Early Signs Of Cancer In Cats

by admin on April 25, 2009

sleepycat2

Cancer in cats is becoming more common.

There’s a reason for this. Because of advances in veterinary care, cats are living longer than ever before. This means that they have more time being exposed to chemicals and other agents that can lead to abnormal cell multiplication. Also, with increasing age, there is increased risk of random errors in cell reproduction, which can lead to the growth of tumors.

There are several signs of cancer in cats that you need to look out for.

Skin or mammary tumors are often easy to detect. Your cat may have an unusual lump that you hadn’t noticed before. It may grow, but it’s unlikely to get any smaller. It may or may not be painful. There may not be a lump as such, but perhaps an ulcer or wound that isn’t healing, such as on the nose of a white cat. Sun cancer in cats often starts like this.

Cancer in the internal organs can be harder to diagnose. In the early stages, there may not be much change in your cat’s behavior. Perhaps a little off his food, or he has a bit less energy than before. As the disease progresses, he may develop difficulty breathing, he may have trouble eating if the tumor is in his mouth, he may have vomiting or diarrhea. In many cases, all you see is weight loss.

Treating cancer in cats has the best chance of success if the disease is caught early. Be familiar with what’s normal for your cat, so you notice when something’s not quite right, and head off to your vet for a checkup.