What are the signs of liver disease in cats?

Liver disease can be either long-term (chronic) or start suddenly (acute). 😿 Cats with chronic liver disease, often show vague, non-specific signs like loss of appetite, lethargy, and weight loss. 🙀 The signs of acute liver disease are often much more obvious. They can include vomiting and diarrhea, jaundice (yellowing of the skin, the whites of the eyes and gums), abdominal swelling, and excessive thirst and urination. Animals with acute disease may also have abdominal pain and fever. Cats with liver disease often drool excessively. Cats with very severe liver disease may build up large amounts of toxins in the blood. These can affect the brain, leading to disorientation, confusion, and seizures. This is known as “hepatic encephalopathy“.