Cancer in Cats: Types, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

One fine day, as you are playing with your cat, the cat that is known to be deadly through its adorableness and enchanting gaze of cuteness, robbing men of their will and causing them to pledge absolute loyalty towards your cat …. What? No? That isn’t the case… well perhaps in an alternate universe then, anyways, you notice your cat has a few lumps present on its chest. This is reason to worry because you were sure it wasn’t there to begin with, and then slowly after time you notice your cat slower in its movements and being lazier than usual as compared to how it used to strut around like a high queen.

The stated symptoms experienced by the cat mentioned above were that of cancer. As cancer is a serious matter that may be the cause of a lot of suffering to your cat which may lead up to death if not recognized and treated at an early stage. Thus, a certain degree of knowledge is required as to understand what your cat is or may encounter and struggle with during its life therefore the following article discusses the topic about Cancer in Cats: Types, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment.

Cancer in Cats: Types and Treatment

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of a type of blood cell (lymphocytes) and lymphoid tissues. With lymphoma the cancer cells invade and destroy normal tissues. In cats, lymphoma cells can progress towards anywhere in the body, however there are a few sites that are more commonly affected by lymphoma, such as the GI tract, mediastinum, and lymph nodes compared to other parts of the cat’s body. As the disease progresses, lymphoma can affect other organs in the body as well. Depending on the grade of the lymphoma cancer with it being high or low grade, treatment for it may vary from chemotherapy with a combination of drugs to surgery for immediate action. For more understanding on this subject matter, please head to: Feline Lymphoma

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

The FeLV is transmitted and contracted by cats alone and is not contractable by humans. The virus usually enables anemia or lymphoma, but due to it holding the cats immune system down, it predisposes the cat to other dangers. Currently, there are no cures for FeLV infection, however, at least there is a chance that the cat will survive 3 more years with proper care and treatment.

Mammary Cancer

In other words, breast cancer! Yes people, even our poor little get them too. There isn’t a straight answer as to why your cat were to get mammary cancer but research shows the highest probability lies in levels of sex hormones in the animal as well as its genetic susceptibility to the cancer. The usual treatment for this type of cancer is surgical removal of the cancerous tissue. For more information regarding mammary cancer in cats types, symptoms, prevention, and treatment visit: Mammary Tumors in Cats

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer will come slowly and gradually turns into a more serious problem. Red and flaky skin, open wounds that have no obvious cause and are unable to heal, itchiness and lumps on areas of the skin are a few of the symptoms of skin cancer in cats. Typically, treatment for skin cancer in cats is the removal of the infected area containing the cancerous cells and the recovery period of your cat usually depends on the severity of the skin cancer. To know more about skin cancer in cat’s, types, symptoms, prevention, and treatment visit: Skin Cancer In Cats

Fibrosarcoma

The fibrosarcoma is a type of tumor found in the connective tissue of the cat typically at sites of previous vaccinations. There are instances whereby the cats develop this type of cancer due to being vaccinated for the FeLV, and it is called Vaccine Associated Fibrosarcomas in Cats. Surgical removal of the lump is the usual treatment for such tumors due to it being quite resistant towards radiotherapy and chemotherapy. For further information about fibrosarcoma cancer in cat’s, types, symptoms, prevention, and treatment visit: Fibrosarcoma and Feline Sarcoid

Cancer in Cats: Symptoms & Prevention

As a dedicated and caring owner towards your pet it wouldn’t hurt to know general symptoms that may indicate that your pet cat is suffering from cancer. Here are 6 symptoms that may indicate cancer in cats:

1. Lumps & Bumps on or under the skin of your cat. These bumps needn’t necessarily be cancerous but a sure way to know is to take your pet to the veterinarian.
2. Abnormal Odors or Discharges from your cat. Odors from the cat’s mouth, ears, or other parts and discharge of blood, pus, vomiting, diarrhea from any body part of your cat.
3. Non-Healing Wounds or Wounds with No Apparent Cause. These symptoms point to infection, skin disease, and possibly cancer.
4. Weight Loss. This is a sure sign of something being wrong with your cat especially if it is sudden and be sure to mention it to your vet.
5. Coughing or Difficulty in Breathing. If it didn’t consume something unusual this symptom could indicate heart and lung disease present in your cat and cancer as well.
6. Evident Pain in Your Pet. When it is visually noticeable when your cat has trouble moving about the area then it is a clear sign to take it to the vet as soon as possible.

In the case of preventing your kitty from getting cancer is a limited subject on its own, however, there are a few ways in reducing the probability of your cat getting cancer. One of the way is to spay your cat, this drastically reduces its chance of getting mammary cancer. Another way is to just have your pet cat receive vaccination for the general development of cancer or specific ones as well. Head over to the nearest vet for further information of cancer in cat’s, types, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

We hope that this article has provided you comprehensive insights on cancer in cats, and how to spot symptoms, prevention and prescribe the right treatments. Perhaps as a wise prevention measure, you may consider getting your cat covered with MSIG Take It Easy Pets Insurance to protect them against some of the potential illnesses mentioned here.