Pancreatitis in cats
Also known as Inflamed pancreas.
Inflammation of the pancreas, which in cats is almost always chronic with vague signs. It often comes with gut and liver problems (so-called triaditis).
More than 24–48 hours without eating always warrants a vet visit.
- System
- Digestive system
- Is it urgent?
- Not usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Diagnosis, €150–350; hospitalisation, €600–2,000.
Symptoms
- Stops eating
- Listlessness
- Vomiting, though not always
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain that is hard to spot
- Jaundice if the liver is involved
Causes
In most cases no clear cause is found. It is associated with intestinal disease, bile duct disease and diabetes.
How it is diagnosed
Feline-specific pancreatic lipase in the blood and abdominal ultrasound.
Treatment
In severe cases, hospitalisation with fluids, pain relief, anti-nausea treatment and early feeding, through a tube if needed.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Mild forms respond well; severe acute forms have a guarded outlook.
Prevention
There is no specific prevention. What matters is not letting a cat go days without eating.
Frequently asked questions
What causes pancreatitis?
In most cases no clear cause is found. It is associated with intestinal disease, bile duct disease and diabetes.
Can pancreatitis be cured?
Mild forms respond well; severe acute forms have a guarded outlook. In severe cases, hospitalisation with fluids, pain relief, anti-nausea treatment and early feeding, through a tube if needed.
How much does it cost to treat pancreatitis?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Diagnosis, €150–350; hospitalisation, €600–2,000. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
How can pancreatitis be prevented?
There is no specific prevention. What matters is not letting a cat go days without eating.
More in digestive system
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.