# Jaundice in Cats UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/jaundice-in-cats-uk): Jaundice in Cats UK — Quick answer. Jaundice (icterus) means yellow gums, skin or eyes — a sign that bilirubin is building up in the body. In UK cats it usually points to liver disease, bile duct problems or blood cell destruction. It is not normal and needs same-day veterinary assessment.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/jaundice-in-cats-uk): Jaundice in Cats UK — What jaundice looks like. Check your cat's gums in good light. Healthy gums are pink; jaundiced gums appear yellow or mustard-coloured. You may also notice: - Yellow inner ears or skin (especially on pale cats) - Dark brown urine - Pale or grey stools - Lethargy, poor appetite, vomiting or weight loss Cats often mask illness. Jaundice may be the first obvious sign that something serious is happening internally.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/jaundice-in-cats-uk): Jaundice in Cats UK — Common causes in UK cats. | Cause | Notes | |-------|-------| | Hepatic lipidosis | Fatty liver — often triggered by not eating for several days | | Cholangitis | Inflammation of bile ducts and liver | | Pancreatitis | Inflammation of the pancreas affecting bile flow | | Toxins | Paracetamol, lilies, some pesticides | | Infections | FIP, toxoplasmosis, bacterial hepatitis | | Cancer | Liver or pancreatic tumours | | Blood disorders | Destruction of red blood cells (haemolysis) | Your vet will run blood tests, urinalysis and possibly ultrasound to find the cause. Treatment depends entirely on the diagnosis.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/jaundice-in-cats-uk): Jaundice in Cats UK — Emergency signs. Contact your vet today if you see yellow gums. Go to an emergency clinic if your cat is vomiting repeatedly, collapsing, or refusing all food and water. Hepatic lipidosis can develop rapidly when a cat stops eating — especially overweight cats.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/jaundice-in-cats-uk): Jaundice in Cats UK — What happens at the vet. Expect blood tests (liver enzymes, bilirubin, red cell counts), urinalysis and abdominal ultrasound. Some cats need hospitalisation with intravenous fluids, appetite stimulants and targeted medication. Biopsy may be recommended for persistent cases. Never give human medicines — paracetamol is lethal to cats and worsens liver damage.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/jaundice-in-cats-uk): Jaundice in Cats UK — Prevention tips. - Never give human medications to cats - Keep lilies out of the home entirely - Ensure overweight cats do not skip meals — rapid weight loss risks fatty liver - Annual vet checks for senior cats

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/jaundice-in-cats-uk