The yellow discoloration inside your cat's mouth, especially on their gums, is a critical symptom of jaundice, indicating an underlying health issue that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Understanding Jaundice in Cats
Jaundice, also known as icterus, is not a disease itself but rather a sign that there's an excessive buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream and tissues. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that forms when red blood cells are broken down. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and excretes it from the body. When this process is disrupted, bilirubin accumulates, leading to a yellow tint in various tissues.
Where Else to Spot Jaundice
While the inside of your cat's mouth, particularly the gums, is often one of the easiest places to notice yellow discoloration, you might also observe it in other areas:
- The whites of their eyes (sclera)
- The inside of their ears
- Their skin, though this can be harder to see in cats with dense fur.
Common Causes of Jaundice
The presence of jaundice in a cat suggests a serious problem affecting the liver, red blood cells, or bile ducts. These conditions interfere with the normal processing and elimination of bilirubin.
Some of the primary causes include:
- Liver Disease:
- Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease): A common and severe condition where fat accumulates in the liver, often seen in overweight cats that stop eating.
- Cholangitis/Cholangiohepatitis: Inflammation of the bile ducts and/or liver.
- Liver Cancer: Tumors within the liver can impede its function.
- Toxicity: Exposure to certain medications or toxins can damage the liver.
- Red Blood Cell Destruction (Hemolytic Anemia):
- Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA): The cat's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own red blood cells.
- Blood Parasites: Infections like Mycoplasma hemofelis can cause red blood cell destruction.
- Toxins: Ingesting certain substances, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or onion, can damage red blood cells.
- Bile Duct Obstruction:
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can block the bile duct that passes through it.
- Gallstones: Though less common in cats, stones can form and obstruct bile flow.
- Tumors: Growths in or around the bile ducts can create blockages.
Recognizing Other Accompanying Symptoms
Jaundice is usually accompanied by other signs that indicate your cat is unwell. Observing these additional symptoms can help your veterinarian diagnose the underlying cause.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Lethargy | Unusual tiredness, decreased activity, or prolonged sleeping. |
| Loss of Appetite | Refusal to eat or a significant reduction in food intake. |
| Vomiting | Expelling stomach contents. |
| Diarrhea | Loose or watery stools. |
| Weight Loss | Noticeable decrease in body mass over time. |
| Dark Urine | Urine may appear dark yellow or orange due to excess bilirubin. |
| Pale Stools | Feces may be light-colored or clay-like if bile flow is severely obstructed. |
Why Immediate Veterinary Attention is Crucial
A yellow mouth in your cat is a veterinary emergency. Jaundice indicates a serious health problem that can rapidly worsen without prompt diagnosis and treatment. Delaying care can lead to severe organ damage or even be fatal.
When you take your cat to the vet, they will likely perform:
- A thorough physical examination.
- Blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia and a biochemistry panel to assess liver function and bilirubin levels.
- Urinalysis.
- Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound of the abdomen, to visualize the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
- In some cases, further diagnostics like liver biopsies or specialized blood tests may be recommended to pinpoint the exact cause.
Treatment will focus on addressing the underlying condition causing the jaundice, which could range from supportive care, fluid therapy, medications, or even surgery, depending on the diagnosis.
For more detailed information on feline health issues, consider resources like the Cornell Feline Health Center or VCA Animal Hospitals.
