Cancer in Cats: An Overview
Dog Breeds
Fortunately cancer is not a common condition in cats. When it does occur, it strikes more often in older cats, or in cats that have not been spayed or neutered. The only exception to this rule is in cats which have been infected with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). These cats are at a highly increased risk for developing cancer.
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Definition of “Cancer”
“Cancer” is defined as any malignant cellular tumor. This definition must be broken down to be understood. A “tumor” is a swelling or other new growth of tissue caused by uncontrolled and progressive cell multiplication. Tumors can be benign or malignant. “Malignancy” is defined as the tendency of something to progressively worsen and to result in death, usually accompanied by properties of invasiveness and metastasis. “Metastasis” is the transfer of disease from one part of the body to another part that is not directly connected with it – essentially, a migration of cells into neighboring or remote tissues. Putting these definitions together, the term “cancer” encompasses a group of diseases that involve an uncontrolled and progressive transformation of normal cells into abnormal ones that becomes invasive, progressively worsens and ultimately spreads. Another word for cancer is “neoplasia.” Feline neoplasia tends to strike older and intact animals. An exception to this is in cats infected with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). These cats have an increased risk of developing cancer at a young age.
How Cancer Affects Cats
Cancer is among the leading causes of death in cats. This probably is at least partially due to the fact that companion cats are living longer with continual improvements in nutrition and veterinary care. How cancer affects a particular cat depends upon the type of cancer and the biological make-up of the individual animal. Meaningful generalizations about the effects of cancer cannot be made. Ultimately, most untreated or untreatable malignancies will hasten death.
Causes of Cancer in Cats
Medical science has not yet determined the precise causes of the many forms of cancer in companion animals, despite intensive research in both the animal and human realms. Many different cancers occur in cats, including most commonly lymphoma, fibrosarcoma, mammary tumors, mast cell tumors, squamous cell carcinoma and other soft tissue sarcomas, among others. Each of these can present in multiple ways, with varying frequencies and degrees of severity. Certain cat breeds are predisposed to developing certain types of cancers. Spaying or neutering may reduce the risk of feline neoplasia.
Preventing Feline Cancer
Little is know about the prevention of cancer in companion animals. Once the underlying causes of the various cancers are ascertained, prevention will become more plausible.
Special Notes
Early diagnosis and treatment of cancer always improves the prognosis. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are available at specialized veterinary hospitals to treat cancer in companion cats. With prompt diagnosis, aggressive treatment and ongoing management, including pain management and dietary support, many cats with cancer can live long, comfortable and relatively normal lives.
Symptoms and Types