Symptoms

• Almost all cats that develop fatty liver disease are obese. A stressful event may trigger decreased appetite and weight loss over a number of weeks. Sometimes jaundice--a yellowing of the eyes--occurs. They may also appear depressed and lethargic.
  
  

Causes

• Obesity is a factor in fatty liver disease. According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at University of Georgia, most cases have no identifiable cause.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Fatty liver is life threatening; it must be diagnosed by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will take a history and perform a physical exam. The level of liver enzymes is tested from blood. A liver biopsy may be performed to provide a definitive diagnosis.
  
  

Treatment

• In most cases, intensive veterinary care is required. The veterinarian will insert a feeding tube into the cat's neck, throat or stomach. The tube will remain in for at least a week. After the feeding tube is removed, a high protein diet must be fed to the cat.
  
  

Risk Factor

• Cats that are overweight and suddenly stop eating--or are fed a diet that is very low in calories--can develop the disease.