Liver Disease in Cats – Signs Your Cat May Be in Liver Failure

The liver is considered one of the most important organs in the body of a cat, processing nutrients, toxins, and facilitating digestion. Sadly, liver disease in cats is generally a silent killer, and you can only notice it when the harm has been done.

Without treatment, it may lead to liver failure in cats, which can be fatal to them. Being able to identify the signs a cat is dying of liver failure early ensures that the pet has the best opportunity to be cured and be comfortable.

In this guide, we will take a look at cat liver disease symptoms, liver failure stages, causes, prevention, and remedies, and also provide some practical information that you can use to treat your cat at home.

Understanding Liver Issues in Cats

The causes of liver issues in cats can be infection, toxins, metabolic disorders, and even cancer. Due to the high reserve capacity, the cat liver may not lead to any symptoms until the organ is already damaged.

Inability to execute the key functions of the liver, namely the processing of nutrients, storing of the vitamins, and removal of waste, can provoke the appearance of visible symptoms of liver problems in cats, including jaundice, anorexia, and weight loss.

Causes of Liver Failure in Cats

The causes of liver failure in cats may be as minor as diet-related issues or may extend to severe pathology. Knowing these triggers can help you set protective measures and have the possibility of identifying problems at the initial stages.

1. Hepatic Lipidosis

It is also referred to as fatty liver disease, and it is one of the most prent liver conditions among cats.

It usually happens when a cat ceases to eat within a few days, and as a result, fat is quickly released to the liver. The liver overworks and, as a result, it suffers inflammation as well as swelling and becomes inactive.

2. Cholangiohepatitis

This is a disease that causes inflammation to the bile ducts and surrounding liver tissue, normally brought about by bacterial infections or immune system disorders.

When left untreated, it may obstruct the bile flow, the development of scars in the liver, and subsequent failure of liver activity.

3. Toxins

Cats are also very sensitive to plant toxins (such as lilies), household toxins, and human medicines such as acetaminophen. Significant liver damage occurs to a certain degree even with a few minutes of exposure, producing an acute or chronic liver illness.

4. Cancer

Cancerous growths, either those caused by a liver ailment or other parts of the body, can affect the normal functioning of the liver. They can lead to the gradual swelling of the liver, tissue damage, and the failure of the organ as a whole.

5. Metabolic Disorders

Other diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or Cushing’s disease, may lead to excessive work of the liver. The added metabolic burden puts stress on liver cells, which are more susceptible to inflammation and collapse.

6. Trauma

Internal bleeding and inability to perform in a normal manner are possible owing to physical damage to the liver area due to accidents, falls, and blunt force. Severe trauma, in turn, may cause rapid progression if it is neglected.

Cat Liver Disease Symptoms 

Cat liver disease symptoms can be very mild, but may progress rapidly:

● Anorexia and excessive weight loss

● Fatigue and loss of activity

● Vomiting or diarrhea

● Yellowness in the skin, gums, or eyes (jaundice)

● More urinating and drinking water

● Directional Alienation or confusion

Whenever you notice these symptoms of liver problems in cats, particularly signs of jaundice, do not hesitate to rush to a vet.

Elevated Liver Enzymes in Cats – What It Means

Elevated liver enzymes in cats are a common finding by veterinarians when tested in routine blood work. High levels of enzymes are indicators of liver stress or inflammation, but may not necessarily signify failure of the liver.

More investigations, including ultrasound or biopsy, might be relevant to prove the cause.

Liver Failure in Cats: Stages

Liver failure in cats is sequential:

1. Early Stage – Weak appetite, a slight lack of energy, and slight weight loss.

2. Moderate Stage – Jaundice can be seen, vomiting, and weakness.

3. Advanced Stage – Significant weight loss, neurological problems, and fluid retention in the abdomen.

4. End Stage Liver Failure in Cats – Total lack of appetite, unable to stand up, seizures, lack of reaction to anything around them.

Knowing the liver failures in cats' stages assists you in being able to step in before it reaches the worst stages.

Signs a Cat Is Dying of Liver Failure

It is painful yet critical to know the end-stage signs of liver failure in cats in order to make humane decisions.

● Severe weakness, inability to stand and walk

● Severe jaundice

● Lack of appetite and interest in things around the place, totally

● Hard breathing or fast breathing

● Epileptic convulsions or major impairment of orientation

● Low body temperature

● No response to touch or voice

These are the gravest signs a cat is dying of liver failure, and urgent action by the veterinarian is needed.

Is Liver Failure in Cats Painful?

The most sought-after question that most owners have is whether liver failure in cats is painful.

Although the cats would not exhibit any indication of pain, they would be uncomfortable since they would experience nausea, fluid buildup, and strain in the vital organs.

A vet can successfully adopt pain management and palliative medicine for them to make them comfortable throughout the recovery procedure or hospice.

Prevention of Liver Issues in Cats

Although it is not possible to prevent all liver problems, some of the prevention measures are:

● Toxic plants, foods, or chemicals should be inaccessible.

● Give your cat a balanced diet to maintain an appropriate weight.

● Give fresh water on a regular basis using a pet water fountain.

● Do not make sudden adjustments to the diet; slowly change food.

● Make regular vet check-ups as a means of early detection.

Treatment for Cat Liver Failure

Cat liver failure treatment is dependent on the cause, the severity of the condition, and the general health of the cat. Some of the common treatments are:

1. IV Fluids 

Intravenous fluids are used to rehydrate the body, eliminate toxins, and regulate electrolytes. This helps aid normalisation of organ functions during the dangerous phases of the recovery process.

2. Medications 

Depending on the diagnosis, your vet may also prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection, anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate the swelling, and other supplements like SAMe and milk thistle to help in liver regeneration.

3. Nutritional Support 

As a result of liver disease, cats typically need a diet that is highly digestible and complete in the protein it supplies. Frequent small meals prevent excessive loading of the liver and enhance slow healing.

4. Appetite Stimulants 

Liver failure in cats is a common occurrence associated with loss of appetite. Agents like mirtazapine or capromorelin may promote appetite, thus inhibiting the fast loss of weight and an increase in hepatic lipidosis.

5. Surgery 

In rare cases, surgery can be used to treat liver tumors, clear the bile ducts, or treat traumatic injuries that have interrupted normal liver functioning.

6. At-Home Feeding Support 

Having an automatic pet feeder assists you in giving your cat meals at a set time and in controlled quantities, thus minimizing the frequency of skipping a meal that can keep them healthy.

Caring for a Cat with Liver Disease at Home

At-home treatment of liver disease in a cat should be aimed at ensuring comfort and regular feeding. The use of small, frequent meals will enable the liver not to be overloaded and maintain energy levels. Positive hydration also requires access to fresh water at all times, and a relaxed, unstressful setting may help the recovery process to be easier.

Smart feeders can guarantee that your cat gets fed as required, especially when you are not around. Paying attention to the appetite, weight, and daily behavior of the cat is also important to notice any changes as soon as possible. You can learn more about how to detect symptoms for any disease in general with this guide.

Conclusion – Acting Early Saves Lives

Liver disease in cats can be extremely dangerous, and in this case, it is necessary to diagnose in time. By knowing cat liver disease symptoms, and by learning signs of liver failure in cats, you can treat your cat right away.

Smart feeders, water fountains and other pet-care tools have the ability to keep your cat healthy. And if they are healthy, they can live happy lives.