Some Things Cats Just Won’t Tell You!
Cats don’t explain when they’re not feeling right. They won’t limp when their stomach hurts. They won’t whine if something’s brewing inside. They just lie down a little longer, sleep a little deeper, and sometimes, they disappear under the couch more than usual.
If you’ve ever owned a cat, you know what this means. They hide everything—including liver disease. And unfortunately, that’s one condition that doesn’t wait around.
You might’ve heard of liver infection in cats before, or even hepatitis in cats, but the truth is, not many cat owners really understand what to watch for. It doesn’t announce itself loudly. No warning bell rings. But your cat’s body gives out hints. Small ones. Quiet ones. And if you know what to look for, you just might catch it in time.
The Liver: Quiet Worker, Big Responsibility
The liver performs an astonishing amount of work behind the scenes. It filters toxins, processes nutrients, stores energy, breaks down fats, and helps the body in more ways than most people realize.
When it starts to fail, the rest of the body can’t keep up. A sick liver affects digestion, appetite, the immune system, energy, and brain function. In short, it touches everything, which is why cats with liver disease often seem “off” in many ways, not just one.
Here are the Most Common Signs to Spot a Liver Disease
- Not Eating? Don’t Wait Too Long
One of the first signs that something might be wrong with a cat’s liver is a drop in appetite. Now, cats skip meals sometimes. But if your cat skips two or three in a row, that’s no longer “just being a cat.”
In fact, not eating for even 48 hours can lead to fatty liver disease. It is a serious condition where fat builds up in the liver because the body starts using it for energy. This happens more often in overweight cats, but it can affect any cat that stops eating for too long.
What starts as a food fuss can end up as a medical emergency. And fast.
- Yellow Eyes, Gums, or Skin? That’s a Big Signal
If you ever notice a yellowish tinge in the whites of your cat’s eyes, or on their gums or ears, that’s jaundice. And jaundice usually means one thing: the liver isn’t doing its job.
With liver infection in cats, one of the byproducts the liver normally clears—called bilirubin—starts to pile up in the bloodstream. That’s what causes the yellowing. If you see this, don’t wait. It’s a clear sign your cat’s body is overwhelmed.
- Behavior Changes You Shouldn’t Brush Off
Another clue that often gets dismissed? Personality shifts.
Cats with liver trouble may become less social, less playful, more irritable, or downright confused. Sometimes they wander around like they’re lost. Sometimes they stare off like they’re in a fog. That fog can be caused by toxins affecting the brain, because the liver’s no longer filtering them out.
People think it’s old age, or stress, or boredom. But if your cat starts acting like a stranger in their own home, something deeper could be going on.
- Other Symptoms That Might Sneak Up
Liver disease doesn’t always show up in dramatic ways. Often, it’s a cluster of subtle signs:
- Throwing up every few days, or more
- Drinking more water than usual
- Peeing more frequently
- Drooling, especially if they never used to
- Bad breath that smells oddly sweet
- A swollen-looking belly
- Wobbly walking or poor coordination
None of these alone screams “liver!” But together, they tell a story that needs attention.
So, What’s Actually Causing the Problem?
That’s the frustrating part. Liver disease in cats can stem from all sorts of things. And sometimes, it’s more than one.
Some of the common causes include:
- Infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites
- Long-term use of certain medications
- Eating something toxic (plants, cleaning products, spoiled food)
- Immune system disorders
- Cancer or tumors
- Other diseases like diabetes or pancreatitis
Hepatitis in cats often develops when the liver becomes inflamed, either from infection or the body attacking itself. Sometimes it’s idiopathic, which just means nobody knows why it happened. Not fun. Not fair. But common.
Now, See What Your Vet Will Probably Do
If your cat’s showing symptoms and the vet suspects liver trouble, they’ll usually start with a blood test. Liver enzymes will tell a lot. Sometimes they’ll also check bile acids, which show how well the liver is functioning.
Next might come imaging—like an ultrasound—to check the liver’s size, shape, and texture. In more complex cases, a biopsy may be done, though that’s less common. They may also check for infections or toxins, depending on your cat’s history. All of this helps them figure out whether it’s a short-term illness or a longer-term condition.
A Practical Treatment Relies on What is Going On
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. If the issue is a liver infection, antibiotics or antifungal meds might do the trick. If it’s hepatitis, anti-inflammatory drugs or immune support could help.
In many cases, cats need to be rehydrated, re-fed, and stabilized. Some need feeding tubes if they refuse food for too long. Others need vitamins, liver support meds, or special diets. Recovery takes time—and a lot of patience. But the earlier you start, the better your cat’s chances.
Good Diets Can Make a Bigger Difference Than You Think
Once your cat is stable, diet plays a key role in long-term liver health. Some cats need prescription food that’s lower in copper and higher in certain vitamins. Others just need small, frequent meals that are easy to digest.
B vitamins, antioxidants, and quality protein all help the liver repair and rebuild. But don’t start changing your cat’s food without guidance. Every case is different.
Is it Possible for you to Prevent Liver Problems in the First Place?
Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no.
But here’s what helps:
- Keep toxins out of reach (household cleaners, human meds, lilies, etc.)
- Don’t give over-the-counter meds unless your vet says it’s safe
- Watch your cat’s weight
- Make sure they eat every day
- Schedule regular checkups, especially as they age
- Know their baseline behavior—and trust your gut when something changes
Being proactive is always better than being reactive, especially when it comes to the liver.
How can Atlas Pet Hospital Help?
At Atlas Pet Hospital, we’ve seen too many cats come through our doors already in crisis. The hardest cases are always the ones where the signs were missed until it was almost too late.
That’s why we believe in catching problems early. Our approach is gentle, thorough, and always focused on what’s best for your cat—not just medically, but emotionally too. We understand that vet visits can be scary. So, we try to make it as calm and welcoming as possible—for both you and your pet.
If you ever feel like something isn’t quite right with your cat, don’t hesitate. Bring them in. Let’s catch it early. Let’s work together to keep your cat healthy, happy, and with you for years to come.
In The End
Cats won’t ask for help. That’s not who they are. But they will show you. In the way they move. In how they act. In the little things that don’t feel quite right. And that’s your moment. That’s your chance to notice.
Cats with liver disease don’t have the luxury of time. Liver infection in cats can spiral fast. Hepatitis in cats may not look serious until it is. But you, as their person, can make the difference. Don’t wait for the yellow eyes. Don’t wait for collapse. Trust what you see. Trust what you feel. And trust that early action could save their life.
Recent Comments