While cats are less prone to cancer than dogs, it has been estimated that as many as 3 out of 10 cats may develop cancer at some stage in their lives. As cats get older, they’re at increased risk of getting cancer. However, with early detection and improved veterinary care, cats with cancer can still live to a good age and have a good quality of life.

Take your cat for a check-up with your vet if you have any concerns. In most cases they’ll be able to reassure you that all is well with your cat. But if your pet sadly has cat cancer, the sooner it’s picked up, the better your cat’s chances of making a good recovery.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells. Why this happens isn’t completely understood, but toxins, viruses, radiation, immune system dysfunction and a cat’s genetic make-up are possible causes. Aggressive cancers that spread to other parts of the body such as the brain, liver and lungs are considered metastatic or malignant. Tumours that don’t spread are considered benign.

Signs and Symptom of Cancer in Cats?

There are many different forms of cancer, and cat cancer symptoms can be very variable. Symptoms of cancer in cats may include weight loss, depression, lack of appetite, fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and just being very tired. Any new lumps or bumps on your areas of the body or old ones that have recently got bigger should be checked out.

Your cat may also be in pain so keep a look out for any changes in their behaviour. They may be more aggressive, vocalise more, and may not want to be touched. Other signs are limping and a hunched position. If your cat is unwell, don’t just put it down to old age – if the cancer is spotted at an early stage, your cat’s chances of survival are higher.

White cats are particularly susceptible to skin cancer, especially on areas exposed to sunlight like their ears and nose. Cats that haven’t been vaccinated against Feline leukaemia virus are also at risk of developing feline cancer.

Common Types of Cancers in Cats

There are many different types of cat cancer, like cancer of the lymphatic system, types of white blood cells, skin, breast and mouth cancer are commonly seen. Examples of the types of cancer found in cats include

Lymphoma

Lymphoma in cats is cancer of the lymph nodes and is often associated with Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV). The most common form is intestinal lymphoma but nasal, mediastinal (tumour in the chest) and kidney lymphoma are also seen. Nasal and mediastinal forms typically have the best outcomes. Affected cats may be given chemotherapy to allow them to have a good quality of life for as long as possible. Some may have a life expectancy of around 4 months while others may achieve complete remission. Those that fail to respond to chemotherapy will rapidly deteriorate over a few weeks.

Leukaemia

Cat leukaemia can be chronic or acute and can be associated with Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV). In chronic leukaemia, there’s a slow, steady increase in white blood cells. The disease may only be picked up when the cat has a routine blood test. In acute leukaemia, the white cells increase quickly. And bone marrow production of other cells like red blood cells decrease to allow for the increased production of white cells. These cats become sick very quickly - within days or weeks. The first sign can be a tendency to bruise or bleed more easily.

Mammary Gland Cancer

Older, female cats that haven’t been spayed may be affected by breast cancer. Tumours tend to appear as firm, nodular masses and have an 80-90% risk of being malignant. The cancer may start in one mammary gland and spread to other mammary glands, lymph nodes, lungs and other organs. Early detection and surgical removal of the tumours is the best treatment option. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy may also be used. Spaying your cat before their first heat cycle is the best way to prevent breast cancer in cats.

Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Sarcomas can affect a cat's connective, muscle or nervous tissues. These solitary and firm tumours typically form on the limbs or head but may also be found in nasal and oral cavities, bone, spleen and eye. Fibrosarcoma, a slow-growing connective tissue tumour is the most common type in cats. Surgery is recommended, and radiotherapy may also be given. Rapidly progressing and aggressive sarcomas may also form at an injection or vaccination site (injection-site associated sarcoma). The prognosis is good if the tumour is completely removed and not caused by vaccination.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma in cats is a tumour of skin cells, is the third most common tumour in cats. It’s often seen in white shorthaired cats. Ultraviolet light causes damage to unpigmented or lightly pigmented skin causing lesions typically on the ears, nose, eyelids and mouth. White cats should be kept out of the sun or wear a veterinary approved sunblock. Surgical removal and radiotherapy are effective but a variety of treatments, including photodynamic therapy, electrochemotherapy, and cryotherapy may also be used.

How is Cat Cancer Diagnosed?

If cancer is suspected, your vet will examine your cat and x-rays, ultrasonography and blood and urine tests may be taken. A sample of the tumour may be taken by fine needle aspirate. This is a quick and simple procedure. If the tumour is not easily accessible, a biopsy may be necessary.

This is when a small piece of the tumour is removed under anaesthesia. Samples may also be taken from the lymph node or bone marrow. The tissue cells will be then examined under a microscope to identify the type of cancer.

Your vet may decide that further scans like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) may be needed. If these are required, they’ll probably refer your cat to a veterinary oncologist for specialised treatment. This can be expensive but may be necessary to identify the type of cancer your cat has and for your cat to have the best treatment.

How is Cat Cancer Treated?

There are various treatment options for your cat depending on the type of cancer and the stage at which it has been diagnosed. Sadly, if the cancer is found when it’s already at an advanced stage, a complete cure may not be achievable. The treatment may then be palliative so that your cat can be pain-free and comfortable for a long as possible.

Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy or a combination of all three may be used to treat your cat’s cancer. If the tumour is solid, hasn’t spread and is easily accessible, surgery is a good option. Blood cancers or cases where there are multiple tumours in the body are usually treated using chemotherapy. Where the size and extent of the tumour has been identified, radiotherapy may be used to kill the cancerous cells.

Cats respond well to chemotherapy and don’t have many side effects. Luckily, they’re unlikely to lose their hair. There are also newer therapies such as electrochemotherapy, immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy.

Your vet will recommend the best treatment for your cat depending on the type of cancer and what is best for your cat. Some treatments can be given at home while other procedures will require your cat to be admitted to a specialised centre.

If you're worried that your cat may have cancer, make a vet appointment straight away. If spotted at an early stage, the cancer may be treatable, and your cat may have a good chance of enjoying life to a good old age.

To help prevent your cat developing cancer, bear in mind the following risk factors - make sure they're not overweight or obese, have a healthy diet and active lifestyle, are vaccinated and have regular veterinary check-ups.

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Felis - www.vetlexicon.com/treat/felis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.