Gallbladder conditions in cats

Gallbladder disease is less common in cats than in dogs, but when it occurs it is often serious and may require surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).

Important feline gallbladder disorders include:

• Cholecystitis (infection/inflammation)

• Gallbladder mucoceles (rare but increasingly recognised)

• Gallstones (cholelithiasis)

• Bile duct obstruction

• Gallbladder rupture (life-threatening emergency)

Because feline gallbladder disease tends to progress rapidly and cats can deteriorate quickly, surgery is often recommended earlier than in dogs.

Cats live normally without a gallbladder, just like dogs.