Overview of Cancer in a Cat

Felines suffer from a variety of cancers that affect different areas of the body, each associated with unique symptoms, actions and prognosis. All cat owners should know and understand the forms of cancer that commonly affect felines, as well as the symptoms associated with feline cancers.

  1. Understanding Cancer

    • Defined by the Fab Cats Organization as "a disease that is caused by a collection of abnormal cells in the body that continue to divide and grow without control," feline cancer often presents in the form of lumps and/or tumors in cats.

      Malignant tumors are growths that effectively take over nearby tissue, infecting healthy tissue and spreading in the process.

    Causes

    • Although the underlying causes of many feline cancers remain unknown, cats with a family history of cancer are much more likely to suffer from the disease than others.

      A feline's quality of life can affect its chances of developing cancer. Exposure to certain chemicals and even light can cause abnormalities within cells, which often leads to cancer.

      Leukemia and lymphoma in cats can both be caused by failing to treat the feline leukemia virus.

    Common Forms

    • Certain forms of cancer are known to affect cats more than others. Areas of the feline body commonly affected by cancer include the skin, lymph nodes, chest, nervous system, mammary glands, mouth, throat, bones, lungs, nose, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, liver and soft tissue throughout the entire body.

    Symptoms

    • While each specific form of feline cancer has unique symptoms, general signs of cancer in cats are weight loss, changes in eating habits, loss of energy, slowed healing time, spontaneous bleeding, changes in the appearance of the eyes, stiffness, noticeable body odor, breathing problems, swelling, unusual discharge from orifices, trouble with urination and/or defecation and the appearance or feel of lumps underneath the animal's skin.

    Treatment

    • Course of treatment for feline cancer varies based upon the type of cancer, age of the affected animal and location of the cancer. Surgical treatment can be used when masses can be safely removed. Radiation and/or chemotherapy drugs are prescribed in some instances. Side effects, complications and pain associated with both the cancer and treatment should be managed and watched closely.

    Warning

    • Certain cancers have the potential to be life-threatening and require immediate veterinary intervention to avoid complications and death. Cats displaying any symptom of feline cancer should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is very important to the outcome of future cancer treatment.