Cancer is something that every pet owner worries about when it comes to cat care. Plenty of owners believe that it’s incurable, with some thinking it’s a death sentence for cats. Some types of cancer in cats are challenging to treat, but others can be cured when detected early.
With that, we’ll talk about the common types of cancer in cats as well as the signs you can expect.
What Is Cancer in Cats?
Cancer in cats occurs when cells in the body begin to grow and divide uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can invade other nearby tissues, sometimes spreading through the blood or lymphatic system.
Tumors in cats can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are less harmful, especially since they don’t spread and usually only cause discomfort because of the mass. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, spread quickly and can affect several parts of the body. This makes it dangerous.
10 Common Types of Cancer in Cats
There are several types of cancer in cats, with each having different traits and characteristics.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is by far the most common type of cancer in cats, affecting the lymphatic system and organs such as the spleen, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. However, it is commonly observed in the gastrointestinal tract.
Since lymphocytes circulate all throughout the body, this type of cancer in cats can easily spread throughout the entire system. It is often associated with an infection of the feline leukemia virus, but can also occur in cats without the virus.
Vomiting and diarrhea
Lethargy and lack of interest in activities
Swollen lymph nodes
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma primarily affects the face, usually with areas around the ears, eyelids, mouth, and lips. There are two main types: oral and skin cancer.
Cats with lighter fur are at higher risk due to their susceptibility to UV damage. In the mouth, this cancer in cats can destroy the surrounding tissue, making simple functions difficult. These are the common signs.
Sores or ulcers on the skin
Bad breath and difficulty eating
Visible growths or lumps
Excessive drooling or blood in saliva
Mammary Gland Tumors
Mammary gland tumors are most commonly found in unspayed female cats and are often malignant. This cancer in cats often spreads quickly to the lungs and lymph nodes. It stems from abnormal cell growth due to estrogen, which is why it’s common in intact females.
Lumps or masses near the mammary glands
Swelling or redness around the affected area
Discharge from the nipples
Loss of appetite and lethargy
Fibrosarcoma
Fibrosarcoma develops in connective tissues and often presents as firm, painless masses under the skin. This cancer in cats is aggressive in the area it starts in, but can be slow to progress to other organs. Even after a successful removal surgery, the fibrosarcomas can come back.
Lumps or bumps under the skin that grow over time
Discomfort or pain
Lethargy and reduced mobility
Weight and appetite loss
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive cancer that targets the bones and limbs. This type of cancer in cats affects their mobility, which causes them a lot of pain and discomfort. It eats away at the affected area, which can cause inflammation and fractures over time.
When things get worse, the cancer can spread to other parts of a cat’s body, such as the lymph nodes and chest.
Swelling in the limbs or affected bones
Lameness or reluctance to move
Pain when touched or moved
Weight loss and fatigue
Mast Cell Tumors
Mast cell tumors develop from mast cells, a type of immune cell that responds to allergic reactions. These develop when these cells rapidly replicate and divide. This type of cancer in cats can appear anywhere on the skin, typically on the head or neck.
Raised, itchy lumps on the skin
Vomiting or abdominal discomfort
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Lethargy and weakness
Hemangiosarcoma
Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer in cats that starts from the endothelial cells of the blood vessels’ lining. While this type can be observed anywhere on the cat’s body, they are commonly seen in the heart, liver, and spleen. This cancer in cats is highly aggressive and can develop rapidly.
Hemangiosarcomas are highly vascular and can easily rupture. This can potentially lead to severe hemorrhage.
Rapid breathing
Weakness and lethargy
Difficulty breathing if internal tumors press on the lungs
Pale gums and loss of appetite
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer in cats with several subtypes depending on where the affected area is. This aggressive cancer is commonly known to develop in areas such as the lungs, intestines, eyes, and pancreas. This means that the symptoms will depend on where the cancer manifests.
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting or diarrhea
Weight loss and lethargy
Decreased appetite
Blood and mucus in the stool
Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Transitional cell carcinoma is another type of cancer in cats that primarily affects the lining of the urinary tract system. Because it’s highly aggressive, TCC can easily spread to the surrounding tissues and other nearby organs.
As the cancer develops, it can lead to blockages and significant discomfort for your cat.
Difficulty urinating or straining to urinate
Blood in the urine
Urinating in small amounts unexpectedly
Pain or discomfort while urinating
Melanoma
Melanoma is a tumor that develops from the pigment-producing cells in the mouth, eyes, or anywhere on the skin. This means that symptoms will appear depending on where the cancer is present. While melanoma is rare compared to other types, it is very aggressive.
Swelling in the mouth or around the jaw
Bad breath and drooling
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Visible tumors or growths in the mouth
What Causes Cancer in Cats?
Cancer is still a relatively unknown subject. While there isn’t a definite cause for the different types of cancer in cats, there are several factors experts have suspected.
Genetic Predisposition
Some cat breeds have a genetic predisposition to different types of cancer. For instance, Siamese, Bengal, Himalayan, and Persian cats have a much higher chance of getting lymphoma. It all comes down to the specific genetics of each cat.
Exposure to Carcinogens
Cats can be affected by carcinogens in their environment. When cats get exposed to toxins such as tobacco smoke, pesticides, other chemicals, and even UV rays, they can have an increased risk of developing cancer.
Viral Infections
Viral infections are also another possible cause of cancer in cats. Among these are FeLV and FIV. They work by altering the cat's DNA to trigger uncontrolled growth or by causing immune suppression.
Age
Cancer in cats can develop as they age. As they get older, they get exposed to several environmental factors that can increase the risk of cancer. Plus, their immune system declines, making them all the more vulnerable.
Diet and Obesity
A poor diet and obesity may contribute to certain cancers, as excessive weight can create inflammation and more problems in the body. Feeding your cat a balanced diet while maintaining a good weight is a good preventive measure.
How Is Cancer in Cats Diagnosed?
Diagnosing cancer in cats can be challenging, mainly because the signs can overlap with other conditions. When cancer seems to be the main problem, we’ll use a variety of physical exams, tests, and imaging techniques to confirm the cancer in cats.
Physical Examination
The process always begins with a thorough physical examination. Our vets will check for the following:
Lumps or masses under the skin
Signs of pain or swelling in specific areas
Changes in body condition, such as weight loss
Visible abnormalities like sores, growths, or discoloration
Additionally, we’ll also ask for any behavioral changes so we can have more clues on what your cat is experiencing.
Blood Tests
Blood tests provide important clues on your cat’s condition, as well as confirm the presence of cancer. These tests can detect certain abnormalities in red and white blood cells, which can help us diagnose cancer in cats.
Imaging Techniques
Diagnostic imaging plays a significant part in diagnosing cancer in cats. By giving us another point of view, we are able to assess your cat’s organs and detect the tumor present in the body.
X-rays are used to assess organ density and detect masses. Ultrasounds will focus on the internal organs and detect soft tissue tumors. CT scans and MRIs offer the most clarity and detail.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a highly accurate diagnostic method for cat cancer. It's done by collecting a sample of the cat's tissue and examining it under a microscope. With this method, we can determine if the cells are cancerous or not.
Fine Needle Aspiration
In some cases, we may do a fine needle aspiration to extract cells from the mass or tumor. This is then analyzed under a microscope to check for cancer cells as well as the type.
How Do Vets Treat Cancer in Cats?
The treatment of cancer in cats will depend on the location, size, and type. Your cat’s health will also be considered, as the treatment options can be quite intense. Here are the most common treatment options for cancer in cats:
Surgery
Mass removal surgery is often the first line of treatment for localized cancers, such as fibrosarcoma or mammary gland tumors. The goal of surgery is to physically remove the tumor entirely and a margin around the surrounding tissue to prevent or reduce any chances for recurrence.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy makes use of drugs to target and kill cancer cells, particularly those that have spread throughout the body. It’s commonly used for cancers like lymphoma. This may be given orally or through injectable medications, with mild side effects to be expected.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy uses focused beams of radiation to destroy cancer cells. It’s often used for tumors that can’t be completely removed by surgery, such as squamous cell carcinoma in the mouth or nasal passages. Side effects are usually localized, such as skin irritation and hair loss.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy boosts the cat’s immune system, helping it fight the cancer cells more effectively. While the treatment is relatively new in the field of veterinary medicine, it’s a much safer way, especially if it’s developed even more in the future.
Palliative Care
For complicated cancers in cats that cannot be cured, palliative care focuses on managing the pain and providing a better life as much as possible. This includes medications such as anti-nausea drugs, pain relief medicines, and supplements.
“Our cats need all the help they need when it comes to their care.”
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei
Final Thoughts
Each type of cancer in cats has its own traits and symptoms, each bringing worry and concern to all cat owners. Because cancer is a serious condition, understanding the common types can help us know what to do to help our best friend.
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