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Any cat owner knows that felines make wonderful companions and truly become members of the family. As a pet parent, you surely hope to share your life with your cat for many years. Unfortunately, serious health conditions such as cancer can affect cats and may shorten their lives.
Although cancer is less common in cats than in dogs, it can still occur and may sometimes progress quickly. If you’re worried your cat may be displaying signs of cancer, don’t wait contact your veterinarian and schedule an examination.
Cancer can affect cats of all ages, although some types are more common in older cats. Feline cancers can include lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and mast cell tumors.
Cats are also particularly good at hiding signs of illness. This means subtle changes in appetite, weight, grooming, behavior, or activity may be important to discuss with your veterinarian.
Vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, unexplained weight changes, lumps, and changes in normal behavior can have many different causes. While these symptoms do not automatically mean cancer, persistent or unusual changes should always be evaluated by a veterinary professional.
FeLV, or feline leukemia virus, is not itself cancer, but infection can increase a cat’s risk of developing certain cancers, including lymphoma.
Some cats exposed to FeLV may successfully control the infection, while others can develop persistent infection and associated health problems. FeLV can spread between cats through close contact and bodily fluids, including saliva.
Cats that spend time outdoors or live with multiple cats may have a higher risk of exposure. Kittens can also acquire FeLV from an infected mother.
Testing can help determine whether a cat has been exposed to FeLV. If you’re bringing a new cat into a household with other cats, speak with your veterinarian about appropriate FeLV testing and vaccination.
There are many possible signs of cancer in cats, but most of these symptoms can also be caused by other health conditions. If you notice a persistent or unexplained change in your cat’s health, consult your veterinarian.
Unexplained weight loss is an important warning sign in cats. It can occur with several different illnesses, including some types of cancer.
A noticeable decrease in appetite should also be taken seriously. Cats that suddenly stop eating can develop additional health complications, so contact your veterinarian if your cat refuses food or has a significant change in eating habits.
Pay attention to your cat’s normal eating patterns and report unusual changes to your veterinarian.
Sudden weight gain or an enlarged abdomen can have several causes and does not necessarily indicate cancer.
However, if your cat’s abdomen appears unusually swollen or your cat is gaining weight without an obvious explanation, schedule a veterinary examination.
Monitoring your cat’s body condition and eating habits can help you identify changes early.
Changes inside your cat’s mouth can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem. Watch for symptoms such as persistent bad breath, changes in gum color, sores, bleeding, swelling, difficulty eating, or unusual lumps.
Oral health problems can be particularly difficult to notice in cats because they may hide discomfort.
Regular veterinary examinations can help identify oral health problems before they become more serious.
Every new lump, bump, or unusual skin change should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
A lump may be benign, but some can be associated with cancer. There is no reliable way to determine what a lump is simply by looking at it.
If you notice a new lump under your cat’s skin, an area that is growing, or a mass that changes in appearance, arrange a veterinary examination.
Early evaluation can help determine the appropriate next steps.
A sore that does not heal normally should not be ignored.
Persistent wounds, crusting, bleeding, or changes to the skin can have numerous causes, including infections, injuries, allergies, or certain types of cancer.
If you notice a sore that continues to return or does not appear to be healing, consult your veterinarian.
Changes in litter box habits can be an important indication that something is wrong.
Sudden refusal to use the litter box, frequent urination, difficulty urinating, changes in bowel movements, diarrhea, constipation, or accidents outside the litter box can have many possible causes.
These symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer, but persistent changes should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
If your cat is straining to urinate or unable to urinate, seek veterinary care immediately.
Any unexplained bleeding or unusual discharge should be investigated.
Depending on the underlying problem, cats may develop discharge from the eyes, nose, ears, or other areas. Blood in the urine or stool should also be discussed with a veterinarian.
Do not assume unexplained bleeding is normal. Your veterinarian can determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
You know your cat better than anyone, so you may be the first person to notice subtle changes in their overall well-being.
Some potential warning signs include:
A cat that suddenly becomes withdrawn or stops participating in normal activities may be experiencing an underlying health problem.
If your cat seems consistently unwell or behaves differently for an extended period, schedule a veterinary examination.
If one or more concerning symptoms appear in your pet, contact your veterinarian to schedule an examination.
The cause may turn out to be something much less serious than cancer, but only a veterinary professional can properly evaluate your cat and determine the likely cause.
Early veterinary attention can be valuable because it gives your veterinarian an opportunity to identify and address health problems as soon as possible.
Don’t wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking professional advice.
There are several things pet owners can do to support their feline friend’s overall health and wellness.
Regular veterinary examinations are an important part of preventative care. Your veterinarian can recommend appropriate vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care, nutrition, and screening based on your cat’s age and lifestyle.
If your cat is at risk of FeLV, ask your veterinarian about FeLV testing and vaccination.
Spaying and neutering can also provide important health and population-control benefits. Your veterinarian can explain the appropriate timing and potential benefits for your cat.
Keeping cats indoors or providing supervised outdoor access can reduce their exposure to fights, infectious diseases, parasites, and other outdoor hazards.
Nutrition is also important. Feed your cat a complete and balanced diet appropriate for their life stage, and monitor their weight regularly.
If you are considering nutritional supplements for your cat, discuss them with your veterinarian first. You can explore supplements for cats for additional information about feline wellness products.
At Wapiti Labs, we care about your pet and we know you do, too. Our product range includes natural wellness supplements designed for cats and other members of the family.
If you’re looking for nutritional support for your feline companion, explore supplements for cats.
You can also browse the complete Wapiti products collection to learn more about the products available from Wapiti Labs.
Wapiti Labs also provides wellness products for other animals and people, including supplements for dogs, supplements for horses, and supplements for people.
For the complete range, visit Wapiti Labs products.
Cancer is only one possible explanation for the symptoms discussed in this article. Many of these signs can also occur with infections, digestive problems, dental disease, parasites, injuries, nutritional problems, and other medical conditions.
Contact your veterinarian if your cat develops:
If your cat appears seriously ill, is having difficulty breathing, is unable to urinate, or is experiencing significant bleeding, seek urgent veterinary care.
Your cat cannot tell you when something is wrong, so paying attention to changes in appetite, weight, grooming, activity, and behavior is one of the best things you can do as a pet parent.
Regular veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, preventative healthcare, and early attention to unusual symptoms can all help support your cat’s long-term health.
For additional feline nutritional support, explore supplements for cats.
You can also visit the Wapiti Labs or our complete product collection to learn more about Wapiti Labs and its natural wellness products.
Common signs may include unexplained weight loss, appetite changes, persistent lethargy, new lumps, non-healing wounds, repeated vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, unusual bleeding, and behavioral changes. However, these symptoms can also occur with many non-cancerous conditions.
Early warning signs can include subtle weight loss, reduced appetite, decreased activity, changes in grooming, new lumps, and changes in bathroom habits. Because cats often hide illness, even subtle persistent changes should be discussed with a veterinarian.
You cannot reliably determine whether a lump is cancerous based on appearance, size, or texture alone. A veterinarian may recommend a physical examination, fine-needle aspiration, biopsy, or other diagnostic testing to determine what the lump is.
Some feline cancers can be treated or managed. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted treatment, or supportive care depending on the type and stage of cancer and the cat’s overall health.
Contact your veterinarian if your cat develops persistent weight loss, appetite changes, unusual lumps, non-healing wounds, repeated vomiting, persistent diarrhea, breathing problems, unusual bleeding, or significant behavioral changes. Severe breathing difficulty, collapse, or major bleeding requires urgent veterinary attention.
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Shawnee to describe large, white, rumped deer, elk
