The liver can regenerate and compensate if the underlying cause is found and treated [1]. Recovery depends on the cause, how quickly treatment starts, and whether other organs are involved. ### Is jaundice in cats always fatal? No, jaundice is a sign, not a death sentence. It means bilirubin is building up, which can happen with many treatable conditions. However, jaundice always needs same-day veterinary care because the cause can be serious. ### How long can a cat live with liver disease? It varies widely. Cholangitis is slowly progressive, and some cats survive several years beyond diagnosis without treatment, but cats with disease in multiple organ systems have much shorter survival times if untreated [6]. Your veterinarian can give you a better idea after testing. ### Can I feed my cat a homemade diet for liver disease? Only with guidance from your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist. Cats with liver disease often need a specific protein and calorie balance, and the wrong diet can make things worse. In many cases, a feeding tube and a prescription diet are needed to get enough nutrition in. ### What should I do if my cat has not eaten for two days? Call your veterinarian right away. Anorexia and negative energy balance are the main triggers for hepatic lipidosis, which is life-threatening [2]. Do not wait to see if your cat starts eating on its own. ## Related Articles - [Symptoms Of Kidney Disease In My Cat](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/symptoms-of-kidney-disease-in-my-cat) - [Pancreatitis In Cats Symptoms](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/pancreatitis-in-cats-symptoms) - [Symptoms Of Kidney Disease In Old Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/symptoms-of-kidney-disease-in-old-cats) - [Heartworm Disease in Cats: Feline Diagnosis and Supportive Care](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasite-control/heartworm-disease-in-cats-feline-diagnosis-and-supportive-care) - [Cat Vomiting Bile: Causes and When to Call the Vet](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/cat-vomiting-bile-causes-when-call-vet) - [Symptoms Of Bladder Infection In Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/symptoms-of-bladder-infection-in-cats) ## References 1. [Disorders of the Liver and Gallbladder in Cats - Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/digestive-disorders-of-cats/disorders-of-the-liver-and-gallbladder-in-cats). Merck Veterinary Manual. 2. [Evaluation of Serum Homocysteine and High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponins in Cats with Hepatic Lipidosis: An Observational Clinical Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42188883/). Veterinary sciences, 2026. 3. [Retrospective study of biochemical profile changes in 93 cats with different hepatobiliary diseases](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40470580/). Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 2025. 4. [Sclerosing eosinophilic extrahepatic cholangitis in a cat](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40273585/). Journal of comparative pathology, 2025. 5. [Successful management of recurrent feline hepatic lipidosis with equine placenta extract supplementation: A case report](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42375981/). Open veterinary journal, 2026. 6. [Feline Cholangitis / Cholangiohepatitis Syndrome - Digestive System](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/hepatic-diseases-of-small-animals/feline-cholangitis-cholangiohepatitis-syndrome). Merck Veterinary Manual. 7. [Serum biochemical changes in cats with naturally acquired feline cytauxzoonosis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36656676/). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2023. 8. [Feline Emphysematous Gastritis in a Cat with Pancreatitis and Secondary Hepatic Lipidosis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35793486/). Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 2022. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners) - [Cornell Feline Health Center: Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)