What It Is
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, a small organ near the stomach and intestines that helps digest food and regulate blood sugar. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, its digestive enzymes can leak into surrounding tissues, causing pain, nausea, and other complications.
Pancreatitis in cats can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (recurring or persistent), and it ranges from mild to life-threatening. It’s often underdiagnosed because symptoms can be subtle and overlap with other illnesses.
🐾 Common Symptoms
Feline pancreatitis symptoms can be vague, which makes the condition tricky to catch early.
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain (may show as hiding or resisting touch)
- Fever
- Tense belly or crouched posture
- In severe cases: jaundice, labored breathing, collapse
Not all cats with pancreatitis vomit, unlike dogs, so appetite loss and lethargy are often the main clues.
🦠 Causes and Risk Factors
Often, the exact cause is unknown (called “idiopathic”), but several risk factors are linked to feline pancreatitis:
- Previous episodes of intestinal or liver disease
- Triaditis (pancreatitis with IBD and cholangitis)
- Trauma to the abdomen
- Infection (e.g., toxoplasmosis, feline infectious peritonitis)
- Exposure to certain medications (e.g., some antibiotics, chemotherapy)
- High-fat diets (less common in cats than in dogs)
- Coexisting diseases (e.g., IBD, diabetes, liver disease)
- Genetic predisposition
- Previous anesthesia or surgery
🔍 Diagnosis
Pancreatitis can be challenging to diagnose definitively, especially in mild or chronic cases.
Diagnostic tools may include:
- Physical exam (may reveal abdominal discomfort)
- Bloodwork (looking for elevated pancreatic enzymes and inflammation markers)
- Spec fPL test (feline-specific pancreatic lipase) – the most reliable blood test for pancreatitis
- Abdominal ultrasound (to visualize the pancreas and rule out other issues)
- X-rays (to rule out foreign bodies or other GI problems)
No test is 100% perfect. Vets often combine test results with symptoms and history for diagnosis.
💊 Treatment
There’s no cure for pancreatitis, but supportive care can help your cat recover and prevent complications.
Typical treatment includes:
- Fluid therapy (IV or subcutaneous to prevent or treat dehydration)
- Anti-nausea medications (e.g., maropitant/Cerenia, ondansetron)
- Appetite stimulants (e.g., mirtazapine)
- Pain management (e.g., buprenorphine)
- Feeding support (soft or prescription diets; feeding tubes if necessary)
- Antibiotics (only if secondary infection is suspected)
- Monitoring of electrolytes, hydration, and liver/pancreas function
Most cats are hospitalized during the acute phase, but many can recover and be managed at home afterward.
🩺 Prognosis
With prompt treatment, mild to moderate cases often recover well. Severe or chronic cases may require long-term management and close monitoring.
Cats with concurrent diseases (like diabetes or liver issues) have a more guarded prognosis. Recurrent flare-ups are possible in some cats.
💡 Cat Owner Note
If your usually hungry, social cat is suddenly hiding and skipping meals, pay attention. Pancreatitis can come on quietly, but it hits hard. Early treatment gives your cat the best shot at bouncing back.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pancreatitis in Cats
Is pancreatitis in cats fatal?
It can be, especially if left untreated or if the case is severe. With early care, most cats recover, but ongoing management may be needed.
Can a cat recover from pancreatitis?
Yes. Many cats recover from acute flare-ups with supportive care. Chronic cases may need lifelong diet and symptom management.
What do I feed a cat with pancreatitis?
Usually a low-fat, easily digestible diet. Your vet may recommend a prescription gastrointestinal diet. Avoid rich or fatty treats.
How long does it take for a cat to recover?
Recovery varies. Mild cases may improve in a few days. Severe cases can take weeks of supportive care and monitoring.
Is pancreatitis in cats painful?
Yes, it can be. Pain relief is a key part of treatment. Your vet may prescribe buprenorphine or another safe pain medication.
Can stress cause pancreatitis in cats?
Stress itself isn’t a direct cause, but it can contribute to flare-ups, especially in cats with underlying conditions.
Is pancreatitis contagious to other cats or humans?
No. Pancreatitis is not contagious.