Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in animals, including humans and, sadly, cats. A healthy, balanced diet , along with a calm and happy life , can greatly help delay its onset and maintain a strong feline immune system, but one should never be complacent, otherwise, we might fail to pay proper attention to any small changes in their behavior or physical state.
Cats are experts at hiding pain and discomfort ; it's part of their survival instinct. That's why it's so important to observe them daily and take advantage of brushing and/or petting time to calmly inspect them. This way, if something new appears, you can go to the vet as soon as possible. In the following lines, we'll explain in detail the symptoms of cancer in cats , the most common types of tumors, how they are diagnosed, and the available treatment options.
What is cancer?
Cancer is a disease caused by a tumor , which is a collection of abnormal cells in the body that grow and divide uncontrollably. These cells lose the normal mechanisms that keep tissue growth in order and begin to multiply without restraint. As a consequence of this uncontrolled growth, masses or lumps appear , which can be benign or malignant.
- benign tumorsThese are those who, although they grow, They do not invade neighboring tissues. They do not spread to other parts of the body. They may cause local discomfort, but in many cases they can be removed surgically and do not reappear.
- Malignant tumorsThese are what we commonly call cancer. They invade nearby tissues and, furthermore, they can spread through the blood or lymph to other organsThis process is known as metastasis. These are the most dangerous and require a rapid and specialized veterinary approach.
There are several types of cancer, depending on the origin of the atypical cell type they contain. The main ones include:
- CarcinomasThese are solid tumors that grow from different epithelial tissuessuch as the skin, mouth, intestines, or mammary glands. In cats, skin and mammary carcinomas and oral carcinomas can be especially aggressive.
- LeukemiasThese are tumors that affect the bone marrow and blood cellsIn cats, one of the best known is the feline leukemia caused by the FeLV virus, a disease highly contagious among cats which weakens the immune system and can lead to different types of cancer.
- LymphomasThese are solid tumors that originate from the growth of abnormal lymphocytesLymphocytes are cells that are part of the immune system. In felines, the Digestive or alimentary lymphoma It is one of the most common cancers and mainly affects the digestive tract, causing malnutrition, vomiting and persistent diarrhea.
- MyelomasThese are tumors that originate in the bone marrow plasma cellsPlasma cells produce antibodies that defend the body against infections, and when they become cancerous they can seriously affect bones and normal blood cell production.
In addition to these major groups, other tumors are relatively common in cats, such as soft tissue sarcomas (including injection site sarcomas), thyroid tumors (related to hyperthyroidism), and mammary cancer in cats . Some of these can be successfully treated if detected early, while others only allow for symptom management and the best possible quality of life for as long as possible.
How do I know if my cat has it?
Detecting cancer in a cat, especially in its early stages, can be difficult because the animal tends to hide its ailments . They descend from a solitary, hunting ancestor and, by instinct, avoid showing weakness. That's why symptoms often appear only when the disease is already advanced. Even so, there are a number of warning signs that can raise suspicion:
- Loss of appetite and weightThey may stop eating for no apparent reason, or eat less than usual. As a result, lose weight graduallyThe opposite can also happen: that they continue eating normally (even more than usual) but still lose weight, something common in some people. thyroid tumors or digestive lymphomas.
- Depression and / or apathy: if he is seen sad, without energyIf your cat sleeps much more than usual or shows no interest in playing, eating, or its surroundings, this is a symptom that should concern you, especially if it used to be an active cat.
- Loss of activity and changes in behavior: spending too much time in bed, hiding, avoid contactBeing easily irritated or rejecting affection can indicate pain or discomfort. Frequent sneezing in older cats, a changed voice, difficulty swallowing, or drooling can also be related to oral or nasal tumors.
- Respiratory problems: if you have difficulty breathingIf your pet breathes through its mouth, pants without prior exertion, or coughs repeatedly, you should take it to the vet. These signs may be related to tumors in the lungs or chest, or metastases.
- Loss of interest in personal hygieneWhen the disease is advanced, the cat may stop cleaningThe coat becomes dull, matted, and dirty. This lack of grooming often indicates pain, weakness, or a general decline in health.
- Lumps and bumps: if you see that it has lumps somewhere on their body (skin, abdomen, mammary area, neck, tail, etc.), it's important to have it examined to determine what it really is. In cats, unlike dogs, many skin lumps are more likely to be malignant, so it's best not to wait for them to grow.
- Wounds that won't healIn a healthy cat, superficial wounds heal on their own (except, of course, for deep ones). But if the cat is sick, weeks or even months can pass and not to healor even worsen and become ulcerated.
- Halitosis or bad smell: may have persistent bad breath or give off a very strong odor due to secondary infections, oral tumors, or ulcerated wounds that do not heal.
- Gastrointestinal disordersRecurrent vomiting, diarrhea lasting several days, persistent constipation, or difficulty defecating should raise suspicion, especially if accompanied by weight loss and lethargy. digestive lymphoma It usually manifests itself in this way.
- Blood in stool or urine: the presence of fresh or digested blood In the sand tray, whether in the feces or urine, it can indicate anything from inflammatory problems to tumors in the intestine, bladder or kidneys and always requires a check-up.
In addition to these general signs, there are more specific symptoms depending on the type of tumor:
- Skin cancer: small scabs or sores on the ears, nose, or other sun-exposed areas that do not heal, hairless and reddened areas, firm lumps under the skin or masses that grow slowly but steadily.
- Leukemia and lymphoma: weakness, frequent infections, pale mucous membranes, recurrent fever, swollen lymph nodes, marked weight loss, and anemia.
- breast tumors: in intact or late-sterilized cats they may appear hard lumps in the mammary chain which, over time, increase in size, multiply, or ulcerate. Although to a lesser extent, they can also be seen in males.
- Thyroid tumors (hyperthyroidism): very active or nervous cat, weight loss despite eating wellIncreased thirst, occasional vomiting, tachycardia, and in some cases, hair loss.
- Injection-associated sarcomas: appearance of a firm and persistent lump in the place where a vaccine or other injection was administered, which does not disappear in a few weeks or which increases in size.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, don't hesitate to take them to the vet for an examination. It doesn't necessarily mean they have cancer , as many diseases share similar signs , but when your pet is unwell, they should be seen by a professional to rule out or confirm a tumor and determine the appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis and treatment of cancer in cats
When feline cancer is suspected, prompt action and home observation are combined with diagnostic tests at the veterinarian's office. The following tests can be performed at the clinic:
- Complete physical examination: palpation of the entire body for lumps, examination of mucous membranes, skin, mouth, lymph nodes, and abdomen, auscultation of the heart and lungs.
- Blood and urine tests: allow you to assess the cat's general condition, detect anemia, liver or kidney abnormalities and changes compatible with leukemias, lymphomas or other tumor processes.
- imaging testsX-rays, ultrasounds, and even CT scans or MRIs in some cases. These can be used to locate internal masses, metastasis, or involvement of deep organs that are not palpable from the outside.
- Cytology and biopsy: removal of a small sample from the tumor using a fine needle or surgery to analyze the cells under a microscope. It is the best way to confirm the type of tumor and its aggressiveness.
Depending on the type of cancer, the cat's age, its general condition, and the extent of the tumor, the veterinarian will propose one or more possible treatments :
- SurgeryThis is usually the preferred option when the tumor is localized and has not spread. Removing the mass with an adequate safety margin can allow for a full recovery of the animal in a relatively short time, especially in skin tumors, localized sarcomas or breast tumors operated on soon.
- Chemotherapy: it is used mainly in lymphomas, leukemias, and some metastatic tumorsThe protocols in cats are designed to maintain the best possible quality of life, adjusting doses and frequency to minimize side effects.
- RadiotherapyAvailable in specialized centers, it is useful for certain localized tumors (for example, some head and neck tumors) or as a complement to surgery.
- Palliative careWhen it is not possible to cure cancer, one can work on reduce pain, improve comfort and prolong quality of life The cat is treated with painkillers, anti-inflammatories, a specific diet, and home support.
Cancer in cats doesn't always mean an immediate end. Depending on the type of tumor and how quickly it's detected, many cats can live for years with a good quality of life after surgery or a well-planned treatment. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion, it's never advisable to wait to see if the lump disappears or if the cat improves on its own.
Knowing the symptoms of cancer in cats, checking your furry companion regularly, and going to the vet for any changes in weight, behavior, breathing, skin, or hygiene habits are the best tools to give them the opportunity to receive timely help and continue sharing the longest and healthiest life possible with you.
