---
title: "Liver Disease in Cats UK"
description: "UK guide — liver disease in cats causes jaundice, vomiting, weight loss, and increased thirst. Early vet diagnosis with blood tests improves outcomes."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/liver-disease-in-cats-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/liver-disease-in-cats-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-25"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Liver Disease in Cats UK

**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](/health/jaundice-in-cats-uk) |
| **Vomiting & diarrhoea** | Often persistent |
| **Weight loss** | See [Cat weight loss](/health/cat-weight-loss) |
| **Increased thirst & urination** | See [Cat drinking too much](/health/why-is-my-cat-drinking-so-much-water-uk) |
| **Lethargy & hiding** | Cats conceal illness |
| **Reduced appetite** | Even 24–48 hours without food is serious in cats |
| **Drooling** | Nausea — see [Cat drooling excessively](/health/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?](/health/can-i-give-my-cat-paracetamol)
- Some **lilies** are highly toxic to cat kidneys and liver — see [Toxic houseplants](/health/toxic-houseplants-pets-uk)

### Infections and age-related disease

Chronic liver changes in **older cats** — may overlap with [kidney disease](/health/kidney-disease-in-cats) and [hyperthyroidism](/health/hyperthyroidism-in-cats).

## 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](/health/why-is-my-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

- [Jaundice in cats UK](/health/jaundice-in-cats-uk)
- [Cat weight loss](/health/cat-weight-loss)
- [Kidney disease in cats](/health/kidney-disease-in-cats)
- [Cat weight loss](/health/cat-weight-loss)

## FAQs

### 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.

## Sources

- [PDSA — Liver disease in cats](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)
- [Blue Cross — Liver disease in cats](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice)
- [Cats Protection — Cat health](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/health)

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Last modified: 2026-06-25