Cirrhosis of the liver is a generalised formation of scar tissue. It’s caused by long-term liver damage and prevents the liver from working properly. The liver is incredibly good at coping with damage, but if less than 20% of the liver remains functional, the disease becomes terminal. Cirrhosis can occur in cats in response to a number of different causes. 

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Why is the liver so important?

The liver is a vital organ and has a direct blood supply to the gut. It helps remove toxins and waste products from the digestive system and assists with digestion and the regulation of the body’s energy stores. It’s also involved in the production of hormones and proteins and is a key part of the body’s immune system. Because of its job protecting the body, the liver is often on the frontline in dealing with any potential poisons or harmful toxins. Perhaps because their diets are more restricted, cats haven’t developed livers that are as robust as ours. This makes cats more susceptible to liver damage.  

Causes of liver cirrhosis in cats

Damage to the liver may lead to the process of cirrhosis, with healthy liver tissue being replaced by scarring. Diseases like cancer and infections that cause hepatitis may damage the liver and lead to liver cirrhosis. It’s also possible for toxins and certain medications to cause cirrhosis. 

Signs your cat may have liver damage

These can be vague, but generally you might notice:

  • Your cat having less energy than usual and sleeping or hiding more often.
  • Your cat going off their food, which can lead to weight loss. 
  • They may be drinking more water than usual, and subsequently needing to urinate more often.
  • They may have tummy trouble and have bouts of vomiting or diarrhoea. 
  • Their tummy may seem swollen.
  • Their gums may have a yellowish tinge, which you might also notice affecting the whites or lining of the eye. 
  • They may be behaving out of sorts, pacing, circling, or wobbling, and for some cats with liver disease, they may have seizures.  
  • Problems with blood clotting, and a tendency to bleed for longer than is normal. 

How is cirrhosis diagnosed?

Cirrhosis can be detected by scanning the liver using ultrasound, CT, or MRI, to look for changes in the liver’s structure that might indicate scarring. It can also be diagnosed by passing a needle into the liver to take a small biopsy, performed under anaesthetic. 

Before this, blood tests to look for signs of liver damage are a good place to start investigations. Blood tests can also be performed to help assess liver function and to look for the presence of inflammation or infection. 

Can cirrhosis be treated?

The good news is that treating the underlying cause of the cirrhosis will usually stop the progression of the disease. This might mean stopping a medication that has been putting too much pressure on the liver or treating a liver infection with antibiotics. 

To get your cat back on their feet, they’ll usually need a little help in the form of intravenous fluids, pain relief and nursing to help get them eating again. Some cats might need a feeding tube in order to help them get the right nutrition while they are convalescing. Certain drugs and nutraceuticals may be prescribed to help support the function of the liver, such as Vitamin K, ursodeoxycholic acid, silybin, and s-adenosylmethionine. They may also benefit from eating a prescription liver diet.

What’s the prognosis?

The prognosis for your cat depends on how much of the liver has been affected, and whether the underlying cause for the damage can be treated effectively. Catching the disease early gives your cat the best chance of making a full recovery, so look out for any of those subtle early signs and speak to your vet if you are at all concerned.