Hepatic lipidosis in cats simply means an inflamed and fatty liver. Hepatic translates as liver, lipid as fat and -isis as inflammation.

This is NOT a sign of a faulty system. It's a sign of a STRUGGLING system. You could call it an SOS message from the body.

A fatty liver is when excess fat deposits in the liver. This is not normal. In people, it is often  found it in those who drink excess alcohol, those who are overweight, those with diabetes or other metabolic syndromes.

In other words, the diet and environment is poor. Everyone is going to struggle in those scenarios and cats do, too.

Many cats today are overweight and an increasing number have diabetes. Luckily, we don't have to contend with alcoholism, but alcoholism does indicate chronic unhappiness, and that can't be ruled out with our cats.

This means fatty liver will mostly be restricted to obese cats or cats with diabetes. It can also occur when an unhealthy cat loses weight too quickly. 

Cats were never designed to be overweight. They are naturally slim, with a parallel looking body when viewed from above. This way, they are agile and can hunt more effectively and efficiently.

Diabetes is a totally a made condition. This means it is totally within our means to reverse it.

The major cause of every condition in cats is the terrible diet they consume. Commercial cat food can be held responsible for the decline in cats health since its invention. It's wrong in every conceivable way.

It can lead to poor mouth conditions making eating painful.

It can lead to organ failure making eating impossible because it cannot be processed.

Many of the symptoms of hepatic lipidosis in cats are similar to many other conditions, so listing them is inconclusive.

However there can be pain in the right side of the abdomen, and touch there could being on a swear, hiss or some other sign of resentment. Palpation could indicate liver enlargement.

There is likely to be a lack of appetite. Digestion takes up an enormous amount of energy and this is needed to help the body deal with the problem.

Do NOT try to force feed them. Respect their inbuilt wisdom.

Cats are very good at sleeping when not well. This relaxes the body and helps it to recover from all manner of mild and serious conditions.

So let them sleep.

Blood tests are inconclusive, but can show liver abnormalities. More invasive procedures can be more accurate such as an ultrasound or a liver biopsy. However, one needs to ask if they are really necessary. Invasive procedures cause a great deal of trauma, adding to an already overburdened cat.

Veterinary treatment is to force feed the cat during this time in an effort to prevent further loss of weight.

My approach is to examine why they are losing weight. By narrowing down possible causes, and taking the necessary action to remedy these, the cat will automatically start to eat as they feel better.

It's important to understand that cats are carnivores. Obligate carnivores at that. Carnivores are predators. Hunting involves catching someone who doesn't want to be caught. The prey are just as determined to live another day as a cat is to eat that day.

This means many hunts are unsuccessful. Probably much more than half.

From that, we can deduce that cats have adapted to go without food for long periods. Without losing the energy to hunt successfully another day.

A cat who chooses to fast is following a natural inbuilt strategy to heal themselves. Interrupting this is not in their best interests.

However, we don't want this to go on too long. One vet I trusted considered four days was an appropriate time before seeking help. I have increased this by a few days, but always watching and always trying to work out the why.

The very first thing to consider is something only you can do. And that is to feed your cat a natural, healthy diet.

The biologically appropriate diet for cats identical to the one they evolved on. That is, raw meat and bones.

There are many raw brands out there now, as the market is now, thankfully, growing as more people realise its value.

These can make the whole process easy. However, they can be expensive. And your cat may need a gentling in process, so may flatly refuse the food initially.

It can be much less expensive, much more nutritious to learn to make the food yourself. It is not difficult. It may take you a little time to understand it, as with anything new. 

And you have someone to help you through the transitional period, where people often feel guilty.