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Digestivas

Hepatic lipidosis (feline fatty liver)

A build-up of fat in the liver that blocks its function. It is the most common liver disease in cats and develops when a cat stops eating for several days.

Severe🐈 Cats

This may be a veterinary emergency

URGENT: if your cat has not eaten for 2 days or more, see your vet. Anorexia in cats is NOT trivial — it can trigger this serious disease.

Symptoms to watch for

  • • The cat stops eating (this is both the cause and the first sign)
  • • Rapid weight loss
  • • Jaundice (yellowish colour of the skin, gums and eyes)
  • • Severe lethargy
  • • Vomiting
  • • Drooling

Causes

When a cat stops eating, its body mobilises fat to the liver, which becomes overloaded. Any cause of anorexia (stress, another illness, a change of diet) can trigger it. Overweight cats are at greater risk.

Diagnosis

Blood work (raised liver enzymes and bilirubin) and ultrasound. A history of "hasn't eaten for days" is key.

Treatment

A NUTRITIONAL EMERGENCY: the cat must be got eating again as soon as possible, often via a feeding tube. Supportive treatment and treatment of the underlying cause. With intensive, early treatment the prognosis improves greatly.

Prevention

NEVER let a cat go more than 1-2 days without eating. Watch the appetite after any change or stressful event. Manage weight (avoid obesity).

When should you see the vet?

URGENT: if your cat has not eaten for 2 days or more, see your vet. Anorexia in cats is NOT trivial — it can trigger this serious disease.

Consult a vet24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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