What is pancreatitis in cats?
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that produces enzymes to help digest food and regulates blood sugar. In cats, pancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes become activated inside the pancreas and start “digesting” the pancreas itself, causing inflammation. This can be an acute (sudden) condition or a chronic (ongoing) condition.
Common symptoms of feline pancreatitis include:1
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and causes severe inflammation. Chronic pancreatitis is ongoing inflammation that leads to permanent pancreatic damage over time.
What causes pancreatitis in cats?
There are several potential causes of pancreatitis in cats:
High fat diets – Feeding cats high fat foods like table scraps or fatty cuts of meat can lead to pancreatitis. The high fat content overworks the pancreas causing inflammation (1).
Obesity – Overweight and obese cats are more prone to developing pancreatitis. The extra body fat can induce inflammation of the pancreas (2).
Hypercalcemia – Elevated calcium levels in the blood can trigger pancreatitis in cats. Hypercalcemia may be caused by certain medications, cancer, or other diseases (3).
Toxins – Exposure to toxins like insecticides, metals, and certain medications can damage the pancreas and cause inflammation. This is a less common cause in cats (4).
Other potential causes include trauma, infections, and genetics. In many cases, the exact cause of feline pancreatitis is unknown (5).
(1) https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pancreatitis-in-cats
(2) https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/pancreatitis-in-cats
(5) https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pancreatitis-in-cats
How do treats contribute to pancreatitis?
Treats can contribute to pancreatitis in cats in a few key ways:
High fat content – Many treats, especially meat-based ones, have a very high fat content. Fatty foods are difficult for cats to digest and can overwork the pancreas, potentially triggering inflammation and pancreatitis (source).
Can lead to obesity – Feeding too many treats on top of regular meals can lead to weight gain and obesity in cats. Obese cats are at higher risk for developing pancreatitis (source).
Excess calories – Even if the treats themselves are not high in fat, too many extra calories from treats can still strain the digestive system and pancreas over time.
How many treats are too many?
There is no definitive number for how many treats are too many for a cat. However, experts generally recommend limiting treats to no more than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake (1). This helps prevent weight gain and other health issues.
The number of treats depends on the calorie content of each treat. Lower calorie treats can be fed in higher quantities than high calorie treats. Read treat labels carefully and aim to keep treats within the 10% calorie limit.
It’s also important to observe your cat’s weight as you give treats. If your cat starts to gain excess weight, cut back on treats. Consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure how many treats are appropriate for your cat.
With proper portion control and weight monitoring, occasional treats are fine for most cats. But too many high calorie treats lead to obesity, which increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and other problems. Moderation is key when it comes to feline treats.
Signs of treat-induced pancreatitis
The most common signs of pancreatitis caused by too many treats in cats include:
Vomiting – One of the first signs of pancreatitis is persistent vomiting. Cats may vomit repeatedly and bring up yellow bile. Vomiting is caused by inflammation interfering with proper digestion.
Loss of appetite – Cats with pancreatitis often lose their appetite entirely. The inflammation causes abdominal pain, nausea, and gastrointestinal upset, leading to a lack of desire to eat.
Lethargy – Pancreatitis can cause cats to become extremely lethargic. They may sleep much more than normal due to feeling ill. The condition can cause weakness, fatigue and low energy.
Abdominal pain – Inflammation of the pancreas is very painful. Cats may vocalize, have tense abdomens, and show signs of discomfort when petted or picked up. They tend to hunch over and resist movement or pressure on their belly.
Other symptoms like diarrhea, dehydration, fever, hunched posture, weakness and weight loss can also occur. If treat-induced pancreatitis is suspected, immediate veterinary care is required.
Diagnosing pancreatitis
Pancreatitis can be challenging to diagnose in cats. The vet will start with a full physical exam, looking for signs of abdominal pain, dehydration, or other symptoms. Blood tests can also point to pancreatitis, especially the fPLI test which looks for elevated pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity and is considered the most accurate blood test for diagnosing feline pancreatitis (VCA Animal Hospitals).
In addition to bloodwork, imaging such as ultrasound or CT scans can identify inflammation and other changes to the pancreas that confirm pancreatitis. According to Cornell Feline Health Center, ultrasound examination by an experienced vet can identify pancreatic changes in up to 2⁄3 of cats with pancreatitis.
While initial tests may indicate pancreatitis, repeat testing over several days may be needed to fully confirm the diagnosis. The combination of physical exam findings, lab work, and imaging provides the most reliable way to diagnose feline pancreatitis (WebMD).
Treating pancreatitis
Treatment for pancreatitis usually involves hospitalization and withholding food and oral fluids until vomiting stops. This allows the pancreas to rest and recover. Fluid therapy is given intravenously to prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance.
Pain medications such as opioids are often given to relieve abdominal discomfort. Common choices include buprenorphine, butorphanol, or fentanyl patches. Anti-nausea medication like maropitant (Cerenia) can help control vomiting and make cats feel better.
Antacids may be administered to reduce pancreatic acid secretion. Antibiotics may be prescribed if a bacterial infection is suspected as the cause. In severe cases, feeding tubes may be placed for nutritional support until the cat can eat on its own again.
Hospitalization allows for close monitoring and supportive care while the pancreas heals. The duration depends on the severity. Mild cases may resolve in a few days, while severe necrotizing pancreatitis can require prolonged hospitalization and intensive treatment. With prompt veterinary care, the prognosis for pancreatitis is generally good.
Once able to eat, the cat will need to be transitioned slowly back to an appropriate low fat diet under veterinary supervision. Follow up testing helps confirm when it is safe to return to normal food and activity levels.
Preventing treat-induced pancreatitis
There are a few ways to help prevent pancreatitis in cats caused by too many treats:
Limit treats – Giving cats too many treats, especially high-fat treats, significantly increases their risk of developing pancreatitis. Limit treats to no more than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake. Follow label guidelines for appropriate treat portion sizes.
Choose low-fat treats – Look for treats made with lean proteins, like chicken or fish, and avoid fatty meats like beef or pork. Treats high in fat can contribute to pancreatitis. Check the guaranteed analysis on the label and avoid treats with more than 10% fat.
Watch your cat’s weight – Keeping cats at a healthy weight reduces their chances of getting pancreatitis. Weigh your cat regularly and adjust their food intake and treats if they start to gain excess weight.
Encourage exercise – Getting regular activity helps manage weight and reduce pancreatic inflammation. Engage your cat in interactive play daily and provide opportunities for them to climb, scratch, and pounce.
If your cat has had pancreatitis before, be extra vigilant about limiting fatty foods and treats to prevent another occurrence. Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet and lifestyle plan for your individual cat.
Diet after pancreatitis
After a bout of pancreatitis, it is crucial to put cats on a proper recovery diet to avoid future flare-ups. The diet should be
- Low fat – Studies show that feeding cats a diet with less than 10% fat can help manage pancreatitis (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutrition-and-pancreatic-disease-in-cats). Fat triggers the release of pancreatic enzymes, so limiting fat intake reduces strain on the pancreas.
- Small, frequent meals – Feeding cats 4-6 small meals throughout the day, rather than one or two large meals, helps prevent overburdening the pancreas (https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/cat/feeding-cats-with-pancreatitis-30271). This gives the pancreas a chance to rest between meals.
- Nutritional supplements – Supplements like B vitamins, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and prebiotics/probiotics support recovery by reducing inflammation and nourishing the GI tract (https://www.idexx.com/files/spec-fpl-treatment-for-feline-pancreatitis.pdf).
It’s important to gradually transition cats onto the new diet over several days post-discharge to allow the pancreas time to heal. Work closely with your vet to find a diet formulation that provides complete nutrition while meeting your cat’s needs.
Prognosis for cats with pancreatitis
The prognosis for cats with pancreatitis depends on the severity of the disease. For mild to moderate cases that are treated promptly, the prognosis is generally good, according to VCA Animal Hospitals1. With appropriate treatment and supportive care, most cats recover fully.
However, severe or chronic pancreatitis can lead to complications like diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, and hepatic lipidosis, according to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine2. Recurrent bouts of pancreatitis may result in irreversible damage to the pancreas. Proper management of diet and weight after recovery is crucial to prevent recurrence.
In severe cases that are not treated promptly, pancreatitis can be fatal. Fatality rates range from 10-50% depending on the study, according to WebMD3. Factors like the cat’s age, overall health status, and response to initial treatment impact survival odds. Close monitoring and intensive therapy are required for cats presenting in shock or with other complications.