How Can You Tell if Your Cat is Battling Cancer?
2025. January 18 - Photos: Getty Images Hungary
2025. January 18 - Photos: Getty Images Hungary
A cat's body consists of millions of tiny cells that provide energy, contain DNA, and perform various functions, such as fighting infections. These cells divide, grow, and sometimes become damaged, leading to abnormal cell growth. This can result in the formation of a tumor. However, not all abnormal cell growth is malignant.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in cats, with approximately 30-40% of their tumors being malignant. The likelihood of cancer increases with age, and various types of cancer can affect our feline companions. The prognosis depends on the type, stage of the tumor, and the cat’s overall health.
Lymphoma: The most common type of cancer in cats, affecting lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell found throughout the body. It often involves the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and lymph nodes.
Mastocytoma: Tumors that develop from mast cells originating in the bone marrow and circulating throughout the body. This is the most common skin cancer in cats, with varying appearances, making diagnosis challenging.
Leiomyosarcoma: A rare but painful cancer affecting soft tissues, including the muscles of the stomach and intestines.
Fibrosarcoma: Involves soft tissues like muscles and connective tissues. It generally spreads slowly but can be locally aggressive.
Mammary Carcinoma: More common in unspayed female cats, as hormones like estrogen and progesterone play a role in mammary development and cancer.
Osteosarcoma: A bone cancer that affects the skeletal system of cats, known for being locally aggressive and painful.
Ceruminous Adenocarcinoma: Develops in the sweat glands and often occurs in the ear canal.
Melanoma: Found on the skin or in the oral cavity. These tumors typically require aggressive surgery and/or radiation and chemotherapy. Symptoms may include dental disease-like signs, such as bad breath and decreased appetite.
Myeloproliferative Neoplasm: A type of blood cancer originating in the bone marrow.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The most common skin cancer in cats, known for rapid growth.
Hemangiosarcoma: A fast-growing cancer that develops from blood vessel cells and can cause internal bleeding.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma: The most common type of urinary tract cancer, often affecting the bladder and mimicking symptoms of urinary tract infections.
Uterine Cancer: Rare in cats, typically affecting middle-aged and older cats. Treatment involves surgical removal of the uterus (ovariohysterectomy), commonly known as spaying.
Ovarian Tumors: Uncommon but prone to metastasis. The ovaries may also be sites of metastasis for other cancers. Treatment involves surgical removal, similar to spaying.
Cats with cancer can exhibit various symptoms, including lumps or unknown swellings, non-healing wounds, swollen lymph nodes, or abnormal bleeding. Recognizing symptoms early and consulting a veterinarian can significantly improve your cat’s prognosis and quality of life. Regular check-ups and awareness of potential signs can make a big difference in managing your cat’s health.
Many symptoms are non-specific and may include the following:
If you notice anything unusual, consult your veterinarian immediately!
The exact causes of cancer are often unknown, but several factors may contribute, including:
The veterinarian begins by reviewing the cat’s full medical history. It can be helpful to track the symptoms. Diagnosis typically starts with a physical examination, during which the vet may palpate for abnormalities. If any unusual lumps are detected, a biopsy may be recommended to assess whether the growth is benign or malignant.
This is usually followed by blood and urine tests to narrow down the issue to a specific organ or body part. The vet may also perform an endoscopy. Imaging techniques such as X-rays and ultrasounds may be used to detect tumors in the chest or abdomen.
After the initial diagnosis, the vet may refer the cat to an oncologist for further tests and treatment. The prognosis depends on the type and stage of cancer.
It is possible that some cats who are not healthy enough to for sedation or anaesthesia, so may not be able to undergo more advanced tests such as CT or MRI imaging, or even biopsy.
Cats with cancer may have several treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. Some types of cancer respond to only one specific treatment, while others may require a combination of all these methods.
In cases where a cat is not healthy enough to undergo treatment, palliative care focuses on managing pain and symptoms to improve their quality of life.
The veterinarian may prescribe pain and anti-inflammatory medications, recommend a special diet, administer fluid therapy, or suggest blood transfusions.
Caring for a cat with cancer can be challenging and physically and emotionally demanding. However, it is essential to continue providing daily love, playtime, and companionship.
When your cat’s quality of life deteriorates—marked by a lack of eating, drinking, persistent pain, fear, or anxiety—be prepared to recognize when it is time to say goodbye. Though painful, this decision can bring relief and an end to their suffering. Your veterinarian will guide you through this process.
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