There are some cancers that can be prevented or reduced. If a female cat is spayed before the first heat, or at least before 12 months of age, there is a greatly reduced chance of breast cancer. Also, because a spay is a complete ovariohysterectomy, it eliminates the chance of cancer of the uterus and ovaries.
There are some forms of lymphoma that are caused by the contagious feline leukemia virus (most intestinal lymphomas are not). Keeping Georgia away from cats that may have feline leukemia virus is important. If Georgia goes outside and is exposed to other cats, the feline leukemia virus vaccination is recommended.
Other cancers usually occur in senior cats. Since the cause is unknown, they are difficult to prevent. Early detection and treatment are most helpful in these situations. These can be done with home monitoring for bumps or lumps, and having your cat examined right away if any are found. Since cancer of the abdominal organs (e.g., bladder, pancreas, liver), chest, and bones cannot usually be detected at home, it is important to have complete wellness exams done every 6 months, and whenever you notice a change in behavior or health. Many of these signs are also seen with noncancerous conditions, but they still warrant prompt attention by a veterinarian to determine the cause.
10 Common Signs of Cancer in Cats and Dogs, by the Veterinary Cancer Society- Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
- Sores that do not heal
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
- Offensive odor
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
- Persistent lameness or stiffness
- Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
Is cancer treatable?Cancer is frequently treatable, and early diagnosis is important. In some cases, surgery to remove the tumor is all that is needed. In other cases, chemotherapy or radiation treatment are needed, or a combination of treatments. We will refer you to an oncologist if such additional treatments are needed.
Chemotherapy in cats is not as difficult as it is in people; this is because the cat’s length of life span is shorter than ours, meaning that we only need enough chemotherapy to put the cancer into remission, hopefully long-term for the cat. Also, we have 2 rules to cancer treatment: medications to ensure that the cat feels no pain and has no nausea.
