Pancreatitis in cats is a common, painful, and frequently underdiagnosed condition. Understanding its subtle signs and available treatments improves welfare outcomes for affected cats.
Feline pancreatitis is a significant welfare concern partly because it causes genuine pain and partly because it frequently goes undiagnosed. A cat with moderate pancreatitis may simply eat less, be quieter than usual, and lose weight gradually - signs that owners and even veterinarians may not immediately investigate thoroughly. This means cats can suffer from painful pancreatitis for extended periods before it is identified and treated. When severe, pancreatitis causes acute abdominal pain equivalent to a serious medical crisis. Treatment is primarily supportive - fluid therapy, pain management, anti-nausea medication, and nutritional support - but starts with diagnosis. The welfare imperative is investigating unexplained appetite loss and weight loss in cats promptly and thoroughly.