Gall Bladder Disease in Cats
What are the signs of gallbladder disease in cats?
Gall bladder disease in cats refers to conditions affecting the gall bladder and the flow of bile, which helps digest fats. Problems can include inflammation of the gall bladder (cholecystitis), blockage of the bile ducts, and inflammatory conditions such as cholangitis (affecting the bile ducts) and cholangiohepatitis (affecting the bile ducts and liver).
Gall bladder disease in cats may occur on its own but can also be associated with conditions affecting the liver or pancreas. Severity can range from mild illness to more serious disease, and early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference to outcome.
Gall Bladder Disease in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Symptoms of gall bladder disease in cats can vary depending on the cause and severity, but may include:
Reduced appetite or refusing food
Lethargy or hiding more than usual
Abdominal discomfort
Weight loss
Fever
Jaundice (yellowing of the gums, eyes or skin)
Some cats may show only vague signs at first, such as being quieter than usual.
Contact your vet if your cat develops vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal discomfort or any signs of jaundice, as these can indicate gall bladder or liver disease.
Seek urgent veterinary attention if your cat seems very unwell, has repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, collapse, or develops a swollen abdomen, as some gall bladder problems can become emergencies.
Your vet may recommend a physical examination, blood tests and imaging such as ultrasound to help diagnose gall bladder disease. Ultrasound is often particularly useful for assessing the gall bladder and bile ducts.
Additional tests may sometimes be needed to look for underlying causes or related conditions affecting the liver or pancreas.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
Mild cases may be managed with supportive care such as fluids, medications to control vomiting, pain relief and drugs to support liver and bile function.
More serious cases, especially where there is obstruction or significant inflammation, may require hospitalisation and in some cases surgery.
Prompt treatment is important to reduce the risk of complications and improve recovery.
Not all gall bladder disease in cats can be prevented. However, maintaining a healthy body weight, feeding a balanced diet and managing any underlying medical conditions may help reduce risk.
Regular veterinary check-ups and prompt investigation of ongoing digestive signs can also help identify problems earlier.
The outlook for cats with gall bladder disease varies depending on the underlying cause and how quickly treatment is started.
Mild cases may respond well to medical management, while more severe disease may require hospitalisation or surgery. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment generally improve the chance of a good outcome.
Written by Gillian Burkhill, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published July 2026 | Review date July 2029 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet