An 8-year-old male neutered British Shorthair cat, weighing 5.12 kg, was referred for chronic mild inappetence, lethargy, bilirubinuria, weight loss and icterus. Diagnostic imaging and serum biochemistry suggested a partial biliary tract obstruction caused by an enlarged pancreas. An exploratory laparotomy was scheduled to perform biopsies of the liver, pancreas and duodenum. Preanaesthetic medication included fentanyl (10 μg kg