Cat Cancer Symptoms

Cat owners may fear hearing the diagnosis of cancer from the veterinarian, but the sooner the diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment can begin. With early veterinary attention and treatment, many cancers are treatable. The longer the cat with cancer goes without treatment, the more likely treatment is going to offer limited or poor results.

Therefore, cat owners should know the signs and symptoms of cancer. There are some symptoms that should trigger a visit to the veterinarian. Even if the cause of the symptom is not cancer, other treatable medical conditions may be discovered and treated when a responsible, watchful cat owner seeks prompt veterinary care.

One common sign of cat cancer is a lump on the cat’s body or a sore that won’t heal. It’s important for the cat owner to understand that not all lumps on cats are cancer. Though it may not be cancer, the best thing is for the cat owner to take the cat to be evaluated by the veterinarian as soon as possible. A cat that does not have a lump may have cancer. A visible lump or sore is not always present. Therefore, the cat owner should take the cat to the veterinarian for an exam if they notice any changes in the cat’s appetite, activity level, or body.

Cancer in cats may cause a discharge or unexplainable bleeding. This should be checked by the veterinarian. The cat may have difficulty eating or swallowing. Cats with cancer may experience weight loss and lose their appetites. A cat with cancer may struggle to urinate or defecate.

Cancer can affect the cat’s activity level. A cat may appear to suffer from stiffness or lameness. A cat with cancer may feel fatigued and avoid activity. Symptoms of cancer could be caused by another disease. Difficulty urinating can also be a sign of problems with the urinary system. A cat owner should not attempt to diagnose the cat or explain symptoms. A cat with any of these symptoms should be seen by the veterinarian. If the veterinarian diagnoses cat cancer, the veterinarian is likely to discuss treatment options as well as pain management for the cat if necessary.