Similarly to humans, cats are susceptible to different types of cancers. An affirmative diagnosis is very upsetting for owners. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. There are treatments available for many of these illnesses. It’s crucial to spot the signs and respond quickly to give your pet the best hope of recovery. Find out all you need to know about the most common cat cancers here.
1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This condition is a type of skin cancer. The main cause is direct sunlight exposure. It disproportionately impacts breeds with pale skin and fur, like Siamese cats.
Symptoms Include Tumors
Squamous cell carcinoma has some of the clearest symptoms of any cat cancer. Usually, tumors appear on the cat’s face around the nose or ears. However, it can be on any part of the cat’s body. Many owners initially overlook tumors because they may resemble scratches. The lesion usually affects one area. It can be painful and cause a higher calcium count in the cat’s body, resulting in permanent kidney damage.
Treatment May Involve Surgery
Luckily, this is one of the most treatable cat cancers. Vets can remove the tumor through radiation therapy or surgical removal. The latter may involve amputating toes if it affects the feet or part of the cat’s nose. It’s unfortunate, but the cat should recover and live a healthy life.
Another option is cryosurgery. This involves freezing the affected area with liquid nitrogen. Unlike other cancers, it’s easier to prevent this one. Keep your cat indoors on sunny days and prevent it from sleeping in the full glare of sunlight.
2. Fibrosarcoma
Fibrosarcoma is a widespread cancer that affects a mammal’s connective tissues. It’s one of the most common oral cancers in cats but can impact any part of their bodies. This cancer may be genetic or a result of the cat’s environment.
Symptoms Include Dehydration and Behavioral Changes
The most noticeable symptoms of fibrosarcoma are bumpy lumps anywhere on the cat’s body. They’ll arise in clusters under the cat’s skin. Statistically, the most affected area is the space between the shoulder blades. Gradually, this cat cancer may trigger behavioral symptoms, too. For example, they may lose their appetites and stop drinking. As a result, they may suffer dehydration. Regular vet check-ups are crucial to catching illnesses quickly.
Treatment Is Varied
Vets usually advise surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy depending on the severity of the illness. A combination of the three may be necessary. Surgery can result in amputation if the tumor affects a limb. It’s not a guarantee that the cancer won’t return, either. They use radiation therapy after surgery to kill the remaining cancerous cells. Chemotherapy is usually the last option.
3. Mammary Tumors
We often don’t think that illnesses that affect humans also impact cats. Mammary tumors occur in the breast tissue and disproportionately develop in female cats. There’s a direct link between female reproductive hormones and mammary tumors.
Symptoms Include Tumors Around the Nipples
Mammary tumors appear in tumors next to the cat’s nipple region. Initially, they may be tiny, but they can grow and spread. The overwhelming majority of feline mammary tumors are malignant, so it’s crucial to respond quickly. Cats may lick their irritated nipples, which can cause redness and bleeding. The tumors may even leak pus.
Treatment May Include Removing Breast Tissue
The easiest way to reduce the risk of mammary tumors is to spay your cat. Experts discovered that spaying a female cat before they are six months old reduces the risk by 91%. It’s worth noting that Siamese cats are twice as susceptible to this condition than most other breeds. If the disease advances, vets will perform the usual cancer treatments. A mastectomy or removal of the affected breast tissue is usually necessary. They may also perform chemotherapy to reduce the size of the tumors.
4. Lymphoma
This cat cancer impacts the lymphocytes which are a key part of the immune system. Unlike the previous cancers, this is not a localized disease. It spreads through the cat’s entire system, usually into the intestines. This is the most common type of cat cancer.
Symptoms Include Digestive Upset
As this feline cancer typically affects the intestines, it causes many digestion problems. The cat may show signs of pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Weight loss is another very common symptom because the kitty won’t want to eat properly. Always keep track of your cat’s diet and eating habits because this is an early warning sign. Feline lymphoma also commonly strikes the kidneys. A cat may vomit or drink large amounts of water.
Treatment Includes Chemotherapy
Vets may perform blood tests and ultrasounds to diagnose lymphoma. Large cell lymphomas are the most dangerous and have a lower survival rate. Usually, vets will perform chemotherapy. If the cancer is too aggressive, they may recommend palliative treatment. They’ll prescribe a special steroid to improve the cat’s comfort for the remaining months of its life. It’s often very emotionally challenging for owners, but sometimes it’s the kindest thing to do.
5. Osteosarcoma
This type of cancer affects the bones and can impact any part of the skeleton. The most common variation is primary bone cancer. It’s a very aggressive disease with one of the lowest recovery rates. Fortunately, it’s also rarer than some of the other conditions in this guide. Dogs are more prone to this type of cancer than cats.
Symptoms Include Hard Tumors
Lameness is one of the most common symptoms of osteosarcoma when it affects a limb. Swellings will also develop in the affected areas. The cat may have breathing problems or even have seizures if the tumors impact the lungs or brain. It’s crucial to contact a vet as quickly as possible because this is an extremely aggressive condition.
Treatment Can Include Amputation
Typically, bone cancer affects the cat’s legs. Vets will usually amputate the affected limb to prevent it from spreading. This may be disturbing for owners, but it won’t impact their quality of life. Radiation therapy greatly increases the chance of the cat’s recovery. Vets may also advise chemotherapy to kill the remaining cells. There’s no time to waste because this condition spreads extremely rapidly.
