The Symptoms of Feline Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is known as renal neoplasia. This type of cancer can be a primary cancer, where the kidney is the original source of cancer, or it can be secondary, which means the original cancer was elsewhere in the body and metastasized to the kidneys. Cats that are positive for the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) have a higher change of developing a kidney lymphoma (a neoplasm that develops first in the lymphatic cells), as do cats carrying the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Feline kidney cancers occurs in cats of all ages. Knowing the detectable symptoms of feline kidney cancer can help you identify a problem and seek medical attention for your cat as soon as possible.

  1. Lethargy

    • A cat impacted by feline cancer of any sort, including kidney cancer, is likely to become lethargic. Lethargy presents as slowed responses to outside stimuli, disinterest in normal activities and a general tired state. For example, you may touch your cat and find it takes several moments the animal to respond. Sometimes lethargy is easy to notice in normally active cats; in less active cats, it can be more difficult to recognize. Lethargy can also manifest as depression. Feline depression can be seen as a lack of energy, personality changes and behavioral changes.

    Changes in Eating and Drinking

    • A common sign of feline cancer is loss of appetite. As a cat's disease progresses and food intake decreases, so can the cat's weight. Sometimes weight loss is slow; other times it is more dramatic. Felines with renal cancer may also begin drinking more than usual, which leads to increased urination. Urination may also include elimination of blood, which is a noticeable sign that there is something wrong with kidney function.

    Anemia

    • Anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the bloodstream. Although some animals are naturally slightly anemic, the presence of anemia is usually a sign of an underlying problem or disease. An anemic cat may be preliminarily diagnosed by its pale or decreased gum pigmentation. Like humans, anemic felines are generally tired due to the low levels of iron in their systems.

    Kidney Failure

    • At some point, a cat with kidney cancer may suffer kidney failure. Signs of kidney failure, which occurs when the kidneys stop operating, can be very similar to symptoms of kidney cancer itself. A cat may lose weight, drink and urinate more frequently, have pale gums or be depressed and lethargic. Other symptoms include sneezing and coughing, poor skin and coat, vomiting and bad breath.