What Are the Causes of Mouth Cancer in Cats?

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of oral cancer in cats and it usually attacks the tongue. Cats are more prone to cancer than dogs or other domestic animals. Feline cancers usually affect middle-aged and older cats which are 10 to 15 years of age.

  1. Spread of Cancer Cells

    • Feline mouth tumors make up 3 to 4 percent of cat cancers. Nearly all of them are malignant, meaning the cells grow in a rapid, aggressive fashion. The tumors metastasize and cells break away from the original tumor mass to migrate throughout the body by means of the blood or lymphatic system. These can take up residence in other organs and reproduce the cancerous cells, thus spreading the cancer away from its original source.

    Feline Leukemia Virus

    • The feline leukemia virus may be the cause of a higher rate of cancer in cats. Cats that are allowed to roam freely are most likely to contract this virus from other felines. FeLV causes blood disorders and destroys the cat's immune system so that it cannot protect itself from disease. A weakened cat cannot defend itself from any cancer-causing conditions.

    Other Causes of Cancer

    • The direct cause of cancer in cats is unknown, but it is probably related to a wide variety of conditions. Many veterinarians think it is related to the genetic predisposition of the animal. Related risk factors include stress, pollution, preservatives and artificial coloring in foods, and an inadequate diet. Abandoned cats exhibit more cancers that others. Hurricane Katrina left in its wake many abandoned cats afflicted with various kinds of cancers.