Just like dogs and humans, cats can get skin cancer. If your cat gets a skin cancer diagnosis, you'll likely have a lot of questions. What does skin cancer look like on a cat? Can it be treated? Is it malignant? Discover the answers to some of the most common questions about cat skin cancer, including the different types, its causes, how it's treated and how you can help prevent it.
What Causes Skin Cancer in Cats?
Skin cancer in cats is caused when normal cells grow out of control. It doesn't have any one cause; rather, it's usually due to some combination of genetic, viral and environmental factors. The cause varies depending on the type of cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma, for example, is a common skin cancer caused by chronic exposure to sunlight. This type is seen most often in older cats with white fur, and it occurs on the less-furry areas that have non-pigmented skin, such as the ears, nose and eyelids. Skin cancer can also be a result of genetic causes, such as mast cell tumors in Siamese cats.
What Are the Different Types of Cat Skin Cancer?
There are several types of cancerous skin growths in cats. Here's a partial list of some of the more common types:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant cancer of skin cells. It occurs on sun-damaged skin where the hair is thinnest, and it causes skin ulceration and crusting on the ear margins, nose and upper eyelids. According to Atlantic Veterinary Internal Medicine & Oncology, SCC generally affects only one area of a cat's body.
Mast Cell Tumor
A mast cell tumor is a common malignant skin tumor that arises from immune cells called mast cells. They're usually solitary red nodules that most commonly appear on the head and neck.
Cutaneous Horn
A cutaneous horn looks exactly how it sounds — a horn-like structure on the skin. These horns are made of keratin, a protein that makes up hair, skin and nails. Horns may originate from a virus or other skin abnormalities, including sun-damaged skin. Cats infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) may develop horns on their footpads.
Fibrosarcoma
Fibrosarcoma is a common malignant tumor that arises from the cells that make up connective tissue. Fibrosarcoma is caused by underlying viruses or may occur spontaneously. Tumors can occur on the trunk, legs, ears or at a previous vaccination site.
Basal Cell Tumors
Basal cell tumors may be benign or malignant but are more commonly malignant in older cats. Siamese, Himalayan and Persian cats may be predisposed to basal cell tumors, and the tumors most often occur on the head, neck or trunk.
What Does Skin Cancer Look Like on a Cat?
Skin cancer can form lumps and bumps, ulcerate the skin and cause it to bleed or crust, or, in some cases, create a horn. It all depends on the type of cancer. If you notice a lump, bump or other abnormality on your cat's skin, have your veterinarian look at it as soon as possible. Your vet will likely need to take a biopsy of the abnormality and run tests on it to determine whether it's cancer, what type it is, and whether it's malignant (which means it can spread to other parts of the body). This information is critical so your vet can determine the best treatment options.
Tasty Tips
How Is Cat Skin Cancer Treated?
Treatment depends on several factors: the tumor type, whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized) and where on the body the cancer is located. In general, the earlier cancer is detected and treated, the better the prognosis.
If your cat requires treatment, options may include surgically removing the cancer, cryotherapy, radiation, chemotherapy, vitamins or a combination of these treatments. Many skin tumors in cats, if completely removed surgically, have an excellent prognosis and complete remission.
Can Cat Skin Cancer Be Prevented?
While you can't guarantee that you can completely prevent skin cancer in your cat, you can take steps to minimize the chance of your cat developing it:
- If your cat is white or has non-pigmented skin on their ears and eyebrows, keep them indoors and away from sunlit windows during the time of day when the sun is most intense. If they do go outside, apply cat-specific sunscreen to non-pigmented areas.
- Look out for any precancerous lesions and treat them as soon as possible. Your veterinarian is the best resource for distinguishing the origin of a skin mass and determining if additional testing may be required. Physical appearance alone does not indicate the seriousness of a skin mass. However, if the mass does not freely move, bleeds or has an asymmetrical appearance it should be evaluated immediately by your veterinarian.
- Feed your cat a high-quality, antioxidant-rich food.
- Keep your cat at a healthy weight. If they're overweight, work with your vet to help them lose weight safely. Obesity predisposes cats to many types of cancers.
The good news is that skin cancer in cats can be successfully treated, depending on the case, and not all are malignant. In fact, some skin tumors are benign and don't require any treatment except for you to monitor them at home. Regardless, always have your vet check out any skin abnormalities on your cat. Keeping an eye on your kitty's health is a key part of giving them the love and attention they deserve.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Turkey Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable Canned Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Indoor Chicken Recipe
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Fewer calories for less active cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinners Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Brown Rice, and Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Tuna Dinner
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley Cat Food
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Related articles
Can Cats Eat Eggs?
Discover whether or not your cat can eat eggs and what the benefits or potential hazards are if she does.
Tips & Resources for Feeding Your Cat
Learn how cat's naturally feed and ways you can help meet their nutritional needs without disrupting their feeding behavior.
Changing Cat Food: How to Do It Safely
Cat's nutritional needs change as they age, so it is important to know when to change their food to keep them healthy and active.
Why is Fiber Important in Cat Food?
Learn about the role of fiber in cat food, including how it can benefit cats with a variety of health conditions like diarrhea, constipation and diabetes.
Why Does My Cat Walk on Me?
Cats often like to treat us like their personal cat bed, but why do they love to stand & walk on us? Learn why & how you can nicely curb this behavior.
Why Do Cats Like Cardboard Boxes?
Learn the quirky reasons why cats like cardboard boxes, such as shelter and stress relief, as well as why they often prefer a box over their carrier.
Techniques for Obedience Training Your Kitten
Get some quick tips on how to shape your kitten's behaviour with early training. Learn what to do and what not to do.
Cat Diabetes: Symptoms & Treatment
Learn how to recognize the signs of cat diabetes, how it can affect her health, and how treatments like insulin injections can help manage this disease.
Deciding if a Natural Food is Best for Your Cat
Understand what natural cat food really means and how to pick a high quality natural cat food for your furry friend.
Can You Use Dog Shampoo on Cats?
Learn what you need to know about using shampoo on your cat, including whether you can use dog or human shampoo.
Fun Games for Exercising Your Cat | Hill's Pet
Discover which cat toys games your feline friend might like, and how they are great sources of exercise. Explore our library of articles to learn more.
Cat Seizures: Causes, Symptoms & What You Should Do
Learn how to spot the signs of a cat seizure, what you should do if your cat is having a seizure, and what the common causes of seizures are.
Male Cat Urinary Blockages: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
While male cat urinary blockages are common, they can be life-threatening. Learn how to spot symptoms and info on prevention, treatments & stress factors.
How to Read a Cat Food Label
Learn important things to look for on a cat food label, such as the difference between ingredients & nutrients, and how it can help you pick a cat food.
Cat Language: How Cats Communicate
Learn how your cat communicates with you as well as other cats in the house, and what their cat language might be telling you about them.
Grain Free Cat Food: What You Need to Know
Understand what grain free cat food actually means and whether or not it is a healthy solution to feed your cat.
Cat Play: How to Keep Your Kitty Engaged
Keep your cat both mentally and physically active with these fun tips for play and exercise even when you're not home.
Cats Think They're in Charge, Not You
Cats believe that they are in charge of you, not the other way around, and here are three behaviors that might just prove that it's true.
Do Cats Understand Words?
Discover interesting information about whether you cat actually understands your words and if it's important to actually talk to your feline friend.
Feline Cognitive Dysfunction & Cat Dementia and How To Help
Learn all about cat brain aging, dementia, signs of senility in senior cats to feline dementia treatment and care.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.