Jaundice in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Liver Support with LiverRX

What Is Jaundice in Cats?

Jaundice — also known as icterus — is the yellow discoloration of a cat’s eyes, gums, ears, or skin caused by an excess buildup of bilirubin, a pigment released during red blood cell breakdown. A healthy liver processes bilirubin and removes it through bile.

When the liver is inflamed, the bile ducts are obstructed, or red blood cells are being destroyed too quickly, bilirubin accumulates and causes visible yellowing.

Important:Jaundice is not a disease itself — it is a clinical warning sign of an underlying liver, bile duct, or blood disorder. Early evaluation is critical because many causes are serious and progress quickly.

How to Recognize Jaundice in Cats

Because most cats have dense fur, jaundice can go unnoticed until it becomes advanced. The most reliable places to check include:

• The whites of the eyes (sclera)

• Gums

• Inside of ears

• Paw pads

• Skin in hairless or thin-fur areas

Other common symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite or complete refusal to eat

• Weight loss

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea

• Excessive drooling

• Low energy, hiding, depression

• Increased thirst

• A swollen abdomen (fluid buildup)

• Unsteady walking or weakness

Emergency Red Flags — Seek Veterinary Care Immediately

• Your cat stops eating for more than 24 hours

• Rapidly increasing yellow discoloration

• Persistent vomiting

• Severe lethargy or collapse

• A swollen, painful abdomen

Cats decline much faster than dogs when the liver is compromised — especially if they stop eating.

Read more: Cat Liver Disease Symptoms: 7 Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

What Causes Jaundice in Cats?

There are three major categories of causes: pre-hepatic, hepatic, and post-hepatic.

1. Pre-Hepatic Causes (Before the Liver)

These occur when red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can process them.

Common causes:

• Hemolysis (immune-mediated red blood cell destruction)

• Blood parasites

• Toxins that damage red blood cells

• Severe infections

When hemolysis occurs, bilirubin levels rise sharply.

2. Hepatic Causes (Inside the Liver) — Most Common in Cats

These causes occur when the liver cannot effectively process bilirubin due to inflammation, degeneration, or metabolic stress.

Major hepatic causes in cats:

Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease)

The #1 cause of jaundice in cats.Occurs when a cat stops eating → body mobilizes fat → liver becomes overwhelmed → bilirubin increases.

Cholangitis / Cholangiohepatitis

Inflammation of the liver and bile ducts.Often part of “triaditis” (liver–pancreas–intestines).

Infectious Hepatitis

Caused by bacteria, viruses, or toxins.

FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)

Certain forms of FIP cause liver inflammation and high bilirubin.

Liver Tumors or Infiltrative Disease

3. Post-Hepatic Causes (After the Liver)

These occur when bilirubin cannot exit through the bile duct.

Common causes:

• Pancreatic inflammation compressing the bile duct

• Gallstones or biliary sludge

• Bile duct obstruction from inflammation or tumors

Bilirubin backs up into the bloodstream, causing yellowing.

How Jaundice Is Diagnosed in Cats

A veterinarian will perform a full assessment, including:

1. Physical Examination

• Checking eyes, gums, ears for yellowing

• Palpating abdomen

• Evaluating hydration, temperature, and pain

2. Laboratory Tests

• CBC: checks for anemia, infection, hemolysis

• Biochemistry panel: liver enzymes, bilirubin levels, electrolytes

• Urinalysis: bilirubin, kidney function

3. Advanced Diagnostics

• Abdominal ultrasound (critical for identifying hepatic lipidosis, cholangitis, pancreatitis, bile duct obstruction)

• X-rays

• FIP/FeLV/FIV testing

• Toxoplasma testing

• Liver biopsy or fine-needle aspiration if needed

The goal is to identify what is causing the bilirubin elevation, not just the jaundice itself.

Treatment for Jaundice in Cats

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause, but almost always includes:

Medical Management

• IV fluids for hydration and metabolic stabilization

• Antibiotics (for cholangitis or infectious hepatitis)

• Steroids (for autoimmune or inflammatory disease, if indicated)

• Antioxidants and liver protectants

• Anti-nausea medications

• Pain control

Nutritional Support — Critical for Cats

Cats with liver disease often lose their appetite.If they do not eat, they are at high risk of hepatic lipidosis, even if the original cause was unrelated.

Many jaundiced cats require:

• Assisted feeding

• Appetite stimulants

• Feeding tubes in moderate–severe cases

Bile Flow Support

• Medications to improve bile drainage

• Treatment for pancreatitis or bile duct obstruction

Recovery depends on how early treatment begins.

Liver Support for Jaundiced Cats: Why LiverRX Is Recommended

LiverRX from RX Sciences is designed to support liver function during recovery from conditions associated with jaundice and elevated bilirubin.

It provides essential hepatoprotective compounds used in veterinary medicine and formulated specifically for feline metabolism.

LiverRX for Cats — Active Ingredients

• S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) — 90 mg

• Silybin A+B (Milk Thistle Extract) — 9 mg

• Vitamin E — 13 mg

• Vitamin C — 10 mg

Liver Rx for Cats

MYR 89.00

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How LiverRX Supports Cats with Jaundice

✔ Boosts Glutathione Levels

SAMe increases production of glutathione — the liver’s primary detoxification molecule — supporting recovery from bilirubin overload.

✔ Protects Liver Cells (Hepatocytes)

Silybin stabilizes hepatocyte membranes and improves antioxidant activity.

✔ Supports Bile Flow

Silybin promotes healthy bile movement, which helps reduce bilirubin buildup.

✔ Reduces Oxidative Stress

Vitamin E and Vitamin C work together to protect liver tissue during inflammation or injury.

✔ Supports Appetite Recovery

A healthier liver improves digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall energy.

✔ Ideal for Cats Recovering From:

• Hepatic lipidosis

• Cholangitis

• Hepatitis

• FIP-associated liver inflammation

• Pancreatitis with cholestasis

• Bile duct obstruction (post-treatment)

• Drug-related liver injury

LiverRX is a supportive nutraceutical and should be used alongside veterinary care.

FAQ: Jaundice in Cats

1. Is jaundice in cats serious?

Yes. Jaundice is a sign of significant liver, bile duct, or blood issues and requires immediate veterinary attention.

2. Can jaundice in cats be cured?

In many cases, yes — especially if diagnosed early and treated aggressively.

3. Why do cats stop eating during liver disease?

Nausea, inflammation, and reduced bile flow diminish appetite. Lack of eating can rapidly trigger hepatic lipidosis.

4. Is Milk Thistle safe for cats?

Yes — when provided as standardized Silybin in a veterinary-formulated product like LiverRX.

5. How long does it take for jaundice to improve?

It depends on the underlying cause. With proper treatment, improvements may appear in days to weeks.

6. Should I give supplements without seeing a vet?

No. A jaundiced cat must be evaluated immediately. Supplements like LiverRX are meant to support recovery, not replace medical care.

Conclusion

Jaundice in cats is a critical clinical sign that requires prompt veterinary evaluation. Early diagnosis greatly improves the chances of full recovery, especially when combined with targeted nutritional liver support.

LiverRX provides science-backed hepatoprotective nutrients to help:

• Normalize bilirubin levels

• Support bile flow

• Protect liver tissue

• Reduce oxidative stress

• Improve overall liver resilience

• Support appetite and energy recovery

👉 Learn more about LiverRX for Cats at rxsciences.co