what to feed a cat with fatty liver

In general, diets for cats with liver disease should have: High quality protein to reduce the workload on the liver Highly digestible carbohydrates High quality fats Added antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium to combat oxidative stress

Full Answer

How can I Help my Cat with liver disease?

Switch to Wet Food. Most cats who are suffering liver disease will need a special diet. Most likely you can discuss with your vet a good wet food that your cat will be more likely to eat. Wet food is easier for the cat to digest and will be easier to feed to your cat if you have to help them manually swallow the food to get it into their system.

Can cats with liver disease eat dry food?

Cats who are suffering from liver disease should not be eating dry food. Most cats who are suffering liver disease will need a special diet. Most likely you can discuss with your vet a good wet food that your cat will be more likely to eat.

What medications are used to treat fatty liver disease in cats?

There are several medications that may be necessary for a cat with fatty liver disease. Ursodiol: This medication is used for many types of liver disease. It increases the flow of bile acids and reduces the workload on the liver.

What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease in cats?

Cats with fatty liver disease are often not eating or are not eating nearly the amount that they were before. Lethargy, depression, and not acting playful are all signs that are seen in cats with fatty liver disease. 70% of cats affected by fatty liver disease will have jaundice.

How can I reduce my cats fatty liver?

To prevent fatty liver disease, you need to make sure your cat isn't too fat, but also that they're eating an appropriate amount. A decreased or sudden halt in eating is almost always seen in cats with this disease.

What can I feed a cat with liver problems?

PURINA® PRO PLAN® VETERINARY DIETS HP Hepatic FELINE has been scientifically formulated for cats with liver disease. It is: Formulated to contain the right types and levels of protein to help prevent malnutrition and reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy.

Is Tuna good for cats with liver disease?

Generally, stinkier foods will interest your cat the most: eggs, canned cat food, tuna, baby food, and canned pumpkin are good choices.

Can you cure fatty liver in cats?

"This disease is treatable with aggressive nutritional support until a normal appetite returns." While nutritional support is the most important component of treatment, many cats are also treated with medications to support liver function, decrease nausea, and correct electrolyte imbalances.

How can I strengthen my cats liver?

Feed your cat easily digested carbohydrates, high-quality fats and limited amounts of sodium to control ongoing liver damage and improve liver function. For accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian and ask them to recommend the best food for your cat's liver health.

What is the easiest protein for cats to digest?

Look for labels that contain chicken, lamb, rabbit, pig's heart, pig's liver, etc., at the top of the ingredients list instead of meat meal or by-products. Studies have shown that muscle meats and organs are highly digestible forms of protein for cats.

Is canned salmon good for cats?

It's also important that you do not give your cat canned, smoked or cured salmon because these contain high levels of sodium that can be dangerous for cats, and potentially cause death. If you suspect your cat may have eaten this type of fish, take them to see a vet immediately.

Can I give my cat canned chicken?

Luckily, canned chicken is a typically okay option. Your cat shouldn't live off of canned chicken, but you can use it to supplement their diet when used correctly. Canned chicken smells so good that many felines love the smell of it.

What causes high liver values in cats?

Non-hepatic causes of increases in liver enzymes include: Common: diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic infections (e.g., dental disease). Uncommon: congestive heart failure, severe hemolytic anemia, abdominal trauma, neoplasia.

How long does it take for a cat to recover from fatty liver?

As liver function recovers, appetite will gradually improve. Expected recovery time is typically 6-12 weeks, with an average time of eight weeks. When your cat is totally self-feeding for two weeks without any weight loss, the feeding tube can be removed.

What are the 3 signs of a fatty liver?

SymptomsAbdominal swelling (ascites)Enlarged blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface.Enlarged spleen.Red palms.Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Are cats in pain with liver failure?

Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice, fever, and vomiting are common signs. The cat may be in a state of shock due to abdominal inflammation. The inflammation can also spread to the surrounding branches of the bile duct and the liver.

Is liver damage in cats reversible?

The cat liver has a high regeneration rate and the disease will eventually reverse assuming that irreparable damage has not been done to the liver. The best method to combat feline hepatic lipidosis is prevention and early detection.

How long does it take for a cat's liver to heal?

As liver function recovers, appetite will gradually improve. Expected recovery time is typically 6-12 weeks, with an average time of eight weeks. When your cat is totally self-feeding for two weeks without any weight loss, the feeding tube can be removed.

Is Tuna good for cats?

Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.

What causes high liver levels in cats?

Hepatic lipidosis is the most common cause of liver disease in cats. Excessive accumulation of fat (triglycerides) within the liver leads to liver failure. The cause is unknown, but the disease is associated with a period of poor appetite (a few days to several weeks), especially in obese cats.

Does my cat need to be hospitalised for treatment?

Intensive treatment is needed when this is diagnosed, with monitoring of blood samples etc, so affected cats require immediate hospitalisation. How...

How long does the feeding tube need to be left in place?

Cats need to have assisted feeding until they are eating enough on their own, so this may be anything from three to ten days or more. Each case is...

What is the prognosis for Fatty Liver Disease?

It’s difficult to predict the outcome for cats with this condition, as there are so many variables. Not only does Fatty Liver Disease need to be tr...

How long can a cat live with Fatty Liver Disease?

Without treatment, fatty liver disease may rapidly be fatal: urgent veterinary assistance is essential. With treatment, once the cat has recovered,...

How much does it cost to treat Fatty Liver Disease in cats?

The cost depends on the severity of the condition, any underlying primary problems, and the degree of veterinary intervention needed versus home ca...

What to do if your cat has fatty liver?

If fatty liver disease is suspected, your veterinar ian will perform a series of tests to determine if your cat has the condition. This condition will be suspected by your veterinarian if the history and signs listed above are identified.

How Do You Treat Fatty Liver Disease In cats?

The primary aim is to get the cat eating again: the issue is caused by metabolic changes that happen when a cat is not absorbing any food via their digestive system.

How do you know if your cat has fatty liver disease?

There may be obvious, rapid weight loss with muscle wasting, the cat may become dull and unwilling to move around, and more serious signs include vomiting, diarrhea (or sometimes constipation), jaundice (yellowing of the gums), ...

Why does my cat stop eating?

Symptoms Of Fatty Liver Disease In Cats. The initial problem is that the cat stops eating, for one of the reasons listed above. This may be a seemingly simple reason (e.g. diet changes) or it may be more serious (e.g. diabetes mellitus). However, after a few days of being inappetent, the signs of Fatty Liver Disease itself begin to show.

Why is my cat's liver so fat?

Causes Of Fatty Liver Disease In Cats. When an overweight or obese cat doesn’t eat for an extended period of time, excess body fat spreads to the liver and causes secondary problems in the cat’s metabolism, leading to the signs of Fatty Liver Disease. The main precipitating issue is the fact that the cat is carrying extra body weight in ...

What is fatty liver in cats?

About Fatty Liver Disease In Cats. Fatty Liver Disease, also known as Feline Hepatic Lipidosis (FHL) or Fatty Liver Syndrome, is one of the most common liver diseases seen in cats. It’s a complex type of feline liver failure that is still not fully understood. It can happen as a primary condition (i.e. as the only problem, on its own).

What does a liver test show?

Blood tests for liver function will show marked elevations of liver enzymes ( such as ALT, GGT, ALKP, and AST), as well as high levels of bilirubin (hence the jaundice). Ultrasound will show a diffusely enlarged liver, and if computerised tomography (a CT scan) is carried out, the CT number of the liver will be raised.

What is the best way to get a cat to eat?

Appetite Stimulants. Getting a cat to eat on its own is the easiest thing an owner could hope for, so to help entice cats to eat when they are suffering from liver disease, cats may need appetite stimul ant medication. Appetite stimulants are often prescribed as a course of treatment in conjunction with other forms of treatment.

How to make sure my cat is getting enough food?

While it is not the easiest way to go, one effective way to ensure that a cat is getting all the proper nutrients it needs to battle back from liver disease and to make sure the cat is getting enough food in general is to have a feeding tube put into the cat.

How much does hepatic lipidosis affect cats?

Making sure cats suffering from hepatic lipidosis get treatment quickly improves the survival rate to 90% as opposed to 10% to 15%. Here are a few ways to get cats to eat if they are suffering from liver disease.

Why is my cat not eating?

As lack of appetite is a key problem with cats who are suffering from liver disease. While feeding tubes can be difficult to deal with, it is not a permanent situation and most owners can find ways to make this form of feeding their cats work.

Can cats with liver disease eat?

Tips for Feeding Cats with Liver Disease. ... Feeding cats who are ill is challenging, but when a cat is suffering from liver disease, particularly hepatic lipidosis, making sure the cat is getting plenty of food and the right nutrients is essential for the cat's survival. Making sure cats suffering from hepatic lipidosis get treatment quickly ...

Is it important to feed a cat with liver disease?

If your cat is suffering from liver disease it is important to make sure that your cat is getting enough food. The amount of food your cat is taking in is essential to the long-term recovery of your cat from liver disease. Related Links:

Can cats eat wet food?

Most cats who are suffering liver disease will need a special diet. Most likely you can discuss with your vet a good wet food that your cat will be more likely to eat. Wet food is easier for the cat to digest and will be easier to feed to your cat if you have to help them manually swallow the food to get it into their system.

What is the liver disease of a cat?

Hepatic lipidosis is also known as fatty liver syndrome. This disease is unique to cats and is one of the most common liver diseases seen in cats.

How to feed a cat with a prescription?

To feed your cat, follow these steps: Mix one can of prescription food (provided by your veterinarian) with water. The exact quantity of water required will vary, depending on the size of your cat’s feeding tube. Your veterinarian will provide instructions. Remove the cap from the feeding tube.

What is hepatic lipidosis and how does a cat get it?

Hepatic lipidosis is also known as fatty liver syndrome. This disease is unique to cats and is one of the most common liver diseases seen in cats.

How do I provide the necessary nutritional support?

A feeding tube is surgically implanted into your cat, so you can syringe-feed a special diet directly into your cat’s gastrointestinal tract. The feeding tube may be placed into the esophagus or the stomach (see the handouts "Tube Feeding in Cats", "Esophagostomy Tubes in Cats" and "Gastrostomy Tube Feeding in Cats" for further information). Your veterinarian will determine the best one to use with your cat, depending on the particular circumstances.

How long does it take for hepatic lipidosis to recover?

A consistently high level of nutritional support is required for the liver to resume functioning so it may mobilize the excessive fat stores. This takes an average of six to seven weeks.

How to diagnose hepatic lipidosis?

Diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis is made from blood tests that demonstrate poor liver function and from a liver biopsy or fine needle aspirate. The latter may be performed during an exploratory surgery or by inserting a needle into the liver through the skin. The liver sample is sent to a veterinary pathologist for analysis.

What happens if a cat's liver is yellow?

This fat becomes stored in and around the liver cells, further compromising liver function. The cat usually becomes icteric or jaundiced, as evidenced by a yellow color in the whites of the eyes or in the skin. At this point, the disease will be fatal if not treated rapidly and aggressively.

What causes a cat to have a fatty liver?

Fatty liver disease is the most common form of liver failure in cats. The cat is a carnivorous species, ingesting large amounts of protein in the wild. Being overweight was never in the cards for cats that hunted to survive. However, today's indoor cats are much more likely to become overweight. Then, if they drastically decrease or stop their food intake, those fat stores are mobilized to be converted to energy to keep the cat alive. However, the feline liver, not being used to handling large amounts of fat, is not able to metabolize it properly and liver failure can result.

How good is the prognosis for a cat with fatty liver disease?

Prognosis of Fatty Liver Disease in Cats. The prognosis for a cat with fatty liver disease is very good (around 90% recovery) when it is treated appropriately and aggressively . Without treatment, most cats will die.

What blood test is done to check for fatty liver in cats?

Screening Bloodwork: If your veterinarian suspects fatty liver disease based on the history and physical exam, some screening bloodwork may be performed. There are several blood values that may be elevated when liver disease is present: ALT, AST, and ALP. An increase in ALP is always significant in a cat, though it does not always indicate a liver-specific problem.

Why is it so hard to get cat food?

Because fatty liver disease is triggered by a decrease in appetite and the liver dysfunction results in a further decrease in the desire to eat , getting the appropriate type and amount of food necessary into your cat can be exceptionally difficult.

Why do cats need blood transfusions?

Blood transfusion: Many cats will need a blood transfusion during the treatment of fatty liver disease because of the loss of blood resulting from a decrease in blood clotting factors that are normally produced by the liver. .

How long does it take for a cat to develop fatty liver?

It generally requires around two weeks of eating 3/4 or less of a cat's normal food intake to develop fatty liver disease. There is always an underlying cause for the sudden sharp decrease in appetite.

How long can a cat keep a stomach tube?

A stomach tube is very comfortable for your cat and can be kept in place for four to six weeks. There are several medications that may be necessary for a cat with fatty liver disease. Ursodiol: This medication is used for many types of liver disease.

What is the best diet for cats with liver disease?

In general, diets for cats with liver disease should have: High quality protein to reduce the workload on the liver. Highly digestible carbohydrates. High quality fats. Added antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium to combat oxidative stress.

How to treat hepatic encephalopathy in cats?

The first step is to change your cat’s diet to a formula that meets these characteristics.

How to help liver function?

Dietary therapy can help the liver to function as well as possible and reduce further damage to the liver. The goals of nutritional intervention are to: Provide adequate energy in the form of high quality protein. Reduce sodium to lessen fluid retention. Increase antioxidants to protect cells from further damage.

Why is it important to understand the role of the liver in health?

Proper nutrition is also vital. It is important to understand the role the liver plays in health and what happens when it is not functioning properly. The liver has many functions, including: Absorption of food (through the digestion and transport of fats)

What causes inflammation in the liver?

Inflammatory processes — spread from other areas of the body, due to trauma, chemicals, or auto-immune disease. Reduced blood flow to the liver — due to heart failure or a congenital abnormality. Idiopathic — cause is unknown. Most liver disorders are progressive.

What is albumin in the liver?

Albumin, which helps keep fluids within and transports substances through the circulatory system. Hormones. Maintenance of normal blood glucose (sugar) levels. Many disorders of the liver can ultimately damage the organ and reduce its function, including: Infections — bacterial, viral, fungal, protozoal, parasitic.

Does low sodium help with liver disease?

When ascites (fluid retention in the abdomen) is a problem, a very low sodium diet will help prevent worsening of the condition. Owners need to work closely with their veterinarians not only when cats are first diagnosed with liver disease, but at regular intervals to continue to provide the nutrition necessary for the longest, healthiest life possible.

Our question this week was

Dr. Debra – My cat was diagnosed with Hepatic Lipidosis. He won't eat on his own, so I have been feeding him with syringe Hills a/d canned cat food. Any ideas how I can get him to eat on his own? And what should I feed him?

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. You wrote that your cat was recently diagnosis with hepatic lipidosis. As you may know, Hepatic lipidosis (also known as fatty liver disease) is a syndrome characterized by an accumulation of excessive amounts of lipid (fat) within the cells of the liver, abnormal bile flow within the liver, and impaired liver function.

What does it mean when a cat has fatty liver?

While it sounds scary, hepatic lipidosis simply means that there is inappropriate fat infiltration into the liver. Often known by the laymen’s term “fatty liver,” this disease occurs when cats — especially obese cats — go without food for a few days.

Why does my cat lose appetite?

Introduction of a new pet (e.g., dogs or cats) which causes environmental stress and may result in your cat’s sudden loss of appetite. Stressful situations (e.g., visiting guests who live in your house for a few days, scaring your cat away)

Why do cats need an aspirate?

An aspirate is necessary to help rule out other causes of jaundice in cats, such as cholangiohepatitis, pancreatitis, gall bladder stones, cancer (specifically lymphosarcoma ), inflammatory bowel disease, or even certain toxins. Treatment typically requires 24/7 care for several days to include the following: IV fluids to help treat dehydration.

Can cats have hepatic lipidosis?

When it comes to hepatic lipidosis, the sooner you diagnose it, the less expensive – and less deadly – it can be for your cat! If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

Can you force a cat to change diet?

You should never force your cat to go “cold turkey” and change your cat’s diet acutely. As we all know cats don’t tolerate sudden change well, and diet changes should always be transitioned slowly over several days to weeks.

Can hepatic lipidosis be treated?

Untreated, hepatic lipidosis can result in liver failure and death, so it must be aggressively treated by your veterinarian. Thankfully, the prognosis can be excellent with intravenous (IV) fluids, proper nutritional supplementation, and supportive care, but keep in mind that it can be extremely costly to treat.

What is the best liver for cats?

Benefits of chicken liver for cats. Chicken livers contain several nutrients, which include iron, folic acid, vitamins A, B, C and D, copper and protein.

How much liver should a cat have?

The cat’s diet should not contain more than 5-10% liver.

What is the best food for a cat recovering from surgery?

Veterinarians will sometimes prescribe a bland diet for a cat who is recovering from an illness or surgery, particularly relating to his gastrointestinal tract. Boiled chicken breast is usually recommended as it is bland, easy to digest and most cats love it. Chicken necks are great for your cat’s dental hygiene.

Why do cats stop eating?

Cats who stop eating are at risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), a life-threatening disease that occurs when cats (especially those who are overweight) go without food for several days. The body sends fat to the liver as an alternate source, which overwhelms its ability to function.

How to cook chicken for a cat?

How to cook chicken for your cat. Chicken can be boiled, steamed or cooked in the oven. Do not add seasoning or herbs to the meat. Cook the chicken whole or cut it up into pieces. Whole chicken will take longer to cook than chopped chicken.

Is chicken liver good for cats?

Chicken liver is good for cats in small quantities, but too much chicken liver can cause vitamin A toxicosis.

Can cats eat fried chicken?

I have given my own cats leftovers from a roast chicken, but make sure it isn’t overly seasoned and remove all bones. I don’t recommend feeding your cat fried chicken.