🔍 What Is Cancer in Cats?

Cancer in cats refers to uncontrolled cell growth forming benign or malignant tumors, and it's the leading cause of death in cats over 10 years old—accounting for around 32% of deaths in this age group :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

🐱 Who’s at Risk?

• Older cats—incidence rises with age :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• FeLV- or FIV-infected cats—especially predisposed to lymphoma :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Light-skinned or hairless breeds—risk for skin and squamous cell carcinoma :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Cats receiving frequent injections—risk of injection-site sarcomas :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

⚠️ Signs of Cancer in Cats

Be alert for these subtle—but concerning—signs:

• New lumps or masses on or under the skin :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Non-healing sores or lesions :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Unexplained weight loss, poor appetite, or lethargy :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or coughing/difficulty breathing :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Abnormal urination or bleeding from any orifice :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Lameness, swelling, or persistent pain :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Any persistent or worsening abnormality should prompt a veterinary exam.

🧬 Common Types of Cancer in Cats

1. Lymphoma

Most common feline cancer (~25–30%). Can affect lymph nodes, GI tract, kidneys, mediastinum, spleen, and more :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}. Symptoms vary by form—weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory difficulty, increased thirst. FeLV/FIV infections dramatically increase risk :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Common in light-colored cats—occurs on ears, nose, eyelids—or inside the mouth. Oral SCC causes drooling, bad breath, difficulty eating; cutaneous SCC appears as non-healing scabs :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

3. Mammary Gland Tumors

Third most common form; ~85–90% malignant :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}. Mammary tumors are often preventable by spaying before six months: spayed females are ~7× less likely to develop them :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

4. Injection-Site Sarcomas (FISS)

Rare but aggressive soft-tissue cancers at injection sites, especially vaccines with aluminum adjuvant. Incidence is ~1 per 1,000–10,000 vaccinations; often fibrosarcomas :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

5. Mast Cell Tumors

Occur mainly in skin or GI tract. Skin tumors often benign; visceral forms more aggressive :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

6. Soft-Tissue Sarcomas (e.g., Fibrosarcoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma)

Arise in connective tissues; include fibrosarcoma and rhabdo-, affecting skin, muscle, fat :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

7. Other Tumors

Rare cancers include hemangiosarcoma, basal cell tumors, melanomas, mastocytoma, and primary bone tumors :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

🔬 How Cats Are Diagnosed

• Physical exam: palpation of lumps, checking lymph nodes and organs :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Blood and FeLV/FIV testing: markers for viral-induced tumors or systemic illness :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Imaging: X‑rays, ultrasound, CT/MRI to visualize internal tumors and spread :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy: provides diagnosis and histologic grading :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Staging: chest X‑rays and organ imaging to assess metastasis.

💊 Treatment Options

Treatment depends on cancer type, stage, and your cat’s health.

• Surgery: Primary treatment for localized masses—complete excision offers best prognosis, with 50% recurrence prevention in injection-site sarcomas :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.
• Radiation therapy: Often paired with surgery—especially for SCC or fibrosarcoma :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.
• Chemotherapy: Standard for lymphoma— ~75% of cats achieve remission; median survival post-relapse is ≈6 months; ~33% live 2+ years :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
• Targeted therapy: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors for mast cell tumors; ongoing research for feline use :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}.
• Palliative care: Pain meds, appetite stimulants, fluids—improves comfort & quality of life :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}.

🩺 Prognosis & Follow-Up

• Lymphoma: Remission common, relapse expected; long-term survival in 1/3 with therapy :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}.
• Skin & injection-site tumors: Early surgery + radiation leads to best outcomes :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}.
• Mammary tumors: Prognosis varies by size/ spread; spaying reduces risk :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}.
• Soft-tissue sarcomas: Surgery + radiation recommended; chemo for spread :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}.

Regular rechecks and diagnostics help catch recurrence early and prolong life.

🛡️ Prevention & Early Detection

• 🔸 **Spay female cats before 6 months** to greatly reduce mammary cancer risk :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}.
• 🔸 **Minimize injection-site sarcoma risk** by discussing vaccine necessity, using non-adjuvanted vaccines, and following “3‑2‑1” rule :contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}.
• 🔸 **Protect light or hairless cats** from sun exposure to reduce SCC risk :contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}.
• 🔸 **Prevent FeLV/FIV infection** through testing, vaccination, and avoiding exposure :contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39}.
• 🔸 **Schedule wellness exams** with tumor checks and diagnostics annually for cats 10+, or every 6 months for high-risk.
• 🔸 **Home checks:** monitor skin, appetite, weight, lumps and behavior—early detection saves lives.

🐾 Advice for Cat Parents

• 👩‍🔬 Keep up with vet exams and diagnostics.
• 📸 Photograph any new lumps to track changes.
• 🗂️ Maintain treatment records and schedule follow-ups.
• 🍲 Focus on nutrition, hydration, weight, and comfort.
• 📱 Use the Ask A Vet app for expert guidance and 24/7 peace of mind.
• 🛏️ Support your cat during treatment with calming Woopf & Purrz products.

📝 Summary Table