Last Updated: 21/12/2025
Liver Disease in Cats: Signs, Causes and Treatment
The liver is vital for filtering toxins and aiding digestion. Discover how to identify early signs of liver disease in cats, from jaundice to lethargy, and explore the best veterinary-approved diets and supplements for long-term management.
Author: Dr Lacey Kelly BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 3 minutes - short read
The liver is a powerhouse organ, responsible for everything from manufacturing essential blood clotting factors to filtering out nasty toxins. Because it interacts with almost every substance that enters the body, it is uniquely vulnerable to injury from toxins, infections, and age-related wear and tear. When the liver struggles, the effects are felt across the entire body, often appearing as vague or confusing symptoms. Understanding how to spot the early warning signs and supporting liver function through proper nutrition is key to helping cats bounce back and maintain a high quality of life.
What causes liver disease in cats?
There are a multitude of causes of liver disease in cats. In some cases, a specific cause cannot be determined, and the liver disease is classified as idiopathic; meaning no cause identified. Some factors that increase your cat's chance of developing liver disease include advanced age, obesity, and certain medications and chemicals. Some cat breeds are also genetically more prone to being born with or developing liver disease. If you are considering getting a new kitten, read our vet article on how to find a good breeder including questions to ask about genetic disease.
Common causes of liver injury
- Toxin Ingestion (plants, pesticides, algae, mould, certain mushrooms, medications, essential oils, chemical cleaners)
- Trauma (direct injury, heat stroke, poor tissue perfusion)
- Viral Infections
- Congenital Conditions
- Cancer
Once the liver has sustained injury it results in inflammation known as hepatitis. If left untreated healthy liver cells are replaced by scar tissue resulting in loss of liver function. It is therefore important to be aware of the signs of liver disease so an early diagnosis can be made, and disease progression limited.
Signs of liver disease to look out for
When caught early there is a much greater chance of recovery, making early identification so important. Unfortunately the signs of liver disease can be very similar to those of other conditions which can make diagnosis a little tricky.
Signs of liver disease may include:
- Lethargy
- Reduced or absent appetite
- Weight loss
- Increased thirst
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and white of eyes)
- Excessive drooling
- Bloated abdomen
- Seizures
How liver disease is diagnosed
There are a number of diagnostics your veterinarian may use to reach a diagnosis of liver disease. Some commonly run tests for liver disease include:
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- Radiography
- Ultrasonography
Treatment and liver support diets and supplements
Treatment of feline liver disease is highly dependent on the specific diagnosis, but the primary goal is often to reduce the organ's workload while supporting its remarkable natural ability to regenerate.
Management typically involves a multimodal approach, starting with a specialised "liver-friendly" diet that features highly digestible carbohydrates and high-quality fats with limited sodium to provide energy without excess metabolic waste, as well as reducing ongoing liver damage
While protein requirements vary based on the specific condition, maintaining a high level of palatability is vital, as cats with liver disease are prone to losing their appetite, which can further complicate their recovery.
In addition to nutrition, veterinarians often recommend antioxidant support, such as S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) or Silybin, to protect liver cells from oxidative stress. Because the liver acts as the body's primary filter, your vet may also adjust or avoid certain medications to prevent further strain, focusing instead on supportive care like fluid therapy or anti-nausea treatments to keep your cat comfortable and hydrated.
FAQs
Managing liver disease can feel overwhelming, but with early detection and the right supportive care, many cats continue to lead comfortable lives. By combining veterinary-prescribed treatments with specialised diets and antioxidant supplements, the liver is given the "down-time" it needs to function effectively. If any changes in appetite or behaviour are noticed, a quick trip to the vet is always the best first step toward a healthy recovery.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Mon 22 Dec 2025
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Lacey Kelly BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Lacey graduated from the University of Queensland in 2016 and has worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East QLD. Dr Lacey. She holds a special passion for pain management, small animal internal medicine, critical care, and senior support. Her favourite part of being a vet is helping clients make the best evidence-based choices for their pets and forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
