{"id":370249,"date":"2018-11-08T08:30:04","date_gmt":"2018-11-08T13:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=370249"},"modified":"2024-09-27T09:49:47","modified_gmt":"2024-09-27T13:49:47","slug":"cancer-in-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/ask-the-vet\/cancer-in-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Cancer in Cats: Signs, Types, Causes & Care Guide (Vet Answer)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/span>\n \nWhat Is Cancer in Cats?<\/a>
\nSigns<\/a>
\nTypes<\/a>
\nCauses<\/a>
\nCare Guide<\/a>
\nImportant Facts<\/a>
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Cancer is a word used to describe diseases in which cells of the body become abnormal and multiply without control. It is a dreaded word\u2014no owner wishes to hear it in reference to their cat, and no vet wishes to make the diagnosis. Unfortunately, cancer is relatively common in cats, particularly as they get older. It can take many forms and carry a variable prognosis; while some are highly aggressive or malignant, others can be cured.<\/p>\n

This article will explore what signs can be \u201cred flags\u201d for feline cancer, as well as the common types of cancer in cats and what can be done about it.<\/p>\n

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What Is Cancer in Cats?<\/h2>\n

Cancer occurs when cell division\u2014which normally happens in a controlled fashion in the body\u2014becomes unregulated. This usually results in lumps or growths, though sometimes they are not visible to the naked eye (they may be deep in the skin, or inside one of the body cavities). Benign tumors do not spread through the body or invade surrounding tissues. Cancer, on the other hand, is more likely to spread through the body via the lymphatic system or bloodstream.<\/p>\n

This, coupled with the aggressive nature of cell replication, generally makes cancer harder to treat than benign tumors. Most cancers occur for unknown reasons, presumed to be linked to changes in the cell cycle that occur with age. Some cancers have a known genetic, viral, or environmental link.<\/p>\n

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Image By: megaflopp Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Are the Signs of Cancer in Cats?<\/h2>\n

The signs of cancer in cats are highly variable. Remember, cancer can affect any tissue in the body, so there are no signs that automatically suggest cancer. In general terms, cancer is more likely to affect older cats than younger cats. The initial signs of cancer are vague and non-specific\u2014think of things like lethargy, reduced appetite, or weight loss.<\/p>\n

Other more specific signs will depend on your cat, the type of cancer, how aggressive it is, and the site in the body affected by cancer. The below table summarizes the major organ systems affected by cancer in cats, as well as the accompanying signs to watch for.<\/p>\n

Note that while some are obvious (such as a growth or lump), others are more subtle (such as weight loss or vomiting).<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Cancer location in the body<\/strong><\/td>\nAssociated signs of cancer<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Skin<\/td>\nLumps, growths, swellings, ulcers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
White blood cells (lymphoma)<\/td>\nHighly variable (weight loss, lethargy)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mammary glands (breast tissue)<\/td>\nFirm lumps\/nodules on the belly, sometimes ulcerated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mouth (oral cavity)<\/td>\nReduced appetite, redness, ulcers, bad breath, swelling<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Digestive tract (stomach\/intestines)<\/td>\nVomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, weight loss<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
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Image By: Kittima05, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Types of Cancer Are Common in Cats?<\/h2>\n

Cats can be affected by a long list of cancers\u2014so long that we can\u2019t list them all here. Carcinomas<\/strong> are cancers arising from skin cells; in cats, a nasty cancer called squamous cell carcinoma is relatively common, especially around the face in white-coated cats. Sarcomas<\/strong> are cancers that arise from connective tissue.<\/p>\n

Lymphoma<\/strong> is the most common form of cancer in cats. It arises from abnormal division of lymphocytes, which are cells the body uses to prevent infection (found in lymph glands). Lymphoma can affect the digestive tract, kidneys, eyes, spleen, brain, and several other organs. A brief list of the most common feline cancers is included below:<\/p>\n

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