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.

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Liver disease in cats

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.

Key takeaways

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.
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.
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.

The full guide

Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.

Read: Liver Disease in Cats UK Check symptoms

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.