Pancreatitis is incredibly uncomfortable. That's why hiding and lethargy are two key symptoms. | 📸 by greyloch
The essentials
- Pancreatitis in cats is common — It may be acute or chronic (recurring) and range from mild to severe.
- The symptoms are nonspecific — Look out for a loss of energy and appetite, with or without vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Try to get them eating — Nutrients are essential to recovery. Not eating can make matters worse and lead to severe complications.
Protecting your cat’s health means staying aware of potential problems, including pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas is common in cats, but it can sometimes be tricky to identify. Symptoms may be subtle and nonspecific (often resembling other illnesses), especially in cats who are masters at hiding discomfort.
Let’s explore what pet parents should know about feline pancreatitis, including the signs to watch for and why quickly seeking veterinary care is essential.
What is pancreatitis?
The pancreas is a small but vital organ near your cat’s stomach. It has two main functions: endocrine and exocrine. The endocrine function uses special cells to produce insulin and glucagon, which are hormones necessary to control blood sugar. The exocrine function produces a liquid filled with digestive enzymes that pass through the pancreas into the small intestine, which aids in the digestion of fats, carbs, and proteins.
Normally, the digestive enzymes made by the pancreas are inactive until they reach the small intestine.
However, during pancreatitis, these enzymes become active inside the pancreas, causing irritation, inflammation, and even self-digestion of the pancreatic and surrounding tissues. This type of pancreatic inflammation is what we all know as pancreatitis. It’s a common, painful condition in cats that, in severe cases, can lead to bleeding, shock, or death if not treated promptly.
The difference between chronic and acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly in cats with no history of the condition. Chronic pancreatitis generally involves lower-grade inflammation that recurs over time and requires ongoing vet care.
Whether your cat has come down with an acute case of pancreatitis or has battled symptoms for years, there are steps to take to better understand and prevent it from interfering with your cat’s well-being.
Symptoms of pancreatitis in cats
In dogs and people, pancreatitis is associated with significant nausea and abdominal pain. Cats with pancreatitis, however, often show vague, nonspecific signs of disease, making it tricky to diagnose. The most consistent signs of pancreatitis in cats are lethargy and loss of appetite. Pet parents may also notice the following:
- Lethargy (lack of energy and alertness)
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain (seen in 25% of cats with pancreatitis )
- Vomiting (seen in 35% of cats with pancreatitis)
- Diarrhea or soft stool
- Weight loss
- Dehydration (sunken eyes, dry/tacky gums, prolonged skin tent)
- Fever or lower-than-normal body temperature
Cats with chronic pancreatitis may have recurrent flare-ups or consistent low-grade symptoms that wax and wane.
Causes of pancreatitis in cats
This is another area where pancreatitis in cats differs from other species. In dogs (and people), a high-fat diet or consumption of fatty table scraps is a risk factor for developing pancreatitis. Yet, in our feline friends, over 95% of cases of pancreatitis have no obvious underlying cause. The following risk factors may contribute in some cases.
- Infections such as toxoplasma gondii or feline distemper
- Underlying diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease , pancreatic cancer, or diabetes
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Ingestion of organophosphate insecticide or certain medications
- Obesity
How vets diagnose pancreatitis
Diagnosing pancreatitis in cats can be challenging. Your veterinarian will begin with a thorough medical history and nose-to-tail physical exam, checking for abdominal tenderness and other potential abnormalities.
Blood tests are another important aspect of diagnosing pancreatitis. Your vet will look for elevated pancreatic enzymes or other abnormalities, such as elevated white blood cells, that can suggest pancreatitis.
A specialized blood test called Spec FPL (specific feline pancreatic lipase) is more specific for the condition, although it is still not always accurate. Your vet can run this test in the clinic while you wait, helping to provide a diagnosis quickly. Another test, PrecisionPSL (pancreatic sensitive lipase), can be run at a laboratory to provide additional information about pancreatic health.
Your vet may recommend an abdominal ultrasound to get a visual picture of the pancreas and surrounding organs. While an ultrasound can help identify pancreatic inflammation, sometimes the pancreas might appear normal.
In some cases, obtaining a biopsy for analysis may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis. However, this is generally only considered if other tests are inconclusive and a cat isn’t responding well to treatment.
Treating your cat’s pancreatitis
Treatment of pancreatitis focuses on supportive care, managing symptoms, and preventing complications. Depending on the severity, this might include hospitalization and IV fluids to manage dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, pain medications to keep your cat comfortable, anti-nausea medications to control vomiting and nausea, and appetite stimulants to help get them eating again.
Nutritional support is essential. Cats who start eating sooner generally have better outcomes. Offering a bland, easily digestible diet followed by a carefully planned long-term diet is ideal if possible, but if your cat is a picky eater they may be more comfortable eating their regular diet. If your cat is not eating, your vet will recommend placing a feeding tube .
In some cases, veterinarians may recommend additional medications such as steroids, antibiotics, and vitamin B12 supplementation. If there is an underlying disease process identified, this will require treatment as well.
Complications of pancreatitis
Pancreatitis can lead to serious complications, especially in severe or recurrent cases. This may include:
- Diabetes. Pancreatitis can damage the cells in the pancreas responsible for insulin production, leading to high blood sugar and diabetes mellitus. Cats with preexisting diabetes may also be more likely to develop pancreatitis.
- Triaditis . This condition involves simultaneous inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), liver (cholangiohepatitis), and intestines (inflammatory bowel disease). It occurs when pancreatic enzymes spill out into the abdomen and requires intensive veterinary care.
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). In some cases, damage to the pancreas can affect the production of digestive enzymes, requiring lifelong enzyme supplementation and dietary adjustments to aid digestion.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). Pancreatitis is a key risk factor for the development of DIC. Though less common, this life-threatening condition affects the blood clotting system, leading to abnormal bleeding and clotting throughout the body.
- Fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis). Hepatic lipidosis is a type of liver failure that can occur anytime a cat stops eating (or eats very little), for even just a few days. When this happens, the cat’s body mobilizes stored fat to compensate for the decreased food intake, overwhelming the liver and causing irreversible damage.
🚨Hepatic lipidosis is a medical emergency. It is more common in cats who are overweight or obese. Pet owners may notice a yellow hue in their eyes, gums, and skin. Get your cat to an emergency vet as soon as possible for treatment, which involves fluids and aggressive nutritional support, generally through a feeding tube.
Management and prevention of feline pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a fickle thing in cats — it can happen spontaneously for reasons we don’t completely understand, and it can go away (or come back) just as quickly. The outlook for cats with pancreatitis varies greatly. Mild cases generally respond well to treatment, while severe cases might lead to complications like diabetes or permanent pancreatic damage. Luckily, most cats who receive prompt and appropriate treatment recover without long-term consequences.
If your cat has a history of pancreatitis or intestinal problems, be diligent when it comes to their behavior. If they eat less than usual or behave differently, take them in for a checkup. It’s also important to keep your cat on any prescription food or medications that your vet has recommended to prevent a flare-up of pancreatitis in the future.
Otherwise, maintain proper nutrition and body condition by feeding WSAVA-compliant food and avoiding any table scraps or fatty foods. Lastly, stress reduction may play a role in preventing certain feline diseases, including pancreatitis.
Remember, if you suspect your cat has pancreatitis, seeking veterinary care promptly is crucial for the fastest and best possible recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pancreatitis in cats serious?
Yes, pancreatitis in cats can be a serious condition, especially if severe or left untreated. In the worst cases, it can be life-threatening or lead to long-term complications. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery.
Can you treat pancreatitis in cats at home?
A vet should always examine cats with symptoms of pancreatitis. Sometimes, your vet may recommend outpatient treatment, such as medications and subcutaneous fluids that you can give at home. In more severe cases, hospitalization will be required initially.
Is there a cure for pancreatitis?
There is no cure specific for pancreatitis. However, with proper treatment and management, most cats can recover and go on to live healthy lives. Supportive treatment involves managing dehydration, pain, nausea, and nutritional needs. Chronic pancreatitis may require lifelong dietary changes and medication.
What are the warning signs of pancreatitis in cats?
Symptoms of feline pancreatitis include lethargy and loss of appetite. These symptoms may be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and dehydration. Signs can be vague, so it’s essential to see your vet immediately if your cat shows any of them.
What is the life expectancy for a cat with pancreatitis?
The life expectancy of a cat with pancreatitis varies greatly depending on the severity of the condition, if complications develop, and how well the cat responds to treatment. Luckily, most cats live normal lives after recovering from pancreatitis.
