Feline hepatic lipidosis can occur because of nutritional, metabolic or toxic injury to the liver. I become very concerned when I see an overweight cat because of the potential for that cat to develop this disease. Most cats with feline hepatic lipidosis are older, overweight, and have gone through some stress which has caused a decrease or lack of appetite. Most cats with hepatic lipidosis become depressed and the decreased appetite continues over the course of days to weeks. Many cats, then, will have lost a considerable amount of weight before they are seen by a veterinarian.
Many cats lose a large amount of muscle mass.
Sporadic vomiting is common, as is jaundice . Some cats may develop hepatic encephalopathy , an abnormality of the brain function due to liver disease. These cats may appear to be more depressed and lethargic. On a physical exam the liver may or may not feel enlarged. Again, the veterinarian would note an overweight cat that has lost muscle mass.