All About Cancer in Cats

Rare Cat Tumor Types

• Skin tumors are uncommon in cats, but since they tend to grow aggressively, most suspicious skin tumors should be removed.
• Lung tumors happen most commonly when other cancers spread through the blood and lymphatic system to the delicate lobes that comprise the lungs.
• Brain tumors can happen when cancers metastasize from elsewhere, but they can also originate in the brain.
• Nasal tumors tend to start in the nose and can be very aggressive.
• Liver tumors that originate as the first cancer site make up a small percentage of all cat tumors, but the liver is a popular site for metastasis.

The signs of cancer also aren't at all straightforward (in most cases). Except for obvious lumps and other superficial lesions, they tend to be non-specific and similar to the signs of other kinds of internal disease. Here are the most common signs of cancer in cats:

• Weight loss: Losing weight in spite of no obvious change in appetite is among the most common signs cat parents should look out for.
• Poor appetite: Any change in appetite is a red flag that calls for immediate veterinary attention.
• Changes in eating style: Eating messily or chewing with one side of the mouth can be the sign of an oral tumor. (Dental issues are highly suspect here, too.)
• Lethargy: Moving around less or hiding behavior is common in sick cats.
• Lumps, bumps and skin lesions: These are the most obvious but not the most common.
• Vomiting and diarrhea: Cancer in cats often affects the digestive system.
• Breathing changes: Any changes in respiration are cause for concern. Some cancers can cause fluid or inflammation in or around the lungs.

Any of these should motivate a cat parent to take their pet to the vet immediately.

Cancer Treatment

Modern veterinary medicine has made treatment of cancer in cats more effective and more humane than ever before. Treatment protocols geared to sensitive feline personalities are being developed every day. Ideally, they're undertaken in a home environment, but some part of the therapy is typically performed in a veterinary hospital setting.

While surgery is often in order for superficial cat tumors (squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and mouth, soft tissue sarcomas and mammary tumors, for example), chemotherapy may be required. Though it sounds scary, chemotherapy is different in cats than it is in people. Its goal is simply to send the cancer into remission without affecting your furry friend's quality of life. If at any time your cat becomes uncomfortable as a result of the therapy (usually injections), the treatment may be stopped. Radiation therapy is an option too, but it's less often undertaken for cats.

The aim of any cancer treatment, regardless of the kind of cat tumor, is to improve the patient's quality of life. If your cat is diagnosed with cancer, your vet can suggest the best course of treatment and help her back on her way to wellness.