What Causes Liver Disease in Cats

Cats can develop liver disease for a variety of reasons, including viral infections, parasitic infections, drug and chemical exposures, liver disease, and poor diet. Viral infections, such as feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) and feline distemper virus (FPV), are common causes of liver disease. Parasitic infections, such as schistosomiasis, can also lead to liver disease. Toxic effects of drugs and chemicals, such as carbon tetrachloride and chloroform, directly damage liver cells, causing substantial hepatitis or liver necrosis. In addition, obese cats are prone to fatty liver due to abnormal fat metabolism, which is also a common liver disease in felines. Improper diet, such as long-term intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods, may lead to overloading of the liver, thus causing liver damage. The key to preventing liver disease in cats is to provide a well-balanced diet, avoid exposure to toxic substances, have regular health checkups, and promptly treat diseases that may cause liver problems.

What Causes Liver Disease in Cats？

Common causes of liver disease in cats include the following.

• Hairballs blocking the intestinal tract

Cats often lick their fur, and hairballs may lead to intestinal obstruction, and a prolonged inability to eat can cause liver damage. 

• Stress reaction

Stressors such as moving, change of owner or change of living environment may induce liver disease. 

• Chemical exposure

Chemicals such as household insecticides and disinfectant water may damage the liver. 

• Toxins and Poisons

Medications: Certain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or some antibiotics, can be toxic to a cat's liver if ingested inappropriately.
Ingested Toxins: Ingesting toxins such as certain plants (e.g., lilies), pesticides, or household chemicals can lead to liver toxicity.
Environmental Toxins: Exposure to toxins in the environment, like certain chemicals used in the home or garden, can also cause liver damage.

• Fatty Liver

Obesity is a trigger for fatty liver. Even if the cat is not obese in appearance, there may be fat accumulation in the body, leading to liver dysfunction. 

• Infectious Hepatitis

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Hepatitis; jaundice; ascites; liver pain

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Hepatitis caused by a virus that affects the normal function of the liver. 

• Liver Tumor

Elderly cats are more likely to develop liver tumors. 

• Hepatic Ascites

Significant bulging of the abdomen due to retained ascites, affecting the cat's health. 

• Acute Liver Failure

May be caused by a variety of reasons, including poisoning and severe infections. 

• Metabolic Disorders

Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes can lead to fat accumulation in the liver and subsequent liver disease.
Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid glands can contribute to liver problems in older cats.

These causes may act alone or in combination to cause liver disease in cats. Preventive measures include providing a balanced diet, maintaining a stable environment, regular deworming and medical check-ups, as well as avoiding exposure of cats to potentially toxic substances.

How to Know if Your Cat Has Liver Disease?

Observation of symptoms

1. Loss of appetite or anorexia
2. Rapid weight loss
3. Vomiting, which may be accompanied by yellow or frothy water
4. Depressed and lack of energy
5. Jaundice, a yellow coloration of the skin and mucous membranes
6. Swelling of the abdomen, possibly with accumulation of ascitesFever, higher than usual body temperature
7. Dry nose and warm ear
8. Unwillingness to allow the abdomen to be touched, possibly because of pain in the liver
9. In advanced stages, neurological symptoms such as confusion and convulsions may occur

Examination Items

• Blood test: including routine blood test and biochemical complete set, which can evaluate liver function indicators, such as ALT, ALP and bilirubin.
• Urine examination: can understand kidney function and liver excretion function.
• Abdominal ultrasonography: it can observe the size, shape and internal structure of the liver and check whether there is any abnormality such as mass or bile duct dilatation.
• Liver puncture biopsy: When necessary, a biopsy of the liver tissue may be required to confirm the diagnosis. 
  If your cat is experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, it should be taken to a veterinarian immediately for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Your veterinarian will determine if your cat has hepatitis based on the specific symptoms and test results.

What is the Treatment for Liver Disease in Cats?

The treatment of liver disease in cats usually includes the following aspects.

• Treatment of the cause of the disease

Depending on the specific cause of the liver disease, such as infection, poisoning or other diseases, appropriate treatment measures are taken. For example, if the liver disease is caused by an infection, antibiotics or antiviral drugs may be required. 

• Medication

Hepatoprotective drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and hepatoprotectants are used to support liver function and promote liver cell repair. 

• Supportive therapy

Includes fluid therapy to correct dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, and antibiotics to prevent or treat possible secondary infections. 

• Nutritional support

Provide high-protein, low-fat, easily digestible foods to reduce liver burden and may require force-feeding through a nasal feeding tube to ensure nutrient intake. 

• Monitoring and long-term management

Perform regular blood and urine tests to monitor liver function indicators and adjust the treatment regimen according to your cat's recovery. 

• Treatment under special circumstances

For example, treatment of fatty liver may require a special nutritional program and medication to promote fat metabolism and recovery of liver function. 

Treatment of liver disease in cats requires comprehensive consideration of the specific condition of the cat and the professional advice of the veterinarian. In the course of treatment, closely observe the cat's response and changes in condition to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and timely adjustment of the treatment program.

How To Prevent Liver Disease In Cats?

Reasonable diet

Provide a balanced diet, avoid long-term intake of a single food, ensure balanced nutrition and control the amount of food to maintain the ideal weight of the cat. 

Regular physical examination

Take your cat to the hospital for regular medical checkups, including liver function tests, so that potential health problems can be identified and treated in time.

Avoid drug abuse

Do not give human medication to cats arbitrarily, as some medications may be toxic to cats. 

Remove internal parasites

Deworm your cat regularly to avoid parasitic infections and reduce potential damage to the liver. 

Avoid Heredity

If a cat is found to have a liver defect, it should not be bred for offspring. 

Pay attention to dietary habits

Pay attention to your cat's eating habits and seek veterinary advice once you find your cat has stopped eating. 

Avoid stress

Reduce the cat's stress reaction, such as avoiding frequent changes of environment or food, as well as maintaining a quiet and comfortable living environment. 

Provide adequate exercise

Encourage your cat to have moderate exercise to promote metabolism and maintain a healthy weight. 

Through the above measures, you can effectively reduce the risk of liver disease in cats and maintain their overall health.

How to Know if Your Cat Needs Nasal Tube Feeding?

The suitability of nasal tube feeding for cats is usually determined by the veterinarian based on the cat's specific health condition. Below are some of the conditions that may require nasal tube feeding.

• Difficulty swallowing

Cats that are unable to swallow food properly due to oral problems, neurological disorders or other reasons may require nasal tube feeding.

• Loss of appetite or anorexia

Chronic loss of appetite or anorexia may lead to malnutrition, and a nasal feeding tube can ensure that your cat receives the necessary nutrients.

• Digestive disorders

Certain digestive disorders may require nutrients to be delivered directly to the stomach or intestines via a nasal feeding tube.

• Recovery from Surgery

Post-surgical cats may not be able to consume food through a normal diet for a while, and nasal feeding tubes can be used as a temporary form of nutritional support.

Before considering nasogastric tube feeding, the veterinarian will assess the cat's overall health, including oral examination, blood tests and other relevant tests to ensure that the use of a nasogastric tube is safe and necessary. In addition, the veterinarian will provide guidance on proper placement of the nasal tube, amount and frequency of feedings, and care and monitoring of the nasal tube.

What Diet Will Make an Overweight Cat Less Likely to Get Fatty Liver?

In order to develop dietary habits that are less likely to cause fatty liver, the following suggestions can be followed.

• Control total calorie intake

Reduce the intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods to avoid excess calories leading to weight gain and fat accumulation. 

• Increase dietary fiber

Eat more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as oats, whole grain breads, vegetables and fruits, to help reduce fat absorption and increase satiety. 

• Choose healthy fats

Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats and choose foods rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as olive oil, nuts and deep-sea fish. 

• Moderate Protein

Ensure adequate intake of quality protein, which helps maintain liver function and promote liver cell repair. 

• Limit alcohol intake

Alcohol increases the burden on the liver and should be limited or avoided to minimize damage to the liver. 

• Eat regularly

Avoiding overeating and maintaining a regular eating schedule can help maintain stable blood glucose and lipid levels. 

• Avoid foods high in salt

High-salt foods may lead to water and sodium retention and aggravate the burden on the liver, and a light diet should be maintained. 

By adjusting the above dietary habits, you can effectively prevent the occurrence of fatty liver and promote liver health. Meanwhile, combining with moderate physical activities can further help control weight and improve metabolism.

Conclusion

Liver disease in cats can result from a wide range of causes, including metabolic disorders, infections, toxins, and other underlying health conditions. Early detection and treatment are crucial to managing liver disease and preventing irreversible damage. If you notice symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or weight loss, it is important to consult your veterinarian for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.

Liver disease can often be managed with proper veterinary care, including medication, dietary changes, and supportive therapies. Regular check-ups and a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of liver disease in your cat.

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