I'm really worried and could use some advice. My 5-year-old tabby, Simba, has suddenly started looking yellow—like, his skin and the whites of his eyes have this yellow tint. I first noticed something was off when he seemed more sluggish than usual and wasn't as interested in his food. Now this yellowing has me freaked out. A friend mentioned it might be jaundice, but I'm not sure what that means for a cat or what could be causing it. I haven't been able to get him to the vet yet because they're packed, and it’s hard to find an appointment. Has anyone experienced something similar with their cats? What should I do in the meantime? I'm just really anxious about my fur baby, and any guidance would be appreciated.
Thanks for reaching out with your concern. Seeing your cat's skin or eyes turn yellow, known as jaundice, can be worrying. Jaundice occurs when there's an excess of bilirubin, a pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. This may indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or red blood cell destruction, among other issues.
There are a variety of reasons this might be happening. In cats, liver disease can occur from fatty liver syndrome, infections, or toxins. Likewise, an obstruction in the bile duct, which can be caused by gallstones or inflammation, might lead to jaundice. Lastly, if your cat's red blood cells are being destroyed too rapidly, it might be due to an immune disorder or infection.
At home, restricting stress and ensuring your cat has access to water and small, frequent meals can help support liver function. However, treatment will depend on the underlying cause, often requiring diagnostics and veterinary care.
Watch for signs like reduced appetite, vomiting, lethargy, or changes in behavior, as these could signify a more serious issue demanding immediate attention.
I'd recommend setting up a video consult with Dial A Vet as soon as possible. This will allow us to delve deeper into your cat's symptoms and decide on the best course of action. Looking forward to helping your furry friend feel better soon!
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