Cancer. You don’t want to think about it as a cat owner, but your cat can still get it. Here you can read about how to recognize cancer in your cat, what happens after the diagnosis, and what you can do for your cat.
On this page, you will find:
- How to recognize cancer in a cat (and what the signs are)
- What happens when your cat is diagnosed with cancer
- Whether you can prevent cancer in cats
- The most common types of cancer in cats
- The difference between benign and malignant tumors in cats
1. How to recognize cancer in a cat (and what the signs are)
Some forms of cancer in cats develop slowly and without you noticing. Other types of cancer are aggressive – their symptoms show up quickly. But for every form, the earlier you catch it, the better. So it’s always important to closely monitor your cat’s health and skin. Look out for these signs:
- Sudden lumps or swellings
- Limping or stiffness
- Coughing, difficulty breathing, or nasal discharge
- Weight loss without a clear reason
- Reduced appetite or drinking more than usual
- More frequent tiredness and/or less activity
- Pain
- Anemia
- Wounds that don’t heal or heal too slowly
- Unusual odor or blood loss
- Behavioral changes – your cat may withdraw or become easily irritated
Do you recognize any of these signs, or are you unsure about your cat’s health? It’s a good idea to visit the vet or a specialist. They will examine your cat using special equipment such as a CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, or X-ray. This way, you’ll quickly know what’s going on.
2. Your cat has been diagnosed with cancer. What now?
When your cat is diagnosed with cancer, it’s a tough situation – for both you and your cat. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat cancer in cats today. These include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, as well as enzyme therapy for lymphoma. Immunotherapy is also emerging in veterinary medicine (source: Medical Center for Animals).
One cat may respond well to treatment, while another may become very ill from it. Always keep your cat’s well-being in mind. Sometimes it’s not just about curing the illness but ensuring your cat can lead the most comfortable life possible. Always discuss treatment options thoroughly with your vet. And remember, rest, attention, and love are just as important as care and medication.
3. Can you prevent cancer in cats?
Cancer in cats can’t always be prevented because, just like humans, they can simply have bad luck and become ill. This is often due to incorrect cell division – sometimes a piece of DNA is “copied” incorrectly and starts dividing in the cat’s body, which can lead to cancer. Cat cancer can also be hereditary or more common in certain breeds. However, even healthy cats can unfortunately develop this disease.
That said, there are several things you can do as a cat owner to reduce the risk of cancer in your cat, such as:
- Provide your cat with good nutrition, ensure they get exercise, and avoid them becoming overweight
- Have your cat spayed or neutered on time, as this lowers the risk of certain types of cancer
- Do not smoke indoors, as cats lick smoke particles from their fur and can become sick from it
- Have any lump (no matter how small) checked by the vet
- Avoid allowing your cat to sit or lie in the sun too much – especially white cats or those with little fur, as they are more susceptible to skin cancer
Exercise is important for every cat, so having a large cat tree in your home is essential!
4. What types of cancer are common in cats?
Cats, just like humans, can develop many different types of cancer. Below are the five most common types:
- Malignant Lymphoma (Lymph Node Cancer)
This type of cancer in cats affects the lymph nodes but can also occur in their organs, such as the spleen, intestines, liver, nose, stomach, and skin. Cats with feline AIDS (FIV) or leukemia virus (FeLV) are at higher risk for this form of cancer (source: Medical Center for Animals). - Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Skin Cancer)
Skin cancer in cats often occurs in areas of the body with thin fur, such as the nose, ears, or eyelids. White cats are more prone to this form of cancer: they are 13 times more likely to develop it than cats with other coat colors. Excessive sun exposure is the main cause. This type of cancer can be recognized by an infection or wound that does not heal or worsens (source: Medical Center for Animals). - Mast Cell Tumor (Skin or Organ Cancer)
These tumors are often found in the skin but can also develop in the spleen, stomach, or intestines of a cat. Sometimes, these cancer cells spread to the bone marrow, leading to leukemia. Usually, this tumor is benign and can be successfully removed (source: Dier & Recht). However, it can also be malignant – a biopsy by the vet will provide more information. - Mammary Gland Tumors (Breast Cancer)
This form of cancer primarily affects older female cats. Often (80-90%), these tumors are malignant (source: Kenaupark Veterinary Clinic). - Fibrosarcoma (Malignant Connective Tissue Cancer)
A cat with this form of cancer develops a malignant tumor in the muscles or connective tissue. Cats that receive frequent injections are also at risk of developing this tumor, often at the injection site (source: Dier & Recht).
There are other types of cancer that can occur in cats. If you want to learn more or are concerned about your cat’s health, contact your vet.
5. What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors in cats?
Malignant tumors (cancer) are tumors that grow aggressively, damage surrounding tissues, and spread to other parts of the cat’s body. These tumors require more intensive treatment.
Benign tumors – such as fat lumps (lipomas) – usually grow slowly, do not invade surrounding tissue, and do not spread. They can cause problems if they are located in a troublesome spot or grow too large, but they are often easy to remove.
Do you see or feel a lump or skin irregularity on your cat? Always visit the vet!
You can never assess on your own whether a tumor, swelling, or lump is benign or malignant. Therefore, always consult a vet or specialist if you notice any irregularities, so they can examine your cat, possibly taking a biopsy or performing a puncture. This is crucial, as it helps you understand what’s going on and allows you to start treatment quickly if necessary.
If your cat has cancer, it’s sad and upsetting. But you’re not alone. By staying alert for signs, working closely with your vet/specialist, and taking good care of your cat, you can make a big difference and sometimes even prevent it.
Curious about how much it costs to own a cat each month? Read this article: What Does it Cost to Own a Cat?
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or behavioral expert; all content, information, and tips on this page are meant to inspire and are for informational purposes. If your cat has symptoms or health concerns and you’re uncertain about its health, always visit the vet or a behavioral expert.
