Cause
There are several diseases, as well as environmental stressors, that can lead to hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver syndrome. Examples of diseases that may lead to hepatic lipidosis include diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, cancer, and kidney disease. In general, though, fatty liver syndrome will result when an obese cat stops eating. Without adequate nutrition, the body's fat stores are mobilized to the liver, leading to excessive accumulation in the liver cells. This excessive accumulation causes a disruption in normal cellular functions, leading to liver failure. Although reasons and underlying diseases vary, any obese cat that stops eating for several days or more is at great risk for developing fatty liver syndrome.