Understanding feline cancers
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Amanda McQueen
Just as the big “C” word can take over the lives of our loved ones, it can also take hold of our beloved pets.
Feline cancer can be a devastating diagnosis, but there can be ways to prevent your loving cats from contracting some types of non-hereditary cancers, and there are treatments available for those who may have already been diagnosed. 
Feline cancer is a class of diseases in which cells grow uncontrollably, invade surrounding tissue and may spread to other areas of the body. As with people, cats can get various kinds of cancer. The disease can be localized (confined to one area, like a tumor) or generalized (spread throughout the body). Feline cancer has no known single cause. However, we do know that both hereditary and environmental factors can lead to the development of cancer in cats.
Symptoms of cancer in cats may vary widely. Some of those symptoms include the following (although they don’t always denote a cancer diagnosis): lumps (which are not always malignant, but are always worth having a veterinarian examine); swelling; persistent sores or skin infections; abnormal discharge from any part of the body; bad breath; listlessness, lethargy or other marked change in behavior; dramatic weight loss; sudden lameness, diarrhea or vomiting; scaly and/or red skin patches; decreased or loss of appetite; difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating; and dramatic change in behavior.
Keeping your cat indoors will protect her from certain skin cancers caused by repeated sun exposure and sunburn. It can also help protect your cat from exposure to the feline leukemia virus, which can cause cancer to develop. There is a vaccination available to help prevent your cat from being able to contract the virus, as well as testing that your veterinarian can do that can confirm contraction of the virus and allow for a proper treatment plan.
Treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy or a combination of therapies. Success of treatment depends on the form and extent of the cancer and the aggressiveness of the therapy.
Of course, early detection is best. Some cat owners opt for no treatment of the cancer, in which case palliative care, including pain relief, should be considered. Regardless of how you proceed after a diagnosis of cancer in your pet, it is very important to consider his quality of life when making future decisions.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat shows any of the clinical signs mentioned on the list above.
Amanda McQueen is vice president of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
