Introduction
Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a condition in cats characterized by a yellowing of the skin, gums, and whites of the eyes. It occurs when there is excess bilirubin in the bloodstream, a yellow pigment that comes from the breakdown of old red blood cells. Bilirubin is processed by the liver, so jaundice typically signals some kind of liver issue or blood disorder that allows bilirubin to build up.
Jaundice is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. It can range from mild to severe depending on the cause and level of bilirubin accumulation. While it may seem like just a cosmetic issue, jaundice in cats can potentially be serious if left untreated. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause is important to manage jaundice and prevent complications.
Causes of Jaundice in Cats
There are several potential causes of jaundice in cats, but most cases are due to liver disease, red blood cell disorders, blocked bile ducts, or pancreatitis:
Liver disease: Conditions like hepatitis, liver cancer, or cirrhosis can impair the liver’s ability to process and remove bilirubin from the bloodstream, leading to jaundice (1).
Red blood cell disorders: Destruction of red blood cells releases excess bilirubin into the blood and overwhelms the liver’s processing capacity. Causes include immune disorders, parasites, tumors, and some medications (2).
Blocked bile ducts: Obstructions that prevent the drainage of bile cause bilirubin to build up. Gallstones, inflammation, trauma, or cancer can block the bile ducts (2).
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas adjacent to the bile ducts can impair bile flow. The pressure can also force bile backward into the bloodstream (1).
Can Not Eating Cause Jaundice?
Not eating enough can potentially lead to jaundice in cats. This is because a lack of food intake can cause a liver condition called hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver disease. Hepatic lipidosis occurs when fat builds up in the liver, preventing it from functioning properly.
When a cat stops eating or has a very low appetite for an extended period, their body starts breaking down fat stores for energy. This releases a large amount of fat into the bloodstream that gets deposited in the liver. The liver becomes overloaded with fat and cannot process nutrients and remove toxins from the blood properly. One of these toxins is bilirubin, which causes the yellowing of the skin and eyes known as jaundice or icterus when it builds up.
According to the Pet Health Network, anorexia for as little as 2 days can result in hepatic lipidosis (source). The liver damage prevents it from processing bilirubin, leading to jaundice. So not eating enough can certainly cause jaundice in cats relatively quickly.
Other symptoms of hepatic lipidosis besides jaundice include lethargy, vomiting, weakness, and behavioral changes. It’s crucial to get prompt veterinary treatment if a cat stops eating, to prevent potentially fatal liver damage and jaundice.
Other Effects of Not Eating
Not eating can lead to a variety of serious health issues in cats. Some of the most significant effects include:
Weight loss and muscle wasting: When a cat stops eating, they quickly begin to lose weight and muscle mass. According to PetMD, cats can lose up to 1% of their body weight per day when not eating. This rapid weight loss leads to muscle wasting as the body breaks down protein for energy.
Fatty liver disease: Without proper nutrition, a cat’s liver can become infiltrated with fat. This condition, known as hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver disease, can occur in as little as 2-3 days of not eating. It is a common complication of anorexia in cats and can be fatal if left untreated (Source).
Liver failure: Fatty liver disease can progress to liver failure if a cat continues not eating. The liver is unable to function properly without nutrients from food. Liver failure leads to the buildup of toxins in the blood and can be fatal (Source).
Death if not treated: According to Bond Vet, cats can only survive without food for 2-3 weeks before dying. However, most cats will become critically ill within just 3-5 days of not eating. Medical intervention is necessary to save a cat’s life once they have stopped eating for more than just a day or two.
Diagnosing Jaundice
Jaundice is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests. The most obvious sign of jaundice is a yellow discoloration in a cat’s eyes, gums, or skin. This is caused by an accumulation of bilirubin. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when old red blood cells break down. Normally, the liver filters out bilirubin, but liver disease allows it to build up.
To confirm jaundice, a veterinarian will first do a complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry tests. The blood tests check for elevated levels of bilirubin and other signs of liver dysfunction or disease. Specific bilirubin levels help determine the severity of the jaundice and underlying cause.
Imaging tests like ultrasounds or x-rays allow a veterinarian to visually examine the liver. They can check for inflammation, scarring, tumors, or obstruction of bile ducts. These images along with blood tests help diagnose if the jaundice is caused by hepatitis, cancer, gallstones, infection, or another liver problem.[1]
Treating Jaundice
The main goal in treating jaundice in cats is to address the underlying cause of the condition. This may involve treating infections, managing diseases affecting the liver or gallbladder, or surgically removing obstructions in the bile ducts. Some key aspects of treating jaundice include:
Giving intravenous (IV) fluids can help flush out toxins and waste products that build up when the liver isn’t functioning properly. IV fluids also provide electrolyte support and prevent dehydration. Your vet may recommend hospitalization for IV fluid therapy if your cat is very ill.
Medications may be prescribed to improve liver function, treat infections, or manage other diseases contributing to jaundice. Antibiotics, steroids, ursodiol, SAMe, or milk thistle are sometimes used. These medications help the liver work more efficiently so it can process bilirubin and eliminate jaundice (source).
Surgery may be necessary if there are gallstones, tumors, or other obstructions blocking the bile ducts. These obstructions prevent the normal flow of bile and can cause jaundice. Surgical procedures such as bile duct flushing or stent placement can remove obstructions and allow bile to drain normally again.
Encouraging Your Cat to Eat
When a cat is sick, they may lose their appetite and turn their nose up at food. This can lead to further health complications if the cat is not getting proper nutrition. There are some tips to help entice your sick cat to eat:
Warming food to body temperature can help release more aroma from the food, making it more appetizing for cats. Cats have a strong sense of smell, so enhancing the smell may pique their interest. According to the Blue Cross, “Warm the food to body temperature as this can make it more palatable.”
Offering strong-smelling foods like chicken, tuna, or pilchards can also help spark your cat’s appetite, as the Blue Cross recommends. The smell may get your cat to take an initial bite. Start with small portions to avoid digestive upset.
If your cat is too weak or unwilling to eat on their own, try hand feeding them small bites of food. The one-on-one attention can encourage them to eat, advises VCA Animal Hospitals. Bring the food to your cat’s mouth and see if they will lick it off your finger or take a bite.
Changing up food textures or flavors may entice a cat who has lost interest in their regular food. The Cole and Marmalade blog suggests trying wet food if your cat usually eats dry food, or vice versa. You can also try different protein sources like chicken, fish, or meat baby food.
When to See a Vet
If your cat hasn’t eaten anything for over 48 hours, it’s time to take them to the vet immediately. According to Ranchovillagevet.com, “if it’s been more than 24 hours since your cat has eaten or had any water, or they are exhibiting any other symptoms besides loss of appetite, it’s time to go to the emergency vet” (https://www.ranchovillagevet.com/site/blog/2022/01/31/cat-not-eating-emergency). After 48 hours without food, cats can start to develop serious health complications.
You should also look out for signs of jaundice like yellowing of the eyes, gums, or skin. Jaundice indicates a potential liver issue, which requires prompt veterinary attention. Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea or other concerning symptoms in combination with not eating are also reasons to go to the vet right away.
The sooner you can identify the underlying cause of your cat’s lack of appetite, the sooner treatment can begin. Don’t wait too long hoping your cat will start eating again on their own. If your cat won’t eat for over 2 days and/or shows any signs of jaundice or other illnesses, take them to the vet immediately for evaluation and care.
Preventing Jaundice
There are a few key ways to help prevent jaundice in cats:
- Regular vet checkups – Having your cat seen by a vet for annual exams and whenever any health concerns arise can help catch underlying issues early, before they progress to jaundice.
- Early treatment for diseases – Promptly treating any illnesses or diseases your cat develops, especially those affecting the liver like hepatitis, can help prevent jaundice.
- Careful monitoring of diet – Ensuring your cat’s diet is balanced and does not contain toxins is important to maintain good liver health. Avoid sudden diet changes.
While jaundice can’t always be prevented, staying on top of your cat’s health with vet care and diet can reduce the risks. Be alert for symptoms like yellowing skin or gums, lethargy, and vomiting that could signal jaundice. Seek prompt vet treatment if these arise.
Conclusion
To recap, jaundice in cats is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, often due to liver disease or blockage of the bile duct. While not eating does not directly cause jaundice, it can be a symptom of underlying illness that leads to jaundice. Other effects of a cat not eating include weight loss, lethargy, and muscle wasting. If your cat stops eating, it’s crucial to have your vet run tests to determine if jaundice or other conditions are present.
Treatment for jaundice focuses on addressing the underlying cause. This may include IV fluids, medications, supplements, or surgery. Encouraging your cat to eat with warming food, trying different textures, and using appetite stimulants can help recovery. While jaundice often resolves with proper treatment, liver damage can be permanent in some cases.
Monitoring your cat’s eating habits daily is important to catch health issues early. Contact your vet promptly if you notice decreased appetite, lethargy, or yellowing of the eyes or gums. With quick intervention, jaundice can often be treated effectively. Be vigilant and loving caretaker for your cat’s optimal health.