Common Symptoms of Liver Disease in Cats

Liver Disease in Cats: What you need to look out for

Liver disease is a condition that many cats can develop for a number of reasons. It could be their age, breed or because they are overweight. It can also be caused by medication, food and other illnesses your cat may have developed. Thankfully if it is diagnosed early enough, it can be treated and effectively managed. But unless you know what symptoms to look out for, this can be difficult to achieve. Plus cats are renowned for hiding their symptoms from their owners. Here are some common symptoms you need to look out for to give your cat the best chance of recovery.

Lack of energy

We all know that cats love to be lazy. But this could be a tell tale sign that they might have a problem with their liver. You know your cat better than anyone else, so it should be easy to tell if they seem lethargic or low. Watch them when they play with their cat toys or when outside. Do they seem their usual self? Do they seem more tired than usual? There could be a number of reasons your cat is acting differently, and it may only be temporary. But keep a close on them just in case.

Increased thirst

Another symptom you need to look out for is an increased thirst. If your cat is continually at their water bowl or needs to go to the toilet more often, liver disease could be the cause. If they are more interested in drinking than eating, there may be a cause for concern. Try to keep tabs on how often your feline friend needs a drink and uses the litter tray. Diarrhea is another symptom that could point to liver problems, so also, check the tray when you clean it out. If these symptoms continue to present themselves, seek veterinary care.

Jaundice

As with humans, pets can also develop jaundice. This commonly occurs when their liver is not working as it should. If will be easy to tell if your cat has this symptom as their eyes, skin and gums will start to turn a yellow color. This will change the appearance of your cat, and it will be hard to deny they have a problem. So regularly and carefully check these areas to make sure they look healthy and normal. If you start to notice the whites of their eyes or their skin has changed in color, it’s vital you waste no time in seeking medical care. The sooner you do this, the higher the chance your pet can be treated.

You can also do some reading on pet medication that might be administered to treat your cat such as Denamarin or Silybin. These drugs can help to support your cat’s liver function and improve their condition. Talk to your vet for further information on possible treatments if your cat is diagnosed.

While these symptoms often point to liver disease, they can also be associated with other health concerns too. So if you notice any of them, make an appointment with your vet straight away to get your cat examined.