Feline Liver Disease: An Analysis by Emily Swiniarski, DVM, Reviewed by Catherine Barnette, DVM on May 30, 2025, Published on May 29, 2020
Rebooted Article:
Yo, let's talk 'bout liver issues in cats, 'cause this is some crucial shit. The liver is a vital organ for our feline friends, giving them energy and storing essential vitamins and minerals. But, when it gets sick, it can do some real harm. So, it's essential to catch it early and give your cat the best chance at recovery.
Here's a lowdown on liver problems in cats, covering their significance, causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Cat Liver: In the Thick of It
The liver is a big deal for cats, responsible for the breakdown of food nutrients, the storage of vital vitamins and minerals, and the processing of medications. It's even in charge of stopping bleeding when needed. The liver is nestled just beneath a cat's rib cage, with a muscle called the diaphragm separating the chest and abdomen.
Cats need their liver functioning properly because its roles in metabolism are vital for survival. If there's something wrong with the liver, the entire body can suffer.
Types of Liver Issues in Cats
There are four main categories of liver problems in cats: inflammatory, lipidosis, cancer, and infectious. Each type comes with similar symptoms, so you can't tell them apart based on how the cat feels.
Inflammatory Issues
Inflammation anywhere in the liver can cause problems, either primary or secondary. Primary inflammation happens when the liver is the source of inflammation itself, but secondary inflammation can come from other issues or inflamed nearby organs. A common primary inflammatory condition in cats is called cholangiohepatitis, which targets the gallbladder. The causes and severities of these inflammatory conditions can range.
Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease)
Lipidosis happens when individual liver cells fill up with too much fat, preventing the liver from processing food for energy. This condition can occur in cats of any weight, but it's more common in overweight cats. When diagnosed, it's usually considered moderate to severe.
Cancer
Liver cancer can occur, but it's less common. One common type is lymphoma, which can affect multiple organs, or bile duct carcinoma, which is specific to the bile duct. Chemotherapy options may be available, depending on the cat's unique condition.
Infectious Diseases
Infections like fungi (histoplasmosis), parasites (toxoplasmosis), protozoa (cytauxzoonosis), and viruses (feline infectious peritonitis) can affect the liver. Infectious liver diseases are the least common cause of liver problems in cats.
Cats can also develop cirrhosis of the liver, but it's very rare.
Cat Liver Problem Symptoms
Liver disease often causes vague symptoms in cats, such as changes in appetite and behavior.
Here's a list of potential symptoms:
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased activity level
- Drooling and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Changes in litter box habits
- Changes in behavior (e.g., hiding)
- Yellowish skin and eyes
- Orange-tinged urine
- Enlarged abdomen
- Increased thirst and/or urination
One specific symptom of liver disease in cats is icterus, also known as jaundice. This condition causes the skin to yellow due to a buildup of a normal liver byproduct. However, this process can occur due to other issues not directly related to the liver, so veterinarians can't immediately assume there's liver disease. Testing is necessary to confirm the cause.
Liver Disease Causes in Cats
Cholangitis, or cholangiohepatitis, is a common cause of liver issues in cats and makes up 25% of all cases. This inflammation can be primary or secondary, with primary inflammation originating from the liver itself. Secondary inflammation may come from nearby or related organs.
Several diseases can cause secondary inflammation in the liver, such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or inflammatory bowel disease (inflammation of the stomach and intestines).
Lipidosis is caused by any condition that decreases appetite in cats, which can be almost any disease. Diet plays a crucial role in the overall health of cats.
Diagnosing Liver Disease in Cats
Liver disease is typically diagnosed using blood tests. Your veterinarian will recommend blood tests to assess your cat's overall health if they examine the cat, listen to your description of symptoms, and suspect liver disease.
On blood tests, specific signs of inflammation in the liver can be detected, though they won't reveal the cause of liver disease. Your veterinarian may suggest additional tests to identify infectious causes.
A biopsy is often recommended to determine the cause of liver disease. Biopsy involves retrieving a small piece of the liver for examination under a microscope by a specialist called a histopathologist.
Ultrasound can be used to get a visual of the liver without surgery. It can help identify masses on the liver, affected liver parts, and nearby organs potential triggers of liver inflammation.
Cat Liver Disease Treatments
All liver diseases, especially lipidosis, are treated with supportive care. This means managing symptoms and improving overall health to give the liver time to heal.
Cats with liver disease are often dehydrated, so hospitalization and IV fluids might be necessary. In mild cases, fluids can be given under the skin instead of hospitalization.
Many cats with liver issues lose their appetite, which hinders recovery. Some cats might require a feeding tube for nutrition, either through the nose or a minor surgical procedure on the neck.
Different treatments are available for specific causes of liver disease. With cholangiohepatitis, antibiotics, antinausea medications, appetite stimulants, bile acid medications, immunosuppressive medications, pain medications, promotility medications, and hepatoprotective medications can help. Supplements like vitamin B can also benefit cats with low levels.
Cost of Treating Liver Disease in Cats
Mild cases of feline liver disease might cost between $300 and $500. More severe cases could cost anywhere from $800 to $3,000 if the cat needs hospitalization.
Preventing Liver Disease in Cats
Here are a few ways you can help keep your cat's liver healthy:
- Keep your cat at a healthy weight.
- Schedule yearly vet visits and perform blood tests when requested.
- Call your vet immediately if you notice concerning symptoms, especially decreased appetite or no appetite.
- Administer parasite prevention as directed by your vet.
- Keep your cat indoors to prevent interactions with unknown cats, exposure to toxins, and ingestion of potentially harmful substances.
- Lock up all toxic substances to keep your cat safe.
- Balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise can contribute to maintaining good mental health in both humans and cats, as a properly functioning liver is essential for the metabolism of various nutrients and the storage of essential vitamins and minerals.
- Incorporating stress-relieving activities, such as interactive toys, scratching posts, or calming music, into a cat's daily routine can aid in supporting their mental health, especially during periods of stress or illness, when the mental well-being of the cat is a crucial factor in overall recovery.
