Cat cancer types, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment options

By: Kristia Goodnight

Just like humans, our cats can develop cancer. It’s important to know the common symptoms of cat cancer, as our feline friends tend to hide their health issues. Cat cancer has more treatment options than ever before. And while you can’t prevent cancer entirely there are ways you can reduce the risk for your cat so they can live their best life.

Can cats get cancer? Can a cat survive cancer?

Unfortunately, cats can develop several types of cancer. Cancer is a term used to describe any uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that are metabolically active or form tumors anywhere in a body. Cancer can be life-threatening.

With early detection and effective treatment, many cats can survive cancer. Whether a cat can survive cancer depends on several factors, including:

Your cat’s primary veterinarian or veterinary oncologist will advise you on the best action steps for your cat and their unique needs.

How common is cancer in cats?

Cancer is unfortunately a somewhat common health concern for cats. It’s estimated that 1 in 5 cats will develop cancer during their lifetime. And while cancer is the leading cause of death in senior cats, current treatment options are better than ever before. Cancer is not always a terminal diagnosis.

What is the most common cancer in cats?

Just as in humans, cat cancer comes in many forms. The most common cat cancers include lymphoma, soft-tissue sarcoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Each of these unique cancers comes with its own symptoms and treatment options.

Lymphoma

Feline Lymphoma: is a systemic cancer of the lymphocyte, a specific type of white blood cell found throughout the body. Lymphoma may present with vague ongoing symptoms and can impact various organs, and depending on which organs are affected, symptoms can vary. Until the development of the feline leukemia vaccine in 1985, the FeLV virus was one of the leading causes of lymphoma in cats. Vaccinating your cat against FeLV not only protects them against this highly contagious disease but also indirectly protects them against certain forms of lymphoma.

Soft-tissue sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcomas are tumors that can occur anywhere on the outside of a cat’s body including the skin, muscles, small blood vessels, fat, and nerves. Signs of a sarcoma vary depending on its location and the tissue affected but a lump or mass is one of the most common signs. A limp or pain is less common but can be a sign of a sarcoma that is located on a limb.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a tumor of skin cells. It’s often found in the mouth or on the face of cats on their ear tips, nose, and corners of the eyes but can occur anywhere on the skin including the toes. White cats and those with thinner fur are more prone to developing squamous cell carcinomas, especially those who spend a lot of time in the sun.

SCCs can vary greatly in appearance, ranging from a sore that may break open and bleed to raised or reddened areas, or a cauliflower-like growth.

What age do cats typically get cancer?

Generally, cancers affect older cats more commonly than younger cats. Cancer in cats is more common in those over age 10, but it can affect younger cats.

Cat cancers tend to grow slowly over time, often without symptoms or vague symptoms in the beginning stages. Older cats should have more frequent vet checkups to monitor for signs of cancer and other age-related health concerns.

What are the warning signs of cancer in cats?

Cats instinctively hide any signs of illness or injury, and signs of cancer in cats can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. However, some common signs your cat may have cancer include:

These symptoms may be warning signs that your cat has developed cancer or other serious health issues.

What do I do if my cat shows symptoms of cancer?

Cats hide their illnesses well so if you can sense that something is off with your cat, they should be evaluated. Early detection is key to successful treatment of cat cancer. Schedule an appointment with your primary veterinarian as soon as possible if your cat is showing signs of cancer.

Your vet will examine your cat and talk with you about the details of what your cat is struggling with. They will likely recommend additional diagnostic testing depending on the specific concerns of your cat.

What should I do if my cat is diagnosed with cancer?

If your cat is diagnosed with cancer, don’t panic. Cats today have more treatment options than ever before and tolerate treatments well. Your vet will discuss treatment options with you for your cat’s type of cancer and will guide you in making the right choices for your cat based on their age, overall health, and other factors.

Cat cancer treatment options

Your cat’s cancer treatment options will depend greatly on the specific type and stage of cancer they have. For example, localized tumors are often treated with surgical removal, while more widespread cancers can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation. You and your veterinarian will collaborate to develop a treatment plan most suited to your cat’s needs.

Cats tolerate treatment well, fairing much better than humans with minimal side effects from common cancer treatments like surgery or chemotherapy.

How can I reduce my cat's chances of getting cancer?

While there is no guaranteed way to completely prevent cancer in cats, you can take steps to reduce your cat's risk.

Regular vet check-ups:

Taking your cat in for annual or bi-annual wellness check-ups is recommended for all cats, even if they seem perfectly healthy. Regular vet visits are crucial to maintaining your cat’s overall health and well-being and can catch any early signs of cancer, increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Avoid Toxins and Carcinogens:

You may be surprised how many toxic items you have in your home. Not only are cats curious creatures who love to investigate places they shouldn’t be. They also groom themselves constantly, licking their fur and paws – ingesting many substances they come into contact with.

Limit toxic chemicals and carcinogens in your home, for your cat’s health (and yours!)

Preventing your cat from accessing harmful chemicals like household cleaners, cigarette smoke, and pesticides, can reduce their exposure to potential carcinogens.

Have your cat spayed or neutered:

Spaying or neutering your cat can directly prevent certain types of cancer among other health issues. In females, it reduces the risk of mammary cancer. In males, sterilization obviously eliminates the risk of testicular cancer.

Keep your cat indoors:

While your cat may disagree, an indoors-only policy is their safest option. Outdoor cats are at higher risk of developing cancer due to their exposure to toxins, other animals, and more.

Opt-in to preventive measures:

The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) vaccines can both protect your cat from developing certain cancers. Talk to your vet about the best preventive care for your cat.

Maintain a healthy weight:

Overweight cats have been shown to carry a higher risk of developing cancer. Help your cat reach or maintain a healthy weight by not overfeeding them, choosing high-quality food, and offering plenty of options for play and activity.

While you can’t prevent cancer completely, you can help reduce your cat's chances of developing cancer by keeping them healthy and happy to the best of your ability.

Talk through any pet health questions or concerns you have with veterinary professionals anytime through the 24/7 Vet Helpline provided by whiskerDocs, included as one of the many benefits of our Lifetime Protection Membership.

The information provided and contained herein are the opinions of Pethealth Services (USA) Inc. which are based on external publication. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Pethealth Services (USA) Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss, claims or damages arising out of the within content.