Pancreatitis in Cats: Symptoms, Bloodwork, Treatment (2026 Guide)
Pancreatitis in cats is inflammation of the pancreas causing lethargy, loss of appetite, and hiding. Unlike dogs, cats rarely vomit. Diagnosis uses the fPLI blood test (>5.4 μg/L indicates pancreatitis). Many cats have "triaditis" - concurrent liver and intestinal inflammation.
Your cat has stopped eating, seems unusually tired, and is hiding more than usual. These subtle signs could indicate pancreatitis - a condition that's notoriously difficult to detect in cats because they hide illness so well. Here's what you need to know about recognizing, diagnosing, and treating feline pancreatitis.
What Is Pancreatitis in Cats?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that produces digestive enzymes and insulin. When inflamed, digestive enzymes activate prematurely and begin digesting the pancreas itself, causing pain and systemic illness. Feline pancreatitis is often more subtle than canine pancreatitis and frequently occurs alongside other conditions.
Acute Pancreatitis: Sudden onset, can range from mild to life-threatening. May be a single episode or recurring.
Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-term, low-grade inflammation. May cause gradual weight loss and intermittent symptoms. Can lead to diabetes or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
Symptom Severity Assessment
- Slightly decreased appetite (eating >50%)
- Mild lethargy but still interactive
- No vomiting or diarrhea
- Still drinking water
Action: Vet visit within 24-48 hours
- Not eating for 24+ hours
- Hiding, withdrawn behavior
- Occasional vomiting
- Decreased water intake
- Weight loss noticed
Action: Same-day veterinary visit
- Complete food/water refusal (>48 hrs)
- Yellow gums or eyes (jaundice)
- Severe weakness, collapse
- Rapid or difficult breathing
- Cold ears and paws
- Unresponsive or barely responsive
Action: Emergency vet immediately
| Severity | Symptoms | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| 1Mild | Slightly decreased appetite, mild lethargy, still drinking | Vet visit within 24-48 hours |
| 2Moderate | Not eating 24+ hrs, hiding, occasional vomiting, weight loss | Same-day veterinary visit |
| 3Severe | Not eating/drinking 48+ hrs, jaundice, collapse, difficulty breathing | Emergency vet immediately |
Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Cats
Important: Cats are masters at hiding illness. Pancreatitis symptoms in cats are often subtle and easily missed. Any change in behavior warrants attention.
Classic Feline Pancreatitis Symptoms
Most Common Signs:
- Lethargy (decreased activity, sleeping more)
- Loss of appetite (partial or complete)
- Hiding (unusual withdrawal behavior)
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
Less Common Signs (but still important):
- Vomiting (only ~35% of cats with pancreatitis vomit)
- Diarrhea
- Fever or low body temperature
- Abdominal pain (hunched posture, reluctance to be touched)
- Difficulty breathing (if severe)
Emergency Signs (Go to ER Now):
- Yellow gums or whites of eyes (jaundice)
- Collapse or extreme weakness
- Not eating or drinking for 48+ hours
- Difficulty breathing
- Very low body temperature (cold to touch)
What Causes Pancreatitis in Cats?
Unlike dogs, where high-fat diets often trigger pancreatitis, most feline pancreatitis cases are idiopathic - meaning no clear cause is identified.
Possible Causes and Risk Factors:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Strongly associated with pancreatitis
- Cholangitis/Cholangiohepatitis: Liver/bile duct inflammation
- Trauma: Falls, accidents, surgical complications
- Infections: Toxoplasma, FIP, herpesvirus
- Medications: Some drugs may increase risk
- Organophosphate toxicity: Insecticide exposure
Understanding Triaditis
In cats, the pancreatic duct and bile duct share a common opening into the intestine. This anatomical feature means inflammation can easily spread between organs, leading to triaditis:
- Pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas
- Cholangitis - inflammation of the liver/bile ducts
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - inflammation of the intestines
Up to 50-56% of cats with pancreatitis also have IBD, and 32-50% have concurrent liver disease. Treatment must address all affected organs.
How Pancreatitis Is Diagnosed
Bloodwork for Pancreatitis
| Test | Normal Range | Pancreatitis Finding |
|---|---|---|
| fPLI (Spec fPL) | <3.5 μg/L | >5.4 μg/L = pancreatitis |
| Amylase & Lipase | Varies | NOT reliable in cats - often normal |
| Liver Values (ALT, ALP, Bilirubin) | See liver guide | Often elevated (triaditis) |
| Glucose | 74-159 mg/dL | May be high (stress or diabetes) |
| Kidney Values | See kidney guide | May be elevated (dehydration) |
Other Diagnostic Tests
- Abdominal Ultrasound: Can show pancreatic swelling, fluid, or abnormalities. However, may miss mild cases - a normal ultrasound doesn't rule out pancreatitis.
- SNAP fPL Test: Quick in-clinic screening test (results in 10 minutes). Positive results should be confirmed with full fPLI.
- X-rays: Less useful for pancreatitis but help rule out other causes.
- Intestinal Biopsies: May be recommended if IBD/triaditis suspected.
Managing your cat's pancreatitis?
Track fPLI levels and symptoms over time. Monitor recovery and watch for signs of triaditis or concurrent conditions.
Try VetLens FreeTreatment for Pancreatitis in Cats
Hospital Treatment (Moderate to Severe Cases)
- IV Fluid Therapy: Correct dehydration and maintain blood flow to pancreas
- Pain Management: Buprenorphine or other opioids - essential for recovery
- Anti-Nausea Medications: Maropitant (Cerenia), ondansetron
- Nutritional Support: Early feeding is now recommended (not fasting)
- Appetite Stimulants: Mirtazapine if not eating voluntarily
- Feeding Tube: If not eating for 3+ days
- Antibiotics: Only if secondary infection suspected
- Plasma Transfusion: In severe cases
Home Treatment (Mild Cases)
- Highly palatable, easily digestible food (prescription GI diet)
- Small, frequent meals to encourage eating
- Pain medication as prescribed
- Anti-nausea medication if needed
- Subcutaneous fluids if trained to give at home
- Quiet, stress-free environment
Treatment Approaches Compared
Supportive Care (Standard)
Triaditis Treatment
Dietary Management
Unlike dogs, cats with pancreatitis do NOT need a low-fat diet. The priority is getting your cat to eat.
Recommended Foods:
- Hill's Prescription Diet i/d (Digestive Care)
- Royal Canin Gastrointestinal
- Purina EN Gastroenteric
- Any highly palatable food your cat will eat
Feeding Tips:
- Warm food slightly to enhance aroma
- Offer small, frequent meals (4-6 times daily)
- Try different textures (pate vs chunks)
- Hand-feeding may help
- Reduce stress during mealtimes
Recovery Timeline
Days 1-3: Most critical period. Hospitalization for moderate-severe cases. Focus on fluids, pain control, and attempting to eat.
Days 3-7: Many cats start improving. Appetite gradually returning. May transition to home care.
Week 1-2: Continued improvement. Eating more normally. Energy levels increasing.
Week 2-4: Most cats feeling much better. Recheck bloodwork to confirm improvement.
Long-term: Monitor for recurrence. Manage any concurrent conditions (IBD, diabetes).
Complications to Watch For
- Diabetes Mellitus: Pancreatitis can damage insulin-producing cells. See Cat Diabetes Guide.
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): Chronic pancreatitis may reduce digestive enzyme production
- Hepatic Lipidosis: "Fatty liver" from not eating - another reason early feeding is crucial
- Chronic Pancreatitis: Recurring flare-ups requiring ongoing management
Prognosis
Mild Cases: Excellent prognosis with supportive care. Most cats fully recover.
Moderate Cases: Good prognosis with aggressive treatment. May need ongoing monitoring.
Severe/Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis: More guarded prognosis. Intensive care needed.
Triaditis: Requires comprehensive treatment but many cats do well with proper management.
Monitor Your Cat's Pancreatitis Recovery
Track progress with VetLens:
- Track fPLI levels over time
- Monitor for triaditis symptoms
- Log appetite and energy levels
- Share detailed reports with your vet
Related Reading
- Cat Liver Enzymes Explained - often elevated with triaditis
- Cat Diabetes: Blood Sugar Monitoring - potential complication
- How to Read Cat Blood Test Results - understand your cat's bloodwork
- Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats - another common senior cat condition
- Cat CBC Explained - understanding complete blood count
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of pancreatitis in cats?
Cat pancreatitis signs are often subtle: lethargy, hiding, loss of appetite, weight loss, and dehydration. Unlike dogs, cats rarely vomit with pancreatitis. Many cats show only decreased activity and refusing to eat.
Can pancreatitis kill a cat?
Yes, severe acute pancreatitis can be fatal in cats. However, most cases are mild to moderate and respond well to supportive care. Early detection and treatment significantly improve survival rates.
What causes pancreatitis in cats?
Most feline pancreatitis cases are idiopathic (unknown cause). Unlike dogs, high-fat diets rarely trigger pancreatitis in cats. Associated conditions include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cholangitis (liver inflammation), diabetes, and trauma.
How is pancreatitis diagnosed in cats?
Diagnosis uses the fPLI (feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity) blood test, which is the most specific test. Values above 5.4 μg/L suggest pancreatitis. Abdominal ultrasound can show pancreatic changes but may miss mild cases.
What is triaditis in cats?
Triaditis is the simultaneous inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), liver/bile ducts (cholangitis), and intestines (IBD). It occurs because these organs share a common duct in cats. Treatment addresses all three conditions.
How long does it take a cat to recover from pancreatitis?
Mild cases may improve in 3-5 days with treatment. Moderate cases require 1-2 weeks of care. Chronic pancreatitis may need ongoing management. Full recovery depends on severity and whether concurrent diseases are present.
What do you feed a cat with pancreatitis?
Unlike dogs, cats with pancreatitis don't need low-fat diets. Focus on highly digestible, palatable food to encourage eating. Prescription GI diets like Hill's i/d or Royal Canin Gastrointestinal are often recommended.
Can cats live a normal life with chronic pancreatitis?
Many cats with chronic pancreatitis live comfortably with proper management. This includes managing flare-ups, treating concurrent conditions (IBD, diabetes), regular monitoring, and appropriate nutrition. Quality of life can be excellent with proper care.
Is pancreatitis painful for cats?
Yes, pancreatitis causes abdominal pain in cats, though they hide it well. Signs of pain include hunched posture, reluctance to move, hiding, decreased grooming, and aggression when touched. Pain management is an important part of treatment.
What is the survival rate for cats with pancreatitis?
Most cats with mild to moderate pancreatitis survive with appropriate treatment. Severe acute pancreatitis has a more guarded prognosis. Cats with concurrent diseases (triaditis) may have longer recovery but can still do well with comprehensive treatment.