TL;DR: Jaundice is a serious medical emergency in cats characterized by yellowing of the skin or eyes, often signaling advanced liver disease or anemia. Immediate veterinary attention is required, and providing a photo of the discoloration can help the triage team prioritize your cat's care.
What is jaundice or icterus in cats and what causes the yellowing?
Yellowing of the eyes, gums, or skin in cats is known as jaundice or icterus. This condition occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin—a yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells—circulating in the bloodstream. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin, but when the liver is diseased, overwhelmed, or if there is a blockage in the bile ducts, the pigment builds up and stains the tissues.
Is yellowing of my cat's skin, eyes, or gums considered a veterinary emergency?
- High-Urgency Condition: Visible yellowing is a medical emergency and a symptom of life-threatening issues such as liver failure, feline hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver), toxin ingestion, or severe anemia.
- Advanced Illness: Because cats excel at masking illness, visible jaundice often means the condition is already advanced.
- Immediate Care: Your cat requires immediate diagnostic testing and stabilization by a veterinarian to address the underlying cause.
How can taking a photo of my cat help the veterinary triage process?
- Baseline Documentation: Taking a clear photo of your cat's eyes, inner ears, or gums in natural lighting provides a baseline of the color intensity at home.
- In-Clinic Prioritization: Sharing this photo helps the triage team prioritize your cat's care, especially if their appearance changes under the stress of travel or clinic lighting.
- Equipment Preparation: Sending a photo ahead of time allows the vet to prepare necessary diagnostic equipment before you even enter the exam room.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Jaundiced cats with regenerative anemia should be evaluated for hemolytic disorders, including immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, Heinz body hemolysis, zinc toxicity, and hemotropic Mycoplasma. Jaundice (icterus) can also be caused by bile duct occlusion, ruptured biliary tract, intrahepatic cholestasis, impaired hepatobiliary bilirubin processing, and sepsis. Cats may present with jaundice, fever, lymphadenopathy, vomiting, inappetence, weight loss, and hepatomegaly. A decline in total bilirubin within the first 7-10 days of treatment is a positive prognostic indicator.
Chapter: Gastroenterology, Hematology, Toxicology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 435)