Companion Animals

Companion Cat Liver Disease and Welfare

Management of feline liver disease including cholangiohepatitis and hepatic lipidosis.

Key Facts

Feline hepatic lipidosis can develop rapidly in obese cats that stop eating
Cholangiohepatitis is inflammation of the liver and bile ducts requiring antibiotic treatment
Nutritional support through feeding tubes is life-saving in hepatic lipidosis
Liver disease often occurs alongside pancreatitis and IBD as triaditis
Ursodeoxycholic acid supports bile flow in cats with cholangiohepatitis

Welfare Considerations

Feline liver disease causes significant systemic illness and requires aggressive nutritional support, with early intervention dramatically improving welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Never allow an obese cat to go without food for more than 24 hours
Seek prompt veterinary care for cats with jaundice or significant weight loss
Ask your vet about feeding tube placement for cats unable to eat voluntarily