Jaundice in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery (CureFIP USA Guide)

Jaundice — the yellow discoloration of a cat’s eyes, gums, ears, or skin — is one of the clearest signs of a serious underlying health issue. In the U.S., cat parents typically notice jaundice when their cat becomes unusually lethargic, stops eating, or shows visible yellowing around the face and mouth.

Jaundice is not a disease itself. It is a clinical warning sign that the liver, gallbladder, or red blood cells are under significant stress. Quick veterinary attention is crucial.

Jaundice in Cats

This CureFIP USA guide walks you through everything you need to know—from symptoms and causes to diagnosis, treatment options, and supportive care including LiverRx™.

What Is Jaundice in Cats?

Jaundice (or icterus) happens when the body accumulates too much bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down.A healthy liver filters bilirubin out of the body. However, when the liver is inflamed, damaged, or bile flow becomes blocked, bilirubin builds up and causes the body to turn yellow.

Common contributors to jaundice in cats include:

• Liver inflammation

• Gallbladder or bile duct problems

• Rapid destruction of red blood cells

• Viral infections such as FIP

👉 Read more: Understanding FIP and How CureFIP Treatment Works

Since jaundice is visually noticeable, it is often the first sign of internal disease.

Symptoms of Jaundice in Cats

Common signs include:

• Yellow gums, sclera (whites of the eyes), inner ears, or skin

• Loss of appetite or refusing food

• Rapid weight loss

• Lethargy, low energy, or hiding

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Fever

• Abdominal discomfort

• Increased thirst or changes in urination

Even mild yellowing should be taken seriously.

Causes of Jaundice in Cats

Veterinarians classify jaundice into three types:

1. Prehepatic Jaundice (Before the Liver)

Caused by excessive destruction of red blood cells.Common causes include:

• Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia

• Blood parasites

• Onion, garlic, or toxin ingestion

• Zinc poisoning

• Severe infections or reactions

2. Hepatic Jaundice (Inside the Liver)

Occurs when the liver cannot properly process bilirubin.Causes include:

• Hepatitis

• Fatty liver syndrome (hepatic lipidosis)

• Liver inflammation from FIP

• Liver tumors or cancer

• Drug- or toxin-induced liver damage

3. Post-hepatic Jaundice (After the Liver)

Occurs when bile cannot freely pass through the liver.

Causes include:

• Gallbladder inflammation

• Gallstones

• Tumors blocking the bile ducts

• Pancreatitis

Identifying the correct category is essential for successful treatment.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Jaundice in Cats

Your veterinarian may perform:

✔ Physical Exam

Checking gum color, eye membranes, hydration, temperature, and abdominal discomfort.

✔ Blood Tests

To measure:

• Bilirubin levels

• Liver enzymes

• Red blood cell counts

• Signs of infection or inflammation

✔ Imaging (Ultrasound, X-rays)

Used to evaluate:

• Liver size and structure

• Gallbladder health

• Bile duct flow

• Pancreatic inflammation

✔ Additional Testing

If needed:

• FIP diagnostics

• Coagulation panels

• Toxin screening

• Liver biopsy (only when safe)

  
  

Treatment of Jaundice in Cats

Treatment depends completely on the underlying cause.Common approaches include:

1. IV Fluids

Supports hydration and improves liver function.

2. Medications

Depending on the diagnosis:

• Antibiotics

• Steroids (for immune-related hemolysis)

• Appetite stimulants

• Anti-nausea medications

• Liver support supplements like LiverRx™

• Blood-building nutrients

3. Nutritional Support

Especially if your cat stops eating:

• Assisted feeding

• High-calorie diets

• Feeding tube support for severe fatty liver disease

4. Surgical Intervention

If caused by:

• Blocked bile ducts

• Gallstones

• Tumors

5. FIP-Related Jaundice

Requires antiviral medication such as GS-441524.

Recovery and Management

Recovery depends on:

• How early jaundice is detected

• The underlying condition

• Supportive care at home

Most cats benefit from:

• Liver-friendly diets

• Maintaining hydration

• Reducing stress

• Regular bloodwork

• Supplements that help the liver heal

⭐ Recommended Liver Support Supplement: LiverRx™ (by RX Sciences)

LiverRx™ is widely used by pet owners and veterinarians across the U.S. to support liver health in cats experiencing jaundice or liver inflammation.

Key Ingredients:

• SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine)

• Silybin (Milk Thistle Extract)

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin C

Benefits:

• Supports natural liver detoxification

• Helps stabilize liver enzyme levels

• Promotes liver cell repair

• Provides antioxidant protection

• Strengthens immune response

⚠️ LiverRx™ is a supportive supplement, not a replacement for veterinary treatment.

Prevention of Jaundice in Cats

To help protect your cat:

• Avoid toxins and unsafe foods

• Maintain a healthy weight and diet

• Keep up with routine vet visits

• Prevent infections and parasites

• Watch for early changes in appetite and energy

Early detection is the key to better outcomes.

FAQs

Is jaundice in cats an emergency?

Yes. It always requires immediate veterinary care.

Can cats recover from jaundice?

Many do, especially with early diagnosis and supportive care.

Is jaundice caused by FIP?

It can be—FIP-related liver inflammation often leads to jaundice.

Is LiverRx™ safe for cats?

Yes. It is widely used to support liver function, but consult your vet before starting any supplement.

How can I check for jaundice at home?

Look for yellowing in the gums, eyes, and inner ears under good lighting.

You can consult for free with our expert team through:

📞 +1 646-653-2654

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