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Warning Signs Of Cancer In Cats

Knowledge of Common Cancer Symptoms Is Important

Aug 14, 2008

White Cats Should Stay Inside, Cool Cat Care Stuff

Cancer is a leading cause of death in older cats. Knowing the warning signs of cancer may help in finding it earlier, when treatment has a better chance of success.

Cancer is common in older cats, and it's being seen more and more in younger ones as well. It's important for cat owners to know the early signs of cancer, because the earlier it's found, the better the odds that treatment will be successful.

What Is Cancer?

Cancer is uncontrolled cell growth. It can affect any cell type, and any organ in the body. The word "tumor" is used to describe an overgrowth of cells, or a cancerous lump. Tumors can be either benign or malignant.

A benign tumor grows slowly. This type of tumor normally grows in just one place, which makes it easier to remove with surgery or freezing.

Malignant tumors, on the other hand, grow very quickly, and spread, or metastasize, throughout the cat's body. This type of tumor often has microscopic tendrils that grow new tumors quite a distance from the original one. They can also spread through the bloodstream, as leukemia does. For this reason, it's difficult to remove malignant tumors with surgery.

What Are Some Different Kinds Of Cancer In Cats?

Cats are subject to many of the same kinds of cancer that people get, although most feline cancers fall into four categories.

Skin tumors are more common in older dogs than in cats. However, feline skin tumors are usually malignant. Any cat can develop a skin tumor, but white cats are more prone to this particular type of tumor, especially on the tips of their ears and around their eyes. If you have a white cat, try to keep him out of the sun, especially during the middle of the day. Any cat with a lump on his skin needs to be seen by his vet as soon as possible.

Lymphoma in cats is very common. About a quarter of all cases are associated with the feline leukemia virus. Feline lymphoma often strikes the digestive system. Excessive vomiting and diarrhea, along with lethargy, are common signs.

Tumors in the mammary glands are often seen in older female cats. Unfortunately, over 85% of these tumors are malignant. Spaying your cat at a young age can lower your cat's risk for this disease.

Abdominal tumors are another common cancer in cats. They're much harder to diagnose at an early stage. If your cat vomits and has diarrhea for several weeks, take him to the vet for a check-up. Abdominal enlargement is another symptom.

What Are Common Signs Of Feline Cancer?

People and cats both show similar symptoms when it comes to cancer:

A lump that seems to be getting bigger
A sore that doesn't heal
Change in bowel or bladder habits
Having trouble urinating or defecating
Unexplained bleeding or a strange discharge from any body opening.
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Breathing problems
Lameness or stiffness that persists over a period of time
Bad odor
Having trouble eating or swallowing food

If you notice your cat showing any of these symptoms, take him to the vet for a check-up. Cancer used to be a death sentence for cats, but recent advances in feline cancer research have made treatment possible in many cases.

References:

Feline Cancer: What are the Warning Signs?

Cancer in Cats

The copyright of the article Warning Signs Of Cancer In Cats in Cat Care is owned by Darlene Norris. Permission to republish Warning Signs Of Cancer In Cats in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

White Cats Should Stay Inside

Older Cats May Develop Cancer

Comments

Oct 29, 2008 9:10 AM

Guest :

My cat was recently diagnosed with cancer. A warning sign I did not see here is: hiding, or spending longer than usual under the bed or in the closet. It was explained to me that when cats are sick, they hide, because in the wild if they showed their sickness, they become prey.

Nov 6, 2008 5:57 AM

Guest :

that was interesting about how cats hide when they are sick. My cat was just diagnosed with cancer and he's only 4 years old. He's been very lethargic, having trouble breathing and has been sleeping under a coffee table in the basement for the past 4 days. Now I know why. Thanks.

Dec 19, 2008 2:58 PM

Guest :

My cat was diagnosed with Lymphoma today (12/19/08). He had a little bump southwest of his nose for a week or two that just started to swell up on Monday. Lab results received today. He's 10 or 11, rescued from the ASPCA so it's hard to be certain. He's been known to change his favorite spot from time to time but his spot was always in plain site to me. His spot now is dark and out of view but he's as personable as ever. I have no idea of how I'm going to pay for this thing but I cannot even begin to think of any other option. Site is helpful. I only wish there was a site with instructions on how I could have stopped this from happening to Sammy.

3 Comments