Mary Allen
When a tumor is discovered in cats, the shock for owners is great. However, if you recognize the symptoms early, cancer in cats can often be treated well. Therefore, pay close attention to possible signs of a tumor disease and, if, in doubt, it is better to go to the vet once too often.
Unfortunately, the signs of cancer in cats can be unspecific, which means that the symptoms your cat shows do not clearly indicate the disease. The severity of cancer also depends on where the tumor is and how far the cancer cells have spread.
What are Tumors in Cats?
If body cells suddenly divide uncontrollably, a tumor will grow in a cat. Tumors can be benign (benign tumors) or malignant (malignant tumors).
Malignant tumors grow particularly quickly, proliferate into healthy tissue (they behave “invasively”), and form so-called metastases. This means that they spread rapidly throughout the body.
Although benign tumors grow more slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body, they can still affect healthy bodily functions.
Tumor in Cats: Symptoms & Warning Signs
Symptoms for feline tumors are similar in both benign and malignant forms. In the case of malignant tumors, however, your cat’s general state of health deteriorates faster and more severely than in the case of benign tumors.
Regardless of the form, it is important to detect a feline tumor early before it is too late for treatment. If you have the following possible signs of cancer, you should take your cat to the vet immediately:
● Weight loss
● Loss of appetite or, conversely, an abnormally large appetite
● Difficulty eating or swallowing
● Vomiting
● Diarrhea
● Seizures
● Epileptic seizures
● Anemia
● Wounds that do not heal
● Discharge or bleeding
● Swelling and massing of the body
● Lumps under the skin
● Respiratory problems
● Lameness or stiffness
● Difficulty in passing urine or feces
Behavioral Changes as a Symptom of Cancer in Cats
In addition, a tumor in cats can also make itself felt through symptoms that are accompanied by a noticeable change in your pet’s behavior. For example, an otherwise balanced, the relaxed cat suddenly seems restless and nervous.
A previously happy, playful cat suddenly withdraws more and more often, appears listless or tired. Perhaps you also have the impression that your cat has aged by years in a short space of time? Then you should definitely go to the vet.
What are Common Types of Tumors in Cats?
Blood cancer tumors are most commonly diagnosed in cats. If nodules and tumors form, these are so-called lymphosarcomas. When cancer cells swim freely in the bloodstream, the type of blood cancer is called leukemia.
Some forms of leukemia are caused by the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The risk of infection is particularly high for those who are outdoors, which is why vaccination against FeLV is recommended for them.
Other common types of tumors in cats are:
● Squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer): Fair-skinned animals are particularly at risk, frequent exposure to the sun increases the risk. These tumors usually affect parts of the body that have little hair because they are exposed to the sun’s rays without protection, such as the edges of the ears and the inside of the auricles or the nose. In addition, these tumors can appear in the cat’s mouth.
● Basal cell tumor (skin cancer): Symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes and nodules on the skin.
● Fibrosarcoma (skin cancer): These tumors appear as clearly defined bumps under the skin.
● Mammary carcinoma (breast cancer): Symptoms are small nodules on the abdomen. Often the limbs swell and the cat is in great pain when trying to move.
Suspicion of a Tumor in Cats? Get a Diagnosis From the Vet
If you notice something strange about your cat, definitely go to the vet. Particular caution is required if your cat has a weakened immune system due to a chronic illness or is older than eight years.
In these cases, a regular health check at the vet is usually worthwhile. Because no matter what type of cancer it is, the tumors have an easier time in already weakened animals. And the earlier they are detected, the greater the chances of recovery.
The vet will thoroughly examine your cat, check its general health and, if cancer is suspected, perform a blood test or ultrasound to check for possible tumors. Also, during your visit, be sure to tell him about any behavioral changes and other noticeable symptoms you’ve noticed in your cat.
Treating Cancer in Cats: This is What the Vet Can Do
If the tumor in cats is clearly defined, has not yet metastasized, or has attacked too much healthy tissue, an operation is sufficient. The tumor is then generously excised.
If the cancer cells have already spread or if the tumor is too large to be surgically removed, chemotherapy and radiotherapy can also be considered. Chemotherapy consists of drugs that attack the cancer cells.
Unfortunately, the drugs can also affect healthy cells, which is why there are sometimes severe side effects. The veterinarian will therefore weigh up carefully whether the positive effect is worth the side effects.
In radiation therapy, the tumors are irradiated in a targeted manner and thus destroyed. Radiation therapy can also shrink very large tumors to such an extent that they can be operated on.