Cat Health
Liver Disease in Cats UK — Jaundice, Weight Loss & When to See a Vet
Published Last updated 3 min read
Quick answer
Liver disease in UK cats often shows as jaundice, vomiting, and weight loss. Overweight cats that stop eating are at serious risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) — a potentially fatal emergency. Early blood tests and treatment improve outcomes.
What does the liver do?
The liver processes nutrients, filters toxins, produces proteins for blood clotting, and supports digestion through bile. When the liver fails, multiple body systems are affected.
Symptoms of liver disease
According to the PDSA and Blue Cross, signs include:
| Symptom | Notes |
|---|---|
| Jaundice | Yellow gums, inner ears, or skin — see Jaundice in cats UK |
| Vomiting & diarrhoea | Often persistent |
| Weight loss | See Cat weight loss |
| Increased thirst & urination | See Cat drinking too much |
| Lethargy & hiding | Cats conceal illness |
| Reduced appetite | Even 24–48 hours without food is serious in cats |
| Drooling | Nausea — see Cat drooling excessively |
| Bruising or bleeding | Clotting problems in advanced disease |
Common causes in UK cats
Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver)
The most important UK emergency:
- An overweight cat stops eating — stress, illness, or diet change
- The liver becomes overwhelmed with fat
- Rapid deterioration without aggressive nutritional support
Any cat not eating for 24–48 hours needs a vet — especially if previously overweight.
Cholangitis / cholangiohepatitis
Inflammation of the bile ducts and liver — may respond to antibiotics and supportive care depending on type.
Toxins
- Paracetamol — never give to cats — see Can I give my cat paracetamol?
- Some lilies are highly toxic to cat kidneys and liver — see Toxic houseplants
Infections and age-related disease
Chronic liver changes in older cats — may overlap with kidney disease and hyperthyroidism.
Diagnosis
Your vet may use:
- Blood tests — liver enzymes (ALT, ALP), bilirubin, bile acids
- Ultrasound — liver structure and bile ducts
- Biopsy — in some cases for definitive diagnosis
- Blood pressure and thyroid tests — rule out related conditions
Treatment
Depends on cause:
- Hospitalisation and feeding tube — critical for hepatic lipidosis
- Prescription liver diets — under vet guidance
- Antibiotics — for certain cholangitis types
- Anti-nausea medication and fluids
- Treating underlying illness — dental disease, pancreatitis, or stress
Never force-feed without veterinary guidance — incorrect nutrition worsens fatty liver.
When to see your vet urgently
Emergency care for:
- Yellow gums or skin
- Not eating for 24+ hours
- Repeated vomiting with lethargy
- Collapse
Prevention tips
- Prevent obesity — overweight cats have higher fatty liver risk
- Minimise stress during house moves or new pets — see Cat hiding
- Never give human medicines without vet prescription
- Keep lilies out of the home
- Annual health checks — blood tests in senior cats
Related guides
Sources & further reading
Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).
Related guides
- Jaundice in Cats UK — Yellow Gums, Liver Disease & When to Call a Vet
- Unexplained Weight Loss in Cats: UK Causes & When to Worry
- Why Is My Cat Drinking So Much Water UK? Polydipsia Causes
- Why Is My Cat Drooling Excessively? UK Causes & When to Worry
- Can I Give My Cat Paracetamol? UK Warning — Never Give Human Painkillers
- Toxic Houseplants for Pets UK — Common Indoor & Garden Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are signs of liver disease in cats?
- Jaundice (yellow gums and skin), vomiting, weight loss, increased thirst and urination, lethargy, and reduced appetite. Cats may hide illness — subtle behaviour change is often the first clue.
- What causes liver disease in cats?
- Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) often follows anorexia; cholangitis; toxins; infections; and age-related changes. Overweight cats that stop eating are at high risk of fatty liver.
- Is liver disease in cats treatable?
- Many forms respond to early treatment — including nutritional support, antibiotics for some cholangitis types, and hospitalisation for hepatic lipidosis. Outcomes depend on cause and how quickly treatment starts.
- When is liver disease an emergency?
- Yellow gums, severe vomiting, collapse, or a cat not eating for 24–48 hours — especially if overweight — needs urgent veterinary care.