Cats that have jaundice develop a yellowish color to their skin, gums, and the whites of their eyes because of deposits of bile pigment in their body tissues. Jaundice occurs when the body has too much of a substance called bilirubin, which comes from red blood cells that have been processed by the spleen, the liver, and by bone marrow. In a normal cat, the liver will absorb, metabolize, and excrete this bilirubin through the bile duct system. Problems occur and jaundice results when too much bilirubin is being produced, when the liver is not able to adequately process the bilirubin, or when excretion of the bilirubin is prohibited.
Jaundice, which is not a disease but a symptom of many different diseases, can make already existing liver disease worse. It can result in an obstruction to the flow of bile, in kidney damage, and even in comas and disorders of the nervous system. Many cats will require hospitalization during diagnosis and treatment. Following hospitalization, the owner may need to provide intensive at-home nursing care.
Depending on the cause of the jaundice and the severity of the illness, the liver may be able to repair itself. Some cats, however, will never recover from the disease that causes the jaundice.
