top of page
Search

Jaundice in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery (BasmiFIP India Guide)

Jaundice — the yellowing of a cat’s gums, eyes, skin, or inner ears — is one of the clearest signs of a serious internal problem, especially related to the liver, gallbladder, or red blood cells.In India, many cat parents first notice jaundice when their cat becomes unusually weak, stops eating, or suddenly appears yellowish in the eyes or mouth.

Jaundice in Cats
Jaundice in Cats

Jaundice is not a disease itself, but a warning sign that the body is under severe stress. Immediate veterinary attention is essential.

This BasmiFIP India guide covers everything Indian cat parents need to know — symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care including LiverRx™ for liver protection.


👉 Read More: The Role of Liver Support During FIP Treatment


What Is Jaundice in Cats?

Jaundice (also called icterus) occurs when the body accumulates excess bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells are broken down.A healthy liver processes and removes bilirubin. But when the liver is damaged, inflamed, or bile flow is blocked, bilirubin builds up — causing the yellow discoloration.

Common causes in Indian cats include:

  • Liver inflammation

  • Gallbladder or bile duct disease

  • Rapid destruction of red blood cells

  • Viral infections like FIP



Because jaundice is so visibly noticeable, it often signals that a cat needs urgent medical care.


Symptoms of Jaundice in Cats

Watch for early and advanced symptoms, including:

  • Yellow gums, eyes, inner ears, or skin

  • Reduced appetite or not eating

  • Rapid weight loss

  • Weakness, lethargy, or hiding

  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea

  • Fever

  • Belly discomfort or swelling

  • Increased thirst

  • Changes in urination

Even mild yellowing should never be ignored.


Causes of Jaundice in Cats

Veterinarians classify jaundice into three main types:


1. Prehepatic Jaundice (Before the Liver)

Caused by rapid destruction of red blood cells.Possible reasons:

  • Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia

  • Blood parasites (common in tropical regions)

  • Onion or garlic ingestion

  • Zinc toxicity

  • Toxic substances or certain medications


2. Hepatic Jaundice (Inside the Liver)

Occurs when the liver itself is damaged or inflamed.Causes include:

  • Hepatitis

  • Fatty liver (hepatic lipidosis)

  • FIP-related liver inflammation

  • Liver tumors

  • Toxic chemicals

  • Drug-related liver injury


3. Post-hepatic Jaundice (After the Liver)

Occurs when bile cannot properly flow out of the liver.

Causes include:

  • Gallbladder inflammation

  • Gallstones

  • Tumors compressing bile ducts

  • Pancreatitis

Correctly identifying the cause is essential for proper treatment.


How Veterinarians Diagnose Jaundice in Cats

Vets commonly perform:

✔ Physical Examination

Checking:

  • Gum and eye color

  • Hydration

  • Abdominal pain

  • Body temperature

✔ Blood Tests

Used to measure:

  • Bilirubin levels

  • Liver enzymes

  • Red blood cell levels

  • Inflammation or infection markers

✔ Ultrasound or Imaging

To examine:

  • Liver size and structure

  • Gallbladder

  • Bile ducts

  • Pancreas

✔ Additional Tests

Depending on the suspected cause:

  • FIP testing

  • Toxin screening

  • Coagulation panel

  • Liver biopsy (if needed and safe)


Treatment of Jaundice in Cats

Treatment depends entirely on the cause. Common options include:

1. IV Fluids

Improves hydration, helps liver function, and stabilises circulation.

2. Medications

Possible prescriptions:

  • Antibiotics (for infections)

  • Steroids (for immune-related hemolysis)

  • Anti-nausea medication

  • Appetite stimulants

  • Liver-support supplements like LiverRx™

  • Vitamin and blood-support formulas

3. Nutritional Support

Important for weak or anorexic cats:

  • Assisted feeding

  • High-calorie diets

  • Feeding tube for severe fatty liver disease

4. Surgical Intervention

For:

  • Obstructed bile ducts

  • Gallstones

  • Tumours

5. FIP-Related Jaundice

Requires antiviral medication (GS-441524), under guidance from BasmiFIP India.


Recovery and Management

Recovery depends heavily on:

  • How early the jaundice is detected

  • The underlying cause

  • Proper supportive care

Indian cat parents can support recovery through:

  • Liver-friendly diets

  • Hydration support

  • Stress-free environment

  • Regular follow-up blood tests

  • Supplements aiding liver repair


⭐ Recommended for Liver Support: LiverRx™ (RX Sciences)

Many pet parents and vets in India use LiverRx™ as supportive care during jaundice or liver disease.

Key Ingredients:

  • SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine)

  • Silybin (Milk Thistle Extract)

  • Vitamin E

  • Vitamin C

Benefits:

  • Supports liver detoxification

  • Helps reduce oxidative stress

  • Stabilises liver enzyme levels

  • Promotes liver cell repair

  • Strengthens immune function

Selling fast
Effective Liver Solution - For Cats and Dogs below 10kg
₹3,377.00

Prevention of Jaundice in Cats

You can reduce your cat’s risk by:

  • Avoiding toxins and unsafe human foods

  • Providing a balanced diet

  • Regular vet checkups

  • Preventing infections (including parasites)

  • Monitoring early signs of illness

  • Ensuring safe, clean living environments


FAQs

Is jaundice in cats an emergency?

Yes. It always requires immediate veterinary attention.

Can cats recover from jaundice?

Many cats recover, especially with early treatment and liver-supportive care.

Is jaundice related to FIP?

Yes, FIP often causes liver inflammation that leads to jaundice.

Is LiverRx™ safe for jaundiced cats?

Yes — it is widely used for liver support. Consult your vet before starting any supplement.

How can I check for jaundice at home?

Look at your cat’s gums, inner ears, and eye membranes under good lighting. A yellow tint is a warning sign.


Instagram: @basmifip.ind

Official WhatsApp (India): +91 81979 32703


 
 
 
bottom of page