A Yellow Cat

Jaundice is identified by a distinct yellow colour to the skin and mucous membranes (gums). This is caused by an accumulation of a product called bilirubin in the blood and this can be as a result of an overload of bilirubin in the body or because the liver is unable to do its normal job of processing the product out of the body via the intestines. This particular cat has a normal liver but his body is attacking his own blood cells and breaking them down at a rapid rate, causing too much bilirubin to be present, at a level that the liver is unable to process quickly. The condition is called immune mediated haemolytic anaemia and often requires a blood transfusion as part of the therapy.