Warning Signs Of Cancer In Cats: Knowledge of Common Cancer Symptoms Is Important

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?

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.

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.

Jan 19, 2009 4:17 AM

Guest :

Hello all,
my cat was diagnosed on Friday 16th Jan with Lymph node cancer. He is 15 years old, we had him, his four siblings and his mother to help out the local animal sanctuary. Jake and his two sisters could not be homed so my family gave them a wonderfully loving home. His two sisters are still in good health if a little slower.
Jake is still jumping around with a terrific appetite, we took him for tests on Friday only because of his weight loss during the latter part of 2008.
Given his age, our vet, as do we, feel it is unfair to put him through chemotherapy. Can anyone suggest other ways to treat him? He has the cancer in his intestine.
Thank you

Jan 24, 2009 11:22 PM

Guest :

I don't have money to take my cat to the vet but I'm afraid somethings wrong with her, not sure if it's cancer or not, maybe just old age or stress, my brother and his 2 year old son are staying here and my nephew chases her around all day. But her sister is the same age and haven't noticed any changes in her at all. She's about 10 years old and lately she's been acting different. Her hair is falling out, mainly from her middle down to her tail (hind legs too), she has scabs all on her back, a wound on her neck that hasn't healed well and she's getting very clingy. The second I sit down she's in my lap, I can get up and she's at my heals and sit down again and instantly back in my lap. She'll even lay on my laptop if it's in my lap. Should I take her to the vet?

Jan 26, 2009 8:05 AM

Guest :

i lost one of my cats last year to cancer she was 10 years old and last week her grand daugher who is only 4 has been diagnosed with cancer too.i wish id known what the warning signs where earlier.

Feb 3, 2009 2:41 PM

Guest :

My cat had the cancer on her lower jaws. The vet said there was nothing we can do. That was two weeks ago. The cancer had grown quite large that she was not holding her liquids from the cat water bowl. Had to put her asleep today.

Feb 17, 2009 12:22 PM

Guest :

My cat that we had to put down a little over a year ago had cancer that my husband and i were unaware of. The poor thing was vomitting what appeared to be hairballs all the time and we never thought twice about it because he was always licking himself. Then one day i finally said to my husband that we needed to take him in for a check up. Well, the vet discovred that he had a tumor on his spleen, stomach and liver. I was devistated. We had had him in for a check up less than a year before the and the vet never mentioned anything about a tumor. He never hid, but would yelp out if you picked him up. RIP Puddles. We love you very much.

Feb 17, 2009 8:15 PM

Guest :

My cat was recently diagnosed with cancer. My dad noticed a small lump at the base of his neck and took my cat to the doctor to get him checked out. My dad was in Cairo, Egypt at the time getting ready to move the pets over to Germany to the new house. Unfortunately the vet in Cairo did not know what he was talking about and brushed the lump off as "nothing to worry about" (or did know and didn't want to bother with it since we were moving anyways). The lump soon swelled up to a massive size and the vet in Germany informed us that is was cancer. It seems like surgery is out of the question as the cancer has most likely spread, possibly to the spine. My cat is about thirteen years old and I just want him to live out his live happily. Thanks for the information on the site, though I wish I could have known about it sooner. My adivice: Make sure your vet knows what he/she is talking about!

Mar 5, 2009 6:43 PM

Guest :

my 14yr old maine coon (buffy) developed a fibrosorcoma tumor between her shoulder blades. which of course was cancerous and spread through her body quickly. with the size the tumor was and her age there wasn't anything i could do for her, surgery would have been to much on her and would have grown back if removed. she passed away last monday this type of tumor is caused from eaither her rabies vacc or her lukemia vacc being placed in the same spot each time. she was a great kitty and no other kitty will or can replace her.she is so loved and will be dearly missed

Mar 10, 2009 5:31 PM

Guest :

My cat Cuda has scabs all over her and lose of weight i hardly see her eat but she still eat a little. If you read this and have any answers or recemondations please e-mail me at emily_odger@hotmail.com. PLease i really need your help she is very important to me and i dont want to loose her right now!! so once again my e-mail adress is emily_odger@hotmail.com

Mar 10, 2009 5:32 PM

Guest :

Apr 6, 2009 6:02 PM

Guest :

My male cat is beginning to lose weight and be very sleepy all of the time and very "lovey". He's not sociable like he used to be and we're suspecting he's sick.
Any help??

May 1, 2009 2:47 PM

Guest :

My BJ just died yesterday of cancer in his bowel. The vet tried to remove the tumors, but he died hours after the operation. The vet said it was just too much for him. He did't show signs of being sick until a day before. He was only 5 years old. I miss him so much; I can't believe he's gone.

May 1, 2009 2:48 PM

Guest :

May 17, 2009 6:56 PM

Guest :

My flat mates cat has cancer, and she insists she stays inside- she pee's everywhere in the house...it is not nice. Can humans become ill by coming into contact with cat urine when they have cancer?...might be a silly question but i ont feel well since the cat has been in the house all the time!

May 26, 2009 12:12 PM

Guest :

My cat was diagnosed with cancer back in Nov 2008. I put her through 25 weeks of cancer. She is about 10 yrs old. After her chemo treatments she was fine, eating, drinking but she had some vomiting. Just these last 3 days, she has lost her appetite and not drinking. She looks like she wants to but just can't, she is vomiting fluids so I am giving her prednisone and force-feeding her every day. I don't want to put her through anymore treatments so I'm hoping the meds will help. Does anyone have any other suggestions on what I should do to get her appetite again?

Jun 4, 2009 11:44 AM

Guest :

i had a cat named oscer. he ended up with cancer but we didnt know. one day he wouldnt leave the bathtub. my mom took him in to the vet and it turnd out to be leukiemea. he knew he was going to die thats why he hid in the tud. that was the only worning sign we got and there was nothing we could do. it was to late. but he was a good cat and a good friend. we miss him lots. now hes my reference for my cat mali. but she has more signs. i hope she doesnt have cancer but if she does im glad oscer could bless me with the knowledge to catch it early. thanks oscer. rip buddy. we love you.

Jun 10, 2009 6:41 PM

Guest :

My cat Smokey had a sore on one of her legs. She received surgery last week and her Vet just called me yesterday to inform me the biopsy showed malignancy. I am to meet with the Vet next week to discuss options. Smokey is 15 years old and I do not want to put her into the position of either amputation or radiation/chemo. I will make her as comfortable as possible and when it gets really bad, the inevitable will have to take place. We had many good years together but why let her suffer when cancer takes over.

Jun 11, 2009 7:31 AM

Guest :

My cat bailey is 9 he is a large cat and he didn't want to eat the other day and then he stopped going to the bathroom. I took him to the vet and at first they thought he had a ruptured bladder but now they think it might be cancer. All his fluids are collecting in his abdomen and they have to keep draining it and his pupils are really dialated and they don't think he can see right now. Since he is so big it's hard for them to tell in Xrays and ultrasounds so they want to do surgery. They said they had never seen anything like this before. If it is cancer then I don't know if after surgery I should put him through the chemo. Does anyone have any advice?? I love him so much.

Jun 20, 2009 4:21 PM

Guest :

My Sunny is 14 and my vet thinks he has cancer. Blood in his stools, vomiting, pooping around the house. But he wants to eat all the time, as usual. He has had these symptoms for years and I have taken him in for check ups about the problem several times through out the years. It pisses me off that now I am told it may be cancer. The pooping around the house is a new thing. He goes in for a biopsy on monday. I am afraid. I love him.

Jul 5, 2009 9:33 AM

Guest :

Today I may have to take my Izzy to be put to sleep. She was fine 4 days ago, but she suddenly stopped eating and drinking. I took her to emergency care because of the holiday weekend - and they couldn't diagnose anything. It would have cost an additioanal $300 for the bloodwork. I DON'T HAVE IT! I don't know what to do. I can't really even afford to put her to sleep, but even after meds, an IV and treatment she can't eat or drink. She's only 10 years old. That's not old anymore for an indoor cat. They can live to be 22. I think its cancer. Because she simply can't swallow at all. And vomits green bile when anywhere near water. She stays in a dark corner and isn't able to move much. What can I do? I don't want to let her go. I can't. She's all I have.

Jul 8, 2009 7:23 PM

Guest :

Thomas is 22 and has been healthy his entire life. He suddenly stopped eating and seems lost and not interested in anything. Just stares at the wall or sleeps all the time. He does not even look at me or head butt me anymore. Doc found swollen glands everywhere. Poor guy is too old to treat. What a great 22 years he gave me. I will miss my little buddy. Will euthanize at home on July 9, 2009.

Jul 20, 2009 5:28 PM

Guest :

Our beloved Jake was diagnosed on July 1st with an abdominal mass.After x-rays were taken, another mass was also detected in his chest. We too, as so many others of you, noticed that he vomited what appeared to be hairballs. Being an indoor only white Angora, we always made sure that he had hairball remedy food, plus he licked himself a lot, so we didn't think anything about it until he started losing weight. He went from 11.7 lbs to 8.2 in a matter of a week. The vet put him on antibiotics, prednisilone, and iron - his blood work showed anemia. He did great for a little over 2 weeks; running around, eating up a storm, and he gained back a pound. That is until yesterday. He stopped eating and was vomiting uncontrollable with diarrhea. We rushed him to the vet and he was given, maybe 2 weeks. She gave him an antibiotic injection, prednisone, and pepcid to see if it would help with the nausea. He ate a little bit about 1 am today, but hasn't touched a think since other than water. Now, 8:30 pm, he has stopped drinking also and cries when he tries to. We are saying our good-byes tonight - tomorrow Jake will be crossing over the Rainbow Bride. We are all going to miss him terribly and hope to see him again some day.

Jul 29, 2009 3:02 PM

Guest :

My cat lovebug has 3 of the signs so I'm hoping that perhaps it's something else. She has always been skinny but lately she seems to be too skinny. She has also become very irritable, even towards me and I'm her favorite, she constantly would follow me around the house but now she justs lays on my bed and growls at nothing. Then I noticed redish white stuff coming out of her Vagina. She is always constantly licking at it. I think it might be cancer since it's blood. It would be nice If anyone could help me out if they Know what it might be. She looks like she is in pain and really dont think she is eating or drinking. Please if you have any information email me at vercul123@comcast.net. Thank you.

Aug 14, 2009 4:29 AM

Guest :

Our beloved black cat Harry Potter died this morning at 7:55am. He was one month short of his 8 year birthday. He was the best most loving cat you could ever wish to own or should I say he owned us! He had a highly aggressive lymphoma and we were only aware he was ill for one month but when I look back he had all the classic signs, weight loss, loose bowels etc for just a week before he was diagnosed. He had a wonderful last 3 weeks, pottering in the house, lying in the sunshine, chatting to us every now and then and on nice days he lay on the patio or in the shade on the grass. I felt he only really suffered in the last 2 days of his life and I feel he died a good death. He will always live on in my heart and in the hearts of my family members and I am proud to have shared my life with him. When you have the joy of owning a pet at some time or other if nature takes its course you are going to experience the pain. When the time is right and the grieving pain has lessened we will get another cat so Max our 8 year old tabby has another companion. Also we have a lot of love in our hearts to give to another creature, but just not at this moment. So I say Harry Potter, rest in peace, we love you loads xxxxx

Aug 16, 2009 5:08 PM

Guest :

We just took our 12 year old cat sydney to the vet this past week. Noticed that she wasn't eating properly, was walking slowly and differently, and wasn't jumping up onto counters or running up the stairs. Her coat started to look shiny and started to thin out and she has lost a lot of weight in the past 2 weeks, not to mention constantly sleeping or lying down in strange areas. Vet did x-rays and they showed that she has a large cancerous mass covering her organs. Now we are making the best of everyday with her, and trying to make her as comfortable as possible. This is our first pet, and will be the hardest thing to let go. If you notice that your cat is vomitting, take them to a vet, could be early signs. Our cat has been vomitting more frequently in the past year, and what I thought were furballs, was more than likely early stages of cancer. Don't be a fool like me, have them checked out if you notice this. Truly hate myself.

Aug 19, 2009 5:39 AM

Guest :

Our 14 y.o. cat , Rocky , has been sporting a paw sore that wouldn't heal. This is despite a course of antibiotics. The vet did xrays(chest , normal)and a biopsy of the paw. Here's the weird part. Lymphocytes showed in the blood work , yet remained inconclusive for cancer. Perplexed , the vet ordered a stain on the biopsy , we haven't gotten the results. He is still spry , eats o.k. for the most part , and is otherwise "normal". At one point the paw was sutured and the sore has not reappeared(so far). I was wondering if Advantage was the cause , since it shouldn't be applied to geriatric cats. He is due this week , but I'm afraid a sore will reappear. The plan is to keep him happy and comfortable as possible with no heroic measures when trouble arises. He's a good , handsome boy and making go through aggressive treatments is cruel.

Aug 21, 2009 7:17 PM

Guest :

This is the hardest saddest thing for me to write. Our dearest cat was put to sleep two weeks ago yesterday. We only found out weeks before that that she had a tumor. She had gone to the vets 3 weeks prior to that and I told him that she was crouching in an uncomfortable manner, he did a blood test and said the results were excellent, didn't take an xray (i was a little surprised) and diagnosed constipation. After giving her a liquid I squirted in her mouth to relax her stomach she seemed a bit better, but then I phoned at 2 am because she seemed like she was collapsing. The doctor said he was confident because of the bloodwork that it was just constipation. I waited and the next day later she did seem better. So I left it. About a week later she started crouching again. This time we had an xray which showed a tumor. We had exploratory surgery which found the worst thing, pancreatic cancer, nothing they could do. We gave her pain medicine and something for her stomach and said goodbye to her the next week. We are devistated. I dont think we will ever really get over it. We believe her spirit is still with us. We were never religious before. Here are the signs I wish I had taken notiice of, it sounds so similar to others here:
Vomiting for the past year and a half. Not in a chronic way and I did tell a vet once and he wrote it off. Once I told the vet there was a little blood in her vomit and he said it was just from straining. That was over4 a year ago
Acting clingy, (for past month, climbing in my lap, crawling under blankets) kneading blankets and sleeping in the basement (for several weeks before diagnosis)
Growling at our other cat.
Not having as much appetite over past year, though vets had said her weight was okay, but I should have followed up as I noticed a difference from her previous eating habits.More recently her weight really dropped.
She just hasn't been as happy. Why didn't I pay more attention. I put too much trust in one vet. I wasn't paying enough attention. She tried to tell me. One night a few months ago she bit my let really really hard. She hid in the basement. She did this crying, kneading before she went to sleep. i am writing this in case it will help anyone at all. i consider myself an intelligent person -i used to. She was happy the last weeks. She was finally out of pain and eating and she knew we were finally helping her. if I think of any more symptoms i will post,

Aug 27, 2009 11:26 PM

Guest :

My cat showed none of these signs prior to developing a lump, and so far none after the lump, in fact he seems to have more energy is hunting successfully like crazy (which he has not done on this level since he was a kitten) and he will happily chatter away to me far more then what is normal for him but he seems not to be upset or in any pain, he just seemed to want the attention and interaction, the only thing that is strange is that he seems to want to know where I am at all times, he would leave and play but when he came looking for me if he can not find me that was the only time he becomes upset at all. He's constantly wanting me to pet and snuggle him but again seems to be full of energy and in no pain and just wants to play. He does seem to be aware of the lump, I think he knew something was wrong before I did as odd as that might sound. The vet said it's a malignant tumor. It showed up on his side pretty much overnight. I suppose the symptoms mentioned are the most common, but mines been eating more then normal (considering he's always been a very skinny kitty I can't see that being a bad thing), he usually has the worst breath imaginable and recently its not nearly as bad, in general he actually has less of an odor. None of those symptoms... it's very confusing to me because I know there is a lump and I know what the vet said.

Sep 1, 2009 11:24 AM

Guest :

hi, i'm curious, we recently adopted an orphan kitten, and recently she has developed a lump on her neck, on the left hand side of her neck. It seems quite big. But it is covered by fur so we cannot fully tell if it has grown. She has had a change in her poo, as it is becoming more diohera, like. But otherwise she is ok. Are we being paranoid about this or do you think there is a possibility to get it checked out?

Sep 2, 2009 4:16 PM

Guest :

One of my cats is a rescue cat approx 10+yrs. For a couple of years she has had a problem with one of her eyes, so i took her to the vets and they said there was some scarring in the third eyelid, but didn`t know what it was so just gave me some ointment. Time and time again i was just given creams and drops but it got worse and started to cloud over. When one day her eyelids were sealed and i had to bathe it i decided to go another vets. They too were unsure what the problem was but said it was likely that she would have to have it removed, and that she would be happier. I felt so guilty, but it was looking so bad. After the surgery she seemed fine, and was so, for a few weeks, but then one day where the eye had been there was a little crust and day by day it has got larger, and looks to me like a tumour. At the same time she has got thinner and thinner, and is also quite confused. She is still eating and purring, and doesn`t seem to be in any pain, but i can see she wouldn`t withstand another operation, so just taking one day at a time. It looks to me that originally, the source of the problem wasn`t the eye, but what was behind it, if it was the eye then this growth shouldn`t have developed after it was removed, and feel disappointed that the vets didn`t pick up on this.

Sep 2, 2009 8:11 PM

Guest :

we have sadly just lost our cat spotty, she was 18 and we had cared for her for 12 years, last month a lump appeared on her abdomen, she didnt lose weight, was still very fussy , and still playing.
spotty was still eating her normal amount of food.
she was given antibiotics, and pain killers, sadly to no success.
and because of her age, the vet advised us to sadly put her to sleep.
i feel so guilty, she was still leading a normal active life, i just wish something could have been done.
i have found great comfort in the cat poems on various sites. she will leave a massive hole in our lives, please cherish your time with your furry friends, they are with us for too short a time. we certainly enjoyed caring for our spotty,and she more than re paid us with her affection.
i think children at school should be taught pet care, they bring so much love and joy to our lives.
to spotty; may you rest in peace, we will think of you every minute of the day, you are still in our lives as you are in the garden that you loved so much, our bed is so empty without you.

Sep 6, 2009 7:06 PM

Guest :

i am so devastated. our family cat, saddle, has cancer. of course, no one wants to admit it or have it confirmed. he started getting a small pink tumor on the inside of his hind leg. it grew and he has spots and scabs all over his body. the tumors huge and oozes and bleeds. its so sad because hes amazing and different. hes lost so much weight that he doesnt even look like he has a saddle on when he sits, which loses the whole point of the name. i dont think hes in pain yet, but my family cant afford treatment with a new house, four kids, two dogs, and puppies. it was especially hard since we found out right after my first cat got hit by a car and died. its so hard coming home wondering if saddle's in pain yet or even alive. i love you, saddle. RIP snuggles

Sep 11, 2009 10:10 PM

Guest :

My cat, Kelly is only 9 years old, is a little chubby, a black bombay, and a very loved addition to our family. I can here her bell jingling on her collar right now; First time she's moved all day. My mom took her in (I'm only 14) today and texted me, telling me that it wasn't Diabetes she had. They're still going to run some tests to see if she has a tumor, or cancer. Her liver is failing. She refuses to eat, but drinks all day. She hardly moves and hides from me. This has been going on for weeks now. At first, i brushed it off as the heat. But now it's getting chilly out. We'll find out more monday. We can't afford medication if she does have cancer or a tumor. We'll have to put her down, either way. I never realized that Kelly meant so much to me. I cried with my friend Allaura today about it after school. I NEVER cry. Ever. Not even when I fell down and scraped my knee as a child, or the incident with my head. And when I cried, I cried so very hard. I didn't want to go home. I didn't want to face the truth and find my cat laying under my bed, refusing any social contact. It's too much. But, I've learned to except this; I've lived with Kelly for a good nine years, living happy, healthy, and strong. And if she has to go, she must go; It is her time. If she can be saved without an serious damage, then I'll cry with happiness. But these next few days, I plan on pampering her to the fullest. I'll brush her a MILLION times a day, feed her treats (If she'll eat them.), tell her I love her, cuddle with her, and grant every wish a cat could ask for.

Sep 16, 2009 11:18 AM

Guest :

Our cat Tigger was very sick last year & had emergency surgery. At that time he had an impacted hairball in his colon. Didn't think he would make it but he did. He had lost a lot of weight, & took forever to get him back to normal. However in the past 10 months, he little by little began the vomiting, not eating, not going to the bathroom. The past few days we noticed a big change in him. He was so reclusive, hiding under a bed, vomiting again. Everything he did last year. I honestly thought he was going to pass on last night. He was showing no signs of his old self & wanted to just sleep. We had to put him to sleep this am. The Dr. all along thought possibly leukemia & so did we. We are devastated as everyone is when you lose a member of the family. After reading all of your comments, I don't feel so alone in this horrible situation. God Bless Tigger & all of our beloved pets.

Sep 17, 2009 6:19 AM

Guest :

I just lost my beloved 11 yr. old Louie to liver cancer and I'm inconsolable. If you notice your cat vomiting more than just an occasional hairball, get to the vet immediately. We didn't put two and two together until it was way too late and he probably suffered more than he needed to. I loved that cat deeply and won't soon forgive myself for my ignorance.

Sep 18, 2009 12:47 PM

Guest :

Three days ago my husband noticed our Emma cat felt really skinny when he was petting her belly. She has a lot of fur so she always "looks" fluffy. I felt her belly and her back and I was shocked. I could feel her spine. Then it suddenly hit us that she had been acting different for the past week. She's a very routine cat...always comes to get her lovin' in the morning and afternoon....makes the rounds. We have three boys and another cat and a dog. Sometimes you get so busy you just don't notice and we were feeling horrible. My husband took her to the vet and her liver enzymes were very high. Ultrasound and all other labs were negative. He kept her but was puzzled--- when the vet picked her up yesterday to move her he felt a large mass in her stomach. About an hour ago they scoped her and found pancreatic cancer. She has a tumor and it has spread to her liver and her intestines. She is only 5 years old. They can't do anything for her but put her to sleep. This all has happened SO fast!! Two weeks ago she and my other cat were playing chase around the house. Yesterday our family went to the clinic and they brought her in the room so we could visit her before surgery. She was like "where have you been! happy to see us and loving on us". I am glad we had that time with her and I am not looking forward to telling the boys the sad news after school today. We will miss her sweet little white paws and loving spirit.

Sep 20, 2009 1:38 PM

Guest :

My 8 year old cat began to vomit about 3 years ago. What started as about once a week developed into as much as 10 times every 24 hours, within only a few months. I spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars on vet bills. He's seen 4 different vets, had extensive bloodwork done, and on every medicine possible as well as prescriptive foods. Nothing worked. All we saw in the beginning was a thickening of his small intestine (which lead to the initial diagnosis of IBD). However, he kept eating and was active and happy. Steroid shots worked for the first couple of years. Now they don't do anything, and neither does any other medication. I don't have the money for the exploratory surgery they want to perform, but seeing his DRASTIC decline over the last three months I think it's cancer. Especially since he threw up the last meal he had (3 days ago) and there was quite a bit of blood in the vomit as well as tissue. Now he's hiding, is quiet and wont eat or drink a thing. I expect him to go any day now. All I can do is cry when I think about all of this. Anyway, for everyone that wishes they would have recognized the symptoms sooner, or done something sooner, it may have not made any difference (as in my case). In the end, all we can do is try to make them as comfortable and safe as possible, and make sure they know that in the end we're here for them.

Sep 22, 2009 9:08 AM

Guest :

Our cat recently stopped covering up when she wets or poops in the litter box. She used to be really good about it. She also cries at night which she didn't used to do. She is very fat and I wonder if she might have a tumor or something in her stomach.

Sep 22, 2009 3:57 PM

Guest :

My beloved cat Chad is 11 y/o and my dearest companion. about a week ago I noticed a small round lump in the back of his left thigh.It felt like a small water balloon so I didn't assume it was cancer, I thought it was more like a cyst. I planned to take him to the vet although it did not seem to be bothering him and he had no outward symptoms of being sick. Yesterday however he was hiding in the morning when he usually wakes me up to say "I'm hungry". He also pooped on the floor and wouldn't eat when I found him, not even his favorite food. I was devastated and have been crying ever since. It helped to read all these letters. Gos bless our dear pet family members.

Sep 23, 2009 8:57 PM

Guest :

My male cat, Hobbes, turned 15 May 2009. He has a tumor on the end of his nose (on the outside, not inside of his nose). I took him to out vet and he gave him a shot to see if it would help and then 2 weeks later gave him one more. He says there is nothing else he can do. It scabs over, then he knocks the scab off that same day or the next and it drips blood again and continues to repeat the process every day or two. When it bleeds it is swollen and looks sort of like Rudolph (the red-nose reindeer)and when it scabs over the scab covers most of his nose, including upwards towards his eyes, so it is quite a large scab. When it is at the bleeding stage it hurts him and then when it scabs over it still seems painful at least part of the time. However, he still has a pretty good appetite and wants to be on our laps in the evening when we sit down to relax or watch tv. He drips blood and shakes his head when it is bleeding and gets blood on the floor, rugs, furniture, walls, etc. Our vet says that if he was in bad pain (all over instead of just basically on his nose) that he wouldn't eat or drink. However, although he isn't in pain from head to toe he is definitely miserable a lot of the time, depending on the status of his nose at the moment. I wanted to get your opinion on what you think you might do in a situation like this. If there was a way to stop the bleeding so that MAYBE it wouldn't scab over so badly and therefore maybe it wouldn't continue to repeat this process then it just might slow down as far as all the bleeding. Any suggestions you might have I would really appreciate it. He is such a wonderful and sweet cat, but I don't want him to continue to suffer with this if there is something i can do. Thanks for reading this and for anything you can share with me concerning Hobbes' situation.

Sep 24, 2009 5:44 PM

Guest :

My birthday sept 22 and the next day i find out that one of my furry best friends may have cancer. I found the lump and using my car insurance money to try to save his life. I also give thanks to the vet he has asked for less amount for the surgery due to losing my job. I'm still hoping it may just be a non cancer lump because cuddles seems normal on all other aspects of being a cat. I never had pets growing up. These two cats are dear. God bless us all and our feline friends

Sep 28, 2009 4:18 PM

Guest :

Great sight,
so many cat lovers!
I am making calls, to have the Vet,
come and give my old girl the needle,
at home,
in bed,
with me.
It is horrendous to witness to watch them fade fast.
I have been crying for a week.
Having her die at home, is the only way.
The other two will wonder where she is,
and my bed somewhat lacking.....
Thanks to all cat lovers, and their Kin.

Oct 3, 2009 9:18 PM

Guest :

My cat Sammy just died of cancer yesterday. He was 15 years old. He had gotten seriously ill twice before: the first was in 2000 of a urinary tract infection and the second was in 2005 of kidney failure and overcame both of them very successfully with us changing his diet.
But he got sick again in March of this year when he could not use the litter, was vomiting and lost weight. We took him to the vet and the vet could not find anything wrong, thought he suspected cancer. We could not get anymore test done because of the money so he came home with us. We gave him medicine and the survivor he was, all of a sudden within a few weeks he made a drastic improvement although he never fully recovered. He was doing great until he was up and down for the past month. Then on Friday he was really weak and lost even more weight. We decided to euthanize him. From reading these articles, I realize that it was cancer he had.
He was the absolute best cat ever and brought so many years of comfort, joy, and companionship. He's at peace now.

Oct 6, 2009 4:53 PM

Guest :

To the owner of Hobbes,
Our old cat had the same problem you speak of. It turned out to be cancer in his nose. The vet was able to remove part of his nose in a relatively cheap and safe procedure, I think it may have been frozen off. He wasn't a pretty sight afterwards, but it gave him a few more years of life which he made the most of. Don't lose hope just yet, even though it's hard to see your beloved pet in pain. Our beautiful 'new' cat just got diagnosed with incurable lung cancer yesterday. Life just isn't fair...

Oct 13, 2009 9:53 AM

Guest :

My buddy, my rock, my comforter, my friend.....my cat Romeo.... went down to Kansas State yesterday 10/12 where they have the college at the vet school. They are doing clinical studies on meds that have been doing for some time for cats who have kidney disease. Help them get better and live longer lives well he has had a problem with a tooth they pulled in August and had it have it drained a few times and been on meds for the infection. Well today I found out it's cancer. It's spreading across his mouth. Said he has 4 mth to live and I am so so upset. I am crying even typing this. It's so hard and I know God Heals people and I am praying he will heal my cat.
He is there for me when I am lonely, hurt, depressed when I need a friend. He has been with me through everything. I am praying that God will heal my cat my friend and make the cancer disappear. My pets are like my children.
I don't know what I do with out him. ..........................:( Its killing me....................
I am so numm
I know some people don't understand
how someone feels about there pet and how upset they get like if a relative died but he is not a cat to me.
They said he was is dehydrated and try to get him to drink and give him what ever he will eat so I took back some treats that were soft but not soft enough for him so I went and got the really soft whiskers kind. He is okay they gave me meds to keep him comfortable.
I am beside myself. Walker said well he is old. Well no crap I know that but he is my cat I had for ever and has been by my side for every single time I needed someone my cat was there for me and still and always is. Right now so much family problems have been going on and taking a lot toll on me and he has been there for me through it all.
I'm so sad and I am praying God will heal him. I'm upset that my vet didnt' notice this at all. They worked on his mouth 3 times. I wish they could have found it sooner. He is still with us and I pray for longer then they told me and heals with a mircle. He is on pain med if he needs it.
Reading everyone's post brings the tears rolling down and thinking of my cat Romeo.

Oct 14, 2009 9:49 AM

Guest :

My cat was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor near both his kidneys. When my family found out it was already too late as both his kidneys were already failing. He hadn't shown any symptoms the past week or so. But now that I think about it he was hiding a bit more in his secret closet spot and a little less active. And after I did notice his lower abdomen seemed a bit harder than usual (due to the tumor). Yesterday, around 6am he started to bleed from his genitals. I bought him to the vet and he had a very poor diagnosis. We had to put him down. It was so sad I wish I found out sooner. Miss you and love you Fluffy....always and forever!

Oct 15, 2009 6:01 AM

Guest :

Okay, if you're reading this site then you are probably in the same boat as me. My cat was diagnosed with cancer about 6 mos ago. And there's no telling how long he had it before then. Needless to say, It was pretty traumatic. I thought 10 yrs was pretty young for a cat. Anyway, my girlfriend looked up natural rememdies for cats with cancer. She found this stuff called ES Clear. For cats with cancer. Google search it if you're interested. Ever since I put him on it, he's gained weight and acts like himself again. I know it won't get rid of the cancer, but I believe it's definitely kept him around because the vet didn't think he'd last much longer. On our next visit, they were very surprised and wanted to know what I was giving him. I also combined natural cat food combined with grilled chicken and/or turkey. Hope this info helps for anyone looking for alternatives to help their cat during this horrible disease.

Oct 24, 2009 6:44 AM

Guest :

My cat Pepper was a little diff but never thought anything of it.
Since my daughter was born and we put the litter box downstairs she pooped on the floor not all the time but some. about 2 years ago we realized she isnt going up and down the stairs so we brought the litter box up. she still had accidents but not as much
she wasnt an active cat at all even when she was little. just sat in her chair.
But this week she was a little diff. she wouldnt sleep in her chair the right way but half off and half on. she would put her faceinto her paws into the chair... she also seemed like it was over night she lost a lot of weight. She was always a big cat but slowly lost over the years but this just seemed so drastic. one day there was a puddle on the floor. couldnt tell if it was blood or dark pee.
she wasnt moving a lot either (less than usual)
wondered if we should take her to the vet.
the next day my husband came home from work and found her collapsed in front of chair next to another puddle of something.
she wasnt responding. he rushed her to the vet where i met them
vet said her liver was functioning down. and where it happened so quickly with things and she looked so terrible she believed it was cancer. Pepper was practically dead in my arms so we had to help her go to kitty heaven. She was 11 years old. My baby!!!
She was so far gone and so quickly. i miss her

Pepper was a cat taht always threw up so it wasnt a warning sign for us. It was such a shock

Oct 24, 2009 10:47 AM

Guest :

My cat was diagnosed with Cancer on Thursday (October 22 2009) The first Vet I brought her to diagnosed her with Anemia. She is now at the C.A.R.E Centre in Calgary. The cost is VERY expensive! 3,800.00 on Thursday (They said she needs a transfusion, and she is so dehydrated she needs to be on a feeding tube, and 2 IV bags. Now it's going to be an additional 3,000.00 for the surgery to remove the tumor. It is very hard to take because alot of people just don't have the money for it, and it's sad to watch your pet suffer. I can't have kids, she is my kid.

Oct 24, 2009 7:17 PM

Guest :

My little puss, Potato, was diagnosed with "likely cancer" just over a week ago. The first vet said in the records, which I have since taken because I am following up on this all, that the recommended thing to do was to put her down. last Sunday, I got a vet round to my house -- or tried to... she came Monday morning which is a good thing -- to put the cat down cos thought she was in pain and I don't want her to suffer. The vet who came to the house said, well, we don't really have to put her down. She didn't appear to be in pain and didn't have fever and if she wasn't eating I could always try baby food.
That is a tip I will happily pass on to anyone. My cat LOVES babyfood! She must be wondering why she's only getting it now. She's up to about a jar a day from nothing at all.
Anyway, I took the cat to another vet and when I told him that I had been told to put the cat down he exhaled one of those "no" s that mean so much more. In brief, he is going to perform laser surgery on the cat (I have insurance -- I'll let you know how it works...) because -if you don't know where the cancer is or if it's malignant or benign, you can't treat it. I suppose I am lucky, having a bit of spare money and having insurance. My little puss was a rescue and is really the most lovable, sweet cats ever.

Whatever happens to her, I want to start a group to raise money for pets with cancer and to get pets for people recovering from cancer.

Oct 27, 2009 9:29 AM

Guest :

can anyone tell me if a cat had cat flu are they more at risk to develop cancer ealier

Oct 30, 2009 7:29 PM

Guest :

3 nights ago, we saw some blood in the litter box and on our cat's foot. We called the emergency clinic and they said we should watch him, if it happens again or we see any other signs, we should take him there. Early morning my husband checked on him and noticed, he can not walk anymore and has no energy to eat. We took him to emergency and they did all they could including ultrasound, blood test, stool test, x-ray, and blood transfusion. It cost us so much, even though we don't have much but we had to take care of him. They said they ruled out everything except cancer and they have to do one more testing to confirm it is cancer and find out what type of cancer. But our cat's sitation was so unstable that they could not get to that last testing which was to take a sample.
They had to make him comfortable and put him to sleep. :(
I feel bad that we did not find out sooner, we did not see any obvious signs. But on the hand, I see that those who found out early enough to do treatment still could not save the cat.
We are very sad and miss him so much. Well, that is life, God gave him to us as a gift and appreciated it, every moment of it. But I guess it was time for him to go back. He was only 3 years old, he was too young to die :(