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Jaundice in cats
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Yes. Jaundice indicates a significant underlying problem — liver disease, bile duct obstruction, pancreatitis or blood disorders. Contact your vet the same day.
- 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.
The full guide
Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 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.