We propose a definition of deformed symmetrizable generalized Cartan matrices with several deformation parameters, which admit a categorical interpretation by graded modules over the generalized preprojective algebras in the sense of Geiß-Leclerc-Schröer. Using the categorical interpretation, we deduce a combinatorial formula for the inverses of our deformed Cartan matrices in terms of braid group actions. Under a certain condition, which is satisfied in all the symmetric cases or in all the finite and affine cases, our definition coincides with that of the mass-deformed Cartan matrices introduced by Kimura-Pestun in their study of quiver W-algebras.