Pancreatitis in Cats: What Every Owner Should Know

Pancreatitis is a serious medical condition that can have severe consequences, including death. This illness isn’t limited to humans, but it also affects animals, like cats and dogs. Fortunately, only 2% of cats, regardless of sex or breed, are affected by it. However, for the unfortunate few who do get it, pancreatitis in cats can be quite dangerous if left untreated.

According to Dr. Richard Goldstein, an Associate Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, your cat can develop a sudden case of acute cat pancreatitis for no clear and apparent reason. He explains that your feline companion could have a normal functioning pancreas, and suddenly pancreatitis emerges (with three possible results).

1. Your cat recovers completely and will never suffer another attack
2. Chronic cat pancreatitis
3. Sudden death

Keep reading to know more about causes, symptoms, and possible treatments of both types of feline pancreatitis.

Table of Contents

What is feline pancreatitis?

In a cat with pancreatitis, the pancreatic enzymes are immediately activated before traveling down the pancreatic duct (duodenum). This results in the digestion of the pancreas, itself.

When the pancreas is inflamed, it will most likely inflame other organs, like the liver and intestines. This is because the digestive enzymes spill into the abdominal cavity. VCA Hospitals explain that this condition is often referred to as “triaditis.”

What triggers pancreatitis in cats?

Dr. Richard Goldstein cites a defect in a cat’s natural defense mechanism as a possible reason. Other than that, the following are some possible causes of feline pancreatitis.

• Fatty diet
• Ingestion of insecticides or toxins
• Physical trauma that may come from being struck by a car
• Toxoplasmosis
• Feline infectious peritonitis
• Adverse drug reaction
• IBD Inflammatory Bowel Disorder
• Liver diseases
• Parasitic infection

According to Veterinary Planner, acute cat pancreatitis can also occur alongside (IBS) Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome and Cholangiohepatitis.

As you can see, there are several beliefs as to why, but nothing concrete which is why Dr. Goldstein maintains the specific cause of cat pancreatitis remains unknown.