Cat Common Cancers

There are many different types of Cat Cancer that can affect cats. Below are brief descriptions of each form of cancer that your cat may suffer from:

Abdominal Cancer

This form of cancer is common in all breeds of cats. Cancers that affect the liver, spleen, intestines, and kidneys are all classified under this type of cancer. It can be difficult to suspect these types of cancers, as the cancerous organs found in the abdominal area will also not be noticeable even when your cat exhibits a Cat Swollen Abdomen. However, a veterinarian will be able to check the organs during a physical exam. Taking your cat to the vet once or twice each year will also help to detect abdominal cancer and treat it before it becomes an issue.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is more commonly found in cats living in homes of people who smoke. It is also seen more frequently in cats whose owners expose them to flea and tick shampoos and dips, than in those that do not receive such commercially prepared and chemically laden Cat Fleas and tick treatments. The ingredients of these items, namely the petroleum, can cause the cancer. Most cats can develop tumors of the bladder and most are commonly benign. When they are not, however, the tumors can spread quickly and if left untreated your cat can succumb to it. There are no breeds of cat that are more susceptible to bladder cancer than another.

Mammary Cancer

Cat Mammary Cancer, also known as breast cancer, is less commonly found in cats than in dogs, but this does not mean that they are immune to it. Female cats are affected more so than male cats. It has been seen that 50% of cats with breast cancer only have a small tumor, while the other 50% have a mass that spreads throughout the entire body. When breast cancer is found in cats, 85% of the cases involve a metastatic tumor that affects many other parts of the body. Spaying cats prior to their second heat cycle will help decrease their risk of mammary cancer. When the cancer is removed with surgery, most vets eliminate all of the mammary tissues instead of just taking the one affected breast.

Skin Cancer

Tumors on the skin of cats are the easiest to diagnose because they can be readily seen by a cat’s owner. Cats that spend most of their time outdoors are more at risk for skin tumors than indoor-only cats. However, when any cat gets a skin tumor, it is usually malignant. A common skin mass for cats that is caused by sun damage is known as a Cat Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cat Skin Cancer can also be caused by melanocytes and mast cells.

Testicular Cancer

Cats tend to be less at risk for testicular cancer than dogs, and having your cat neutered will remove these chances entirely. Having a testicle that has remained in the abdomen furthers the possibility of a cat getting this form of cancer. Other factors that can place a cat at a higher risk for testicular cancer include exposure to parasites, herbicides, and other environmental toxins. The prognosis is good for most cats that have this cancer treated by removing their testicles through surgery.