What It Is:
Hepatic lipidosis, also called fatty liver disease, is one of the most common and life threatening liver conditions in cats. It occurs when a cat stops eating or eats too little for several days, causing the body to break down fat stores too quickly. That fat overwhelms the liver, leading to liver failure if not treated.
It is especially dangerous in overweight cats, but it can happen to any cat who stops eating for more than a couple of days.
🐾 Common Symptoms
Symptoms may start gradually or appear suddenly. Watch for:
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid weight loss
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Jaundice (yellowing of ears, eyes, or gums)
- Weakness
- Constipation or dark stool
- Dehydration
- Collapse in severe cases
Owners often notice that their cat is hiding more, grooming less, or just “not acting right” before more obvious symptoms appear.
🦠 Causes and Risk Factors
The main trigger is prolonged anorexia, a period of not eating that causes the body to mobilize fat stores.
Risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Sudden stress (new home, pet, or environment)
- Illness or pain that reduces appetite
- Diet change without transition
- Chronic diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, or pancreatitis
- Recent surgery or trauma
- Multi cat household stress
The cat’s liver becomes overwhelmed by stored fat, which cannot be processed quickly enough, leading to dysfunction.
🔍 Diagnosis
Hepatic lipidosis is often suspected in overweight cats who stop eating and begin to show signs of liver failure.
Common diagnostics include:
- Bloodwork to assess liver enzymes, bilirubin, and electrolyte levels
- Ultrasound to evaluate liver size and texture
- Fine needle aspirate or liver biopsy to confirm fat accumulation in liver cells
- Vitamin B12 and folate testing in chronic cases
- Additional tests to rule out underlying illness (pancreatitis, IBD, etc.)
Early diagnosis is critical because the condition progresses quickly.
💊 Treatment
Treatment for hepatic lipidosis focuses on aggressive nutritional support and managing complications. Without prompt intervention, the disease is often fatal.
Treatment typically includes:
- Feeding tube placement to deliver food directly to the stomach or esophagus
- High protein, high calorie diet
- IV or subcutaneous fluids to correct dehydration
- Electrolyte correction
- Anti nausea medications (e.g. Cerenia, ondansetron)
- Appetite stimulants (if eating resumes on its own)
- Vitamin supplementation, especially B12 and potassium
- Monitoring and hospitalization in severe cases
Cats often require tube feeding for 2 to 6 weeks before they regain enough strength to eat on their own.
🩺 Prognosis
With early and aggressive treatment, 60 to 80 percent of cats recover. However, delays in diagnosis or refusal to place a feeding tube greatly reduce the chances of survival.
Prognosis improves if:
- The cat is diagnosed early
- A feeding tube is used without delay
- Underlying illnesses are also treated
Once a cat recovers, relapse is rare if they maintain a healthy weight and appetite.
💡 Cat Owner Note
Fatty liver disease can look like “picky eating” at first, but it turns deadly fast. If your cat skips more than a day or two of meals, do not wait. The best decision you can make is to get them to the vet right away. A feeding tube may sound scary, but it is the most effective and compassionate tool to save their life.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hepatic Lipidosis
How long can a cat go without eating before liver failure starts?
Some cats can develop hepatic lipidosis after just three to five days without food, especially if they are overweight.
Can a cat recover from fatty liver disease?
Yes. With proper treatment, many cats recover fully, but early intervention is critical.
Is a feeding tube really necessary?
In most cases, yes. Cats will not eat enough on their own during recovery. A feeding tube ensures they get the calories they need.
Is hepatic lipidosis painful?
It is not always painful, but it causes nausea, weakness, and liver dysfunction, which can lead to discomfort and severe illness.
Can hepatic lipidosis be prevented?
Yes. Monitor your cat’s eating habits and seek veterinary help as soon as they stop eating for more than a day. Keep your cat at a healthy weight to reduce risk.
What does jaundice look like in cats?
You may see yellowing of the eyes, ears, gums, or skin, especially in pale areas. This is a sign of serious liver trouble.