Cancer in Cats

Cancer occurs in cats as well as humans and other species. Just like in people some forms of cancer in cats are curable or controllable. Some types of cancer are difficult to diagnose, while others are fairly readily detected. Cancer occurs much more frequently in middle aged and older cats than in young cats.

Cancers may present as a visible lump or mass, or may be much more non specific. Weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of activity, swelling of the belly, and difficulty breathing may all be signs of cancer. Cancer may mimic many diseases.

Not every mass that occurs is cancerous. Some masses may be benign. Benign masses are growths that do not typically cause any significant problems to the cat, and do not metastasize (spread) to other areas of the body. Some benign masses may need to be removed due to their location e.g. the eyelid where it would rub on the cornea, or due to their size eg the mass is physically big enough to make movement of a limb difficult.

Cancerous masses are growths that will cause problems, whether becoming locally invasive (destroying normal tissue in one location) or by spreading to other areas of the body. There are many types of cancer in cats. These cancerous masses vary from being slow growing to being very aggressive and life threatening. Cancerous masses need to be removed or treated with chemotherapy , radiation treatment, or other appropriate types of treatment.

Your cat will probably need to tests to determine whether cancer is the cause of its illness. Radiographs, blood tests, ultrasound, cytology (looking at cells under the microscope) and/or surgery may be required. Biopsies (tissue samples) may be obtained either through surgery or guided by ultrasound while under anesthesia.

Veterinarians now have many options for pet owners whose pets have cancer. Cancer therapy for pets, as well as for people, has advanced dramatically. Many of our cancer patients live months or years with treatment, and have good quality of life. Many chemotherapy drugs have generic alternatives available now, which has made chemotherapy much more affordable for many patients. The treatments that cats receive usually do not cause nausea or hair loss. Appetite stimulants are effective for most cats if needed. Pain management is very effective at keeping your cat’s quality of life comfortable. We often work in conjunction with a veterinary oncologist (cancer specialist) to devise the best treatment program for your cat. This may require your pet’s referral to Lansing or Detroit for an initial evaluation and treatment by the oncologist, or it may occur by phone or internet consultation depending on the patient’s needs.

Some cancers can be cured by surgical removal of the cancerous mass. Some cancers are not curable by surgery. In many cases, the goal of treatment is not cure the patient, but to put them into remission where their cancer is not spreading and which allows them good quality of life, often for months or years. Good nutritional support, including supplements such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, is essential to help cancer patients maintain body weight and energy. Effective treatment is not possible for every pet. In some cases, the cancer may have progressed too far for effective treatment, the pet may be too weak or debilitated, or finances do not allow aggressive care. Many times palliative (hospice) care can be given to keep these cats comfortable as long as possible. Eventually, the final gift a loving family can give their pet is a humane release from this life when they no longer respond to medical or hospice care.

For best results, cancer care requires good communication between and a commitment of time and resources by both the family and the veterinary team. We will do our best to help you and your pet have a long and happy life together by offering the best medical care possible. Please feel free to call if you have any questions or concerns.

Kentwood Cat Clinic
Cat Clinic North
Dr Tammy Sadek, Diplomate ABVP Feline
Dr Maria Berger
Dr Kathleen Cannady
Dr Joe Simon