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My old cat with liver issues won't eat. Should I consider euthanasia?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 13 years and 10 months old

My cat was diagnosed with high liver enzymes and was on a drip in hospital. He came home to me on Saturday and hasn't eaten since. He is drinking and weeing still but just sleeping all day and can barely walk (only a few steps) he had lost lots of weight beforehand and wasn't diagnosed quickly (he's always been overweight) my partner wants to keep trying him on a drip but the vet seems reluctant and I feel it may be best to let him go peacefully at home. He's about 14 years old. Please advise?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 22nd, 2017

Poor guy. It is tough when you are in these situations where you are deciding on continued care (which isn’t 100% guarantees to work) or Humane euthanasia. Unfortunately we don’t have enough information about your cats particular case to help you decide things here. Perhaps a consultation would be best to comb through all of the details such as lab work findings (even seeing the normals is quite helpful), medications tried so far, and his physical exam findings would also be helpful.
But generally speaking if your pet is ill from liver disease, which can be any condition such as hepatitis, hepatic lipidosis (carries a poorer prognosis unless aggressive treatment is implemented including a feeding tube in most situations), liver cancer or even gallbladder disease can cause elevated liver enzymes, then it’s best fo an abdominal ultrasound to determine what specific liver condition is present. The prognosis of your pet should be determined by your vet and then carefully considered when determining if continued care should be done or if Humane euthanasia is the better option. I hope this helps and best wishes moving forward with a good decision regarding Elmo’s care.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    It sounds like Elmo has hepatic lipidosis. The only way to help is to keep him on the drip and have a feeding tube placed so that he gets nutrition. This syndrome can be reversed (if this is what he has and if there are no other contributing factors). I cannot diagnose over the internet but that is what is sounds like he has going on.

    http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1455

    If you cannot do this treatment then I suggest you have him humanely euthanized. I am sure he is suffering so passing at home will not be peaceful and actually, in my opinion, is cruel. Just because cats don't complain like we would does not mean he is not suffering.

    I am sorry you are dealing with this. If you have more questions feel free to post again. Best wishes.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Eryn Taormina, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 14th, 2018

    Hi there. I'm sorry to hear about the kitty. There can be different causes of liver failure in cats. Some require medications, and in other cases, the cat may just need to eat to make himself feel better. Without examining him myself, or knowing what the situation is 100%, I couldn't say for sure which condition Little Bit is battling, or if he's painful, etc. I would say, though, if you do have concerns, I'm sure the vet would be willing to talk to you about it his case. Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's the best way to learn! If it's any consolation, I did have a kitty at an animal shelter once, who was in liver failure from fatty liver disease. He was stressed and stopped eating. He went on for several weeks with just supportive care and one day he just ate! He felt so much better after that and went on to be adopted to a good home. The food he finally decided to eat was the seafood flavored Weruva brand canned food. Best of luck!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My cat is dying from liver failure, not eating. What are my options?
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My cat won't eat. Can I syringe feed for suspected hepatic lipidosis?
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My senior cat won't eat, drink, or use the litter box. What's wrong?
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My cat stopped eating, has high liver enzymes. Is syringe feeding okay or emergency?
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