---
title: "Jaundice in Cats UK"
description: "Yellow gums or skin in cats signals jaundice — a serious sign of liver disease, bile duct obstruction or blood disorders. UK emergency guide."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/jaundice-in-cats-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/jaundice-in-cats-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-25"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Jaundice in Cats UK

**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.

## 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.

## 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.

## 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.

## 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.

## 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

## FAQs

### What does jaundice look like in cats?

Yellowing of the gums, inner ears, skin and whites of the eyes. Pale or yellow urine and dark stools may appear. Cats often hide illness — check gums if your cat seems unwell.

### Is jaundice in cats an emergency?

Yes. Jaundice indicates a significant underlying problem — liver disease, bile duct obstruction, pancreatitis or blood disorders. Contact your vet the same day.

### What causes jaundice in cats?

Common causes include hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver), cholangitis, pancreatitis, toxins (including paracetamol), infections, cancer and red blood cell destruction. Your vet must identify the cause.

### Can paracetamol cause jaundice in cats?

Yes. Paracetamol is highly toxic to cats and can cause liver failure and jaundice. Never give human painkillers to cats — even a single dose can be fatal.

## Sources

- [International Cat Care — Liver disease](https://icatcare.org/advice/liver-disease-in-cats/)
- [PDSA — Cat health advice](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)
- [Blue Cross — Sick cat](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice)

Canonical HTML: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/jaundice-in-cats-uk
Last modified: 2026-06-25