Fighting Feline Cancer
March 1st, 2019
Hearing that your furry friend has cancer can be devastating news to loving pet parents. Although cancer doesn’t occur in cats as commonly as in dogs, it still affects many of our feline companions. Cats tend to mask illness, making it harder to detect that anything is off, often leading to later diagnosis and complex, costly treatments down the road.
Symptoms of Feline Cancer
Fighting feline cancer begins with paying attention to symptoms of the disease while it is still in the early stages. It may be tricky to discover feline cancer because cats hide disease well.
Symptoms of cancer include lumps that change in shape or size, sores that do not heal, a rough coat, lethargy, changes in bowel or bladder habits, and difficulty swallowing. Your kitty may find it difficult to urinate or defecate or may have unexplained bleeding or discharge. Some cats experience loss of appetite or may vomit or diarrhea. Symptoms of feline cancer also include chronic weight loss, difficulty breathing, stiffness, or oral odor.
If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure to contact us at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital immediately. We will perform diagnostic tests to determine whether cancer is present. Early diagnosis is your furry friend’s best chance for successful treatment.
Preventing Feline Cancer
Spaying your female kitty will drastically reduce the chance of developing mammary cancer. Cat owners are advised to prevent the development of feline leukemia through vaccination or ensuring their new furr-ever friend hasn't been exposed to feline leukemia. This will decrease the likelihood of developing a form of cancer known as lymphoma.
Some causes of some forms of feline cancers are unknown, so the best prevention is early detection to allow for the best outcomes.
Treatments for Feline Cancer
We believe that communication with you throughout the diagnosis and treatment process is essential. We will make sure to discuss all treatment options for your precious pet and the possible outcomes, with our primary concerns being the well being and comfort of your cat. We will also discuss any expected lifestyle changes, possible side effects, and the costs of treatment. This will allow you to make informed decisions.
Once feline cancer is diagnosed, surgery is often an option to remove lumps or bumps. Chemotherapy is the most common treatment to manage lymphomas or to target aggressive tumors that have spread to the lymph nodes or other organs. If the tumors cannot be removed, we may recommend radiation therapy.
We Are Here for You
If you have any concerns about your cat's health, please contact us immediately at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital in the Kirkland area. We are committed to providing you and your feline friend with compassionate, comprehensive care and support services. We understand that feline cancer is the last thing you want to deal with. We are here to help you and your kitty navigate the journey through offering the best veterinary care available. We are always here for you and your furry family member.
Recent Posts
-
How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Healthy and Active
February 10th, 2025
-
How to Transition Your Cat to a New Diet Without Stress
January 14th, 2025
-
Essential Tips for First-Time Cat Owners
December 18th, 2024
-
How Do I Know if My Senior Cat Is in Pain?
November 1st, 2024
-
Common Misconceptions about Feral Cats
October 9th, 2024
-
Nutritional Needs of Cats: A Veterinarian’s Perspective
September 9th, 2024
-
Even Healthy Cats Need Vet Visits: Here’s Why!
August 1st, 2024
-
Summer Safety Tips for Cat Owners
July 11th, 2024
-
The ABCs of Cat Vaccinations – What Every Cat Owner Should Know
June 5th, 2024
-
Preparing for Travel With or Without Your Feline Friend
May 3rd, 2024
-
How to Feed Cats in a Multiple-Cat Household
April 8th, 2024
-
8 Tips to Get Your Cat in a Carrier
March 5th, 2024
-
Help, My Cat’s Breath Smells!
February 5th, 2024
-
A Quick Guide to Coping with Cat Emergencies
January 8th, 2024
-
Traveling for the Holidays? 6 Things to Do Before Leaving Your Cat
December 14th, 2023
-
What Is Catnip and Is It Safe for Your Cat?
November 2nd, 2023
-
5 Tips for New Cat Owners
October 5th, 2023
-
How Often Should My Cat Have a Health Check?
September 7th, 2023
-
Cat Hairballs – What Do I Need to Know?
August 4th, 2023
-
How to Play with Your Cat: Fun Cat Activities
July 4th, 2023
-
What to Know About Your Cat’s Surgery
June 10th, 2023
-
Licensed Veterinary Technician or Technician Assistant Wanted (Full time or Part time)
May 15th, 2023
-
Why, Oh Why, Does My Cat Hate Water?
May 9th, 2023
-
What’s Wrong with My Cat? Benefits of Whole-Body Radiology
April 5th, 2023
-
Should I Feed My Cat a Grain-Free Diet?
March 6th, 2023
-
Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat – Causes of Feline Odors
February 22nd, 2023
-
5 Ways to Reduce Cat Shedding
January 3rd, 2023
-
Your Cat’s Holiday Stress – How to Help
December 6th, 2022
-
Pet Cancer Awareness Month: Warning Signs to Look Out For
November 2nd, 2022
-
10 Halloween Safety Tips for Cat Owners
October 3rd, 2022
-
Why Is My Cat So Active at Night?
September 7th, 2022
-
Should I Really Microchip My Cat?
August 9th, 2022
-
Ways to Keep Your Cat Safe and Cool This Summer
July 1st, 2022
-
10 Fascinating Facts About Persian Cats
June 1st, 2022
-
How to Correctly Transition Cat Foods
May 6th, 2022
-
What Your Cat’s Tail Is Secretly Trying to Tell You
April 5th, 2022
-
6 Common Household Items That Are Poisonous to Cats
March 1st, 2022
-
How Do I Know if My Cat Needs Dental Surgery?
February 16th, 2022
-
How to Safely Introduce Your Cat to Your New Baby
January 11th, 2022
-
Giving a Cat as a Christmas Gift: How to Do It Responsibly
December 6th, 2021