Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Chronic pancreatitis is long-term inflammation of the pancreas. In cats, signs are often vague: poor appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and sometimes vomiting. It’s often found alongside inflammatory bowel disease and liver inflammation (“triaditis”), and it can contribute to diabetes and poor digestion over time. Treatment focuses on pain relief, nausea control, keeping your cat eating, and managing related conditions.
Signs
- Poor or fluctuating appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy or hiding
- Vomiting (less common than in dogs)
- Diarrhea
- Yellow gums or eyes if the liver is involved
Diagnosis
- Bloodwork, including a feline pancreatic lipase test (fPLI)
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Vitamin B12 and folate levels
- Tests for diabetes and liver disease
- Sometimes biopsy
No single test is perfect. Vets combine results with your cat’s signs.
Treatment
- Pain relief
- Anti-nausea medication such as maropitant
- Appetite support: appetite stimulants, and feeding tubes for cats that won’t eat
- Fluids during flare-ups
- Vitamin B12 supplementation if low
- Treating related conditions, such as IBD or cholangitis
- Anti-inflammatory medication in some cats
- Pancreatic enzymes if exocrine pancreatic insufficiency develops
Diet
Unlike dogs, cats with pancreatitis don’t generally need a low-fat diet. A highly digestible diet your cat will eat is the priority. Avoid long periods without food.
Home care
- Offer small, frequent, warm meals.
- Track appetite and weight.
- Give medications as prescribed.
When to call your vet
Call if your cat eats little or nothing for more than a day, vomits repeatedly, becomes lethargic, or has yellow gums.
What to avoid
- Letting your cat go without food, which risks fatty liver disease
- Human pain relievers
Sources
- Forman MA, et al. ACVIM consensus statement on pancreatitis in cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2021
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Pancreatitis in cats
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Pancreatitis
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.