Signs of Cancer in Cats to Watch For
By Ashley Kalinauskas
Recently, I was in an Uber traveling from Cape Canaveral, Florida over to Orlando. I struck up a great conversation with my driver over the hour-long trip and told him about the work we are completing at Torigen.
He mentioned that he had two older cats that he loved with all of his heart, but could not remember the last time they were seen at the veterinarian. We discussed and went over common signs of cancer and to watch for changes in behavior, swollen lymph nodes and not eating.
For veterinarians, it is important to share the warning signs of cancer in cats to help get more of our feline friends treated earlier. Each year in the United States, over 6 million cats are diagnosed with cancer. However, while there are more cats than dogs in America, cats are less frequently seen every year by a veterinarian. Only 48% of cat owners obtain annual veterinary care for their cat, while 83% of dog owners have visited a veterinarian in the past year.
My Uber driver is not alone– we have normalized not bringing our cats to the veterinarian annually. While cats may be scared, or may not like to travel as much, it is important to encourage the owners to bring their cats for routine visits. I think it's a great opportunity to also promote your veterinary clinic as Fear Free if it has a separate feline waiting area.
Early detection is important in any cancer diagnosis. According to the Animal Cancer Foundation, these are the top signs of cancer in cats to be on the lookout for. Feel free to share these warning signs with your clients to hopefully get more cats seen more frequently in your practice:
Skin Lumps or Bumps: Lumps or bumps that rapidly grow or change in texture or shape. Cats can frequently get mammary carcinoma or oral squamous cell carcinoma. Checking both their body and their mouth can allow you to feel and see any changes.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymph node glands are located throughout the body but are most easily detected on the neck, behind the jaw, in their armpits, or behind their knees. Swollen lymph nodes can be a sign that the cat is fighting an infection– that may or may not be cancer, but it's best to get everything checked out early.
Hiding or Behavior Change: If a cat is hiding and or has a behavior change that is out of the norm, encourage the pet owner to bring them in for a visit. The owners know the cat best and can tell when there is a significant change in how they are acting.
Oral Odor and Bleeding: Cats have a higher likelihood of developing oral squamous cell carcinoma– a serious diagnosis when a tumor begins growing in their mouth or throat. Strong odor and bleeding are a sign to seek veterinary care immediately. While there can be other inflammatory diseases that are causing this, ruling out cancer should be an option.
Excessive weight loss: Rapid weight loss that is not explained by a weight loss diet.
Frequent vomiting or diarrhea: Unexplained and frequent vomiting or diarrhea.
Bleeding: Bleeding from the cat’s mouth, nose, gums, or in urine or stool.
Cancer has a better chance of responding to treatment when caught early. Educating clients to understand the risk factors of cancer with senior cats can hopefully bring more furry friends to the veterinarian earlier for treatment.
If your patient does end up being diagnosed with cancer and the tumor is being surgically excised, please reach out to our team at Torigen for more information. Torigen Pharmaceuticals develops individualized cancer vaccines for cats diagnosed with solid tumors. To learn more, please explore our website to determine if Torigen is right for your patients.
Sources: Animal Cancer Foundation, AVMA Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook