Jaundice in cats: causes, symptoms and treatment

Have you noticed that your cat has yellowish eyes or skin?
These symptoms may indicate jaundice, a serious condition that requires immediate attention.

Jaundice in cats is caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including liver problems, metabolic disorders, and infections.
In this blog, you will learn all about the causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment options for jaundice in cats, as well as tips for prevention and nutritional recommendations to support your cat's health.

Causes of Jaundice in Cats

Jaundice in cats, also known as icterus, is a symptom that can indicate various underlying diseases. The most common causes are problems with the liver or bile ducts. For example, inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) or fatty liver (hepatic lipidosis) can interfere with the normal function of the liver and lead to jaundice. Infections that directly affect the liver can also play a role.

In addition to liver disease, there are other causes of jaundice in cats. These include genetic factors that can lead to an increased susceptibility to certain diseases, or the breakdown of red blood cells, which leads to an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Toxins ingested through polluted environments or poisonous plants, for example, can also cause jaundice. This variety of causes makes it necessary to act quickly and consult a veterinarian if signs of jaundice appear.

Recognizing Symptoms of Jaundice in Cats

If your cat is suffering from jaundice, one of the most noticeable signs is the yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes . This change is particularly visible in the eyes, where the white sclera takes on a yellowish color. But this yellowing can also be seen in other places, such as the roof of the mouth and the skin under the fur.

In addition to yellowing, there are other symptoms that may indicate jaundice:

• Loss of appetite , which often leads to weight loss
• Fatigue and reduced activity, indicating that the cat is not well

These symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause of jaundice.

Diagnosis of Jaundice in Cats

Diagnosis of jaundice in cats often begins with a visual examination , where the veterinarian looks for yellowish discoloration of the mucous membranes, skin, or eyes. These discolorations are a clear sign of jaundice. To further determine the underlying causes, the veterinarian will usually perform a blood test . This helps assess the health of the liver and identify other possible causes such as infections or blood disorders.

In addition, other specific tests may be necessary to refine the diagnosis:

• Liver values ​​in the blood provide information about the function and condition of the liver.
• An ultrasound of the liver can help identify physical abnormalities such as tumors or cysts.

These examinations are crucial in order to initiate the correct treatment and to best support your cat's health.

Treatment Options for Cats with Jaundice

If your cat has jaundice, it is important to act quickly. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Often, medications such as antibiotics are used to fight infections. If the liver or bile ducts are inflamed, glucocorticoids such as cortisone may also be prescribed. These help to reduce inflammation and support liver function.

In some cases, a change in diet may also be necessary, especially if your cat has a fatty liver. Special diet foods that are low in fats can help relieve the liver and improve its function. Here are some points to consider when choosing food:

• Avoid fatty foods
• Prefer easily digestible proteins
• Integrate liver-supporting nutrients such as milk thistle or artichoke

In more severe cases, when the liver is severely damaged, surgical intervention may be necessary. This could include surgery to open blocked bile ducts or remove damaged tissue. However, such interventions are specific and are only performed when absolutely necessary to save the affected cat's life. It is crucial that you work closely with your veterinarian to plan the best therapy for your cat.

Prevention of Jaundice in Cats

Although it is often difficult to completely prevent jaundice in cats, there are some preventative measures you can take to minimize the risk of liver disease. One of the most important measures is to control your cat's weight . Being overweight can lead to fatty liver disease, which is a common cause of jaundice. Make sure your cat is getting a balanced diet and avoid feeding them too many treats or human food.

In addition to weight control, you may also want to consider certain supplements that support liver function. Here are some examples:

• Milk thistle : Known for its liver-protecting effects
• Dandelion : Promotes the excretory function of the liver
• Artichoke : Supports liver detoxification

However, it is important that you only give these supplements after consulting your veterinarian to ensure proper dosage and use.

Prognosis for cats with jaundice

The prognosis for cats suffering from jaundice depends greatly on the underlying cause and the timing of diagnosis. If jaundice is detected and treated early, the chances of recovery are usually good. However, a delayed diagnosis can lead to permanent damage that may affect the cat's life expectancy.

The life expectancy of a cat suffering from jaundice can vary:

• If the liver inflammation is mild or the cause is easily treatable, the cat can make a full recovery.
• However, more serious diseases such as advanced liver damage can lead to a reduced quality of life or, in the worst case, death.

Nutritional recommendations for cats with jaundice

If your cat is suffering from jaundice, an adapted diet is very important to relieve the strain on its liver and to aid recovery. It is advisable to use easily digestible proteins such as cooked chicken or turkey, as these are less stressful for the liver. High-fat foods should be avoided in order not to put additional strain on the liver. Instead, the following foods could be helpful:

• Cooked chicken or turkey
• cottage cheese in small quantities
• Cooked fish such as cod or haddock

In addition to choosing the right proteins, it is also important to keep the diet balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. Supplements such as milk thistle can additionally help protect the liver and promote its ability to regenerate. However, it is essential to discuss any dietary change or supplement with a veterinarian first to ensure it is appropriate for your cat's specific health condition. Here are some tips on how to supplement your cat's diet:

• Supplement your diet with milk thistle for a liver-protecting effect.
• Make sure the diet is low in fat and contains sufficient vitamins and minerals.
• Offer small, frequent meals to facilitate digestion and stimulate appetite.

Support your cat's health with Flappie

Flappie 's smart cat flap is a fantastic way to support your cat's health. By preventing your cat from bringing sick prey such as birds or mice into the house, it helps prevent additional stress and potential health risks. This is especially important if your cat already has health problems, such as jaundice.

The advantages of the Flappie cat flap are manifold:

• Selective access control : Prevents cats from entering the house with prey.
• Prey detection : A camera with AI technology reliably identifies prey.
• Flappie App : Allows you to control the cat flap from anywhere and keeps you updated with push notifications as well as videos and statistics. These features help increase your cat's wellbeing and ensure a clean, stress-free home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do cats get jaundice?

Cats can develop jaundice for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are problems with the liver or bile ducts, such as inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) or fatty liver (hepatic lipidosis). The breakdown of red blood cells, genetic factors, infections or the ingestion of toxins can also lead to an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood and trigger jaundice.

How to treat jaundice in cats?

Treatment for jaundice in cats depends on the underlying cause. Often, medications such as antibiotics are used to fight infection. Glucocorticoids such as cortisone may be prescribed for inflammation of the liver or bile ducts. In some cases, dietary changes are also necessary, and in more severe cases, surgical intervention may be required. It is important to work closely with a veterinarian to determine the best therapy.

What to feed a cat with jaundice?

In cases of jaundice, an adapted diet is important to relieve the liver. It is recommended to use easily digestible proteins such as cooked chicken or turkey and to avoid fatty foods. Additionally, small amounts of cottage cheese or cooked fish such as cod or haddock can be helpful. Supplements such as milk thistle can protect the liver and promote its ability to regenerate. However, any change in diet should first be discussed with a veterinarian.