Cancer in Cats

 Cancer is a broad term for any type of malignant tumour and these are often characterised by an abnormal growth of cells which invade surrounding tissues and destroy them. Cancers cells can be transported throughout the body by the bloodstream or lymphatic cells and this is known as metastasis and they can set off similar growths elsewhere. Just like humans, cats are susceptible to a wide range of cancers of which the most common are lymphomas affecting the lymph nodes,  spleen, thymus gland and the kidneys, nasal passage and nervous system. These represent a third of all cat cancers and they are quite common in younger cats. Most cancers are common with age and cats are particularly susceptible. Other common areas to find cancerous growths are the mouth and skin and in the mammary glands of female cats although it is possible to find growths anywhere in the body.

Cancerous growths often are found in the lungs causing breathing problems and coughing and the symptoms are usually variable depending on the location. If a lump is detected the cat should be taken to  avetinary surgeon for further checking and surgery is the usual treatment along with chemotherapy and radiology. If caught early it is better for your cat as the survival rates are increased just as with humans and those easiest to spot early are on the skin and some treatments can be effective, but in the case of some cancers it might be better to put your cat to sleep.