How does feline pancreatitis occur?

Feline pancreatitis is generally caused by factors such as pancreatic duct obstruction, biliary disease, and immunodeficiency. Long-term consumption of high-protein or high-fat foods, parasite infections, tumors, and hypercalcemia may cause pancreatic duct obstruction.

Secondly, the openings of the bile duct and the pancreatic duct are close to each other. Inflammation caused by biliary diseases can easily infect the pancreas, leading to pancreatitis. Lastly, if a cat's immune system is low, bacterial or viral infections can lead to severe pancreatic infections and cause pancreatitis.

Pancreatic Duct Obstruction

When cats consume high-protein and high-fat foods such as fatty meat for a long time, the pancreas cannot secrete insulin normally, resulting in pancreatic duct obstruction. Severe parasite infections can also cause the worm to migrate to the pancreas and block the duct. In addition, tumors, local ischemia, hypercalcemia, and high triglycerides can also lead to pancreatic duct obstruction.

After the pancreatic duct is obstructed, increased pressure inside the duct occurs, causing the pancreatic bubbles to rupture and leak enzymes, thereby triggering acute pancreatitis in cats.

Therefore, pet owners should pay attention to their cat's diet and feed them light foods. If the cat food at home has a high protein content, it is best to switch or alternate with other cat foods. Also, remember to deworm your cat regularly to prevent parasite infections.

Biliary Disease

Since the openings of the bile duct and the pancreatic duct are close to each other, if a cat suffers from biliary inflammation, cholangitis, or inflammatory bowel disease, the inflammation can easily spread to the pancreas and lead to pancreatitis.

Immunodeficiency

When a cat's immune system is weak, or during vaccination or deworming periods, their resistance to bacteria and viruses decreases. At this time, if the cat eats dirty food or comes into contact with animals or items containing viruses, infections can occur. As the infection worsens within the body, it can lead to secondary pancreatic infections and result in pancreatitis.