Feline cancer is on the rise. The cause and cure of many types of feline cancer eludes us. Fortunately, there are steps cat owners can take to aid in the prevention of three of the most common forms of feline cancer: lymphosarcoma, breast cancer, and skin cancer.
1. Feline Lymphosarcoma
Feline lymphosarcoma usually appears in tumor form, although it is actually a systemic cancer of the lymphocytes. It occurs in younger and older cats alike. Cats with this form of cancer often respond well to chemotherapy. With treatment, cats can sometimes live for several years after diagnosis. Like most feline cancers, however, lymphosarcoma is rarely curable.
A large percentage of cats with lymphosarcoma have a pre-existing condition called the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The feline leukemia virus is transmitted from one cat to another via bodily secretions, such as saliva, breast milk, urine, and feces.
Prevention tip: Prevention of the feline leukemia virus is the best way to minimize a cat’s chance of developing lymphosarcoma. Cats can be tested for, and vaccinated against, FeLV in a veterinarian’s office for a low cost. Keeping your cat away from other infected cats-preferably, keeping him indoors-is one of the best methods of prevention.
2. Feline Breast Cancer
Many people are surprised to learn that cats get breast cancer. But this is actually a common form of female feline cancer. Most feline mammary tumors are malignant. The tumor can quickly metastasize to a cat’s lymph nodes and/or lungs with devastating results. Feline breast cancer is more common in older cats. Early detection, and surgical removal, offer the best prognosis. If conditions are right, some treated cats can live for several years after their initial diagnosis.
Prevention Tip: Interestingly, feline breast cancer is much less likely to occur in cats who were spayed early in life (before the first heat cycle). Not only does early spaying help control pet-overpopulation, it plays a key role in the prevention of feline breast cancer.
3. Feline Skin Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma)
This type of feline cancer, often referred to as feline SCC, comes in two forms: cutaneous SCC (affecting the skin), and oral SCC (affecting the inside of the mouth).
Cutaneous SCC occurs in the form of a skin lesion, frequently on the cat’s head. The ears, eyelids, nose, and other parts of the face may be affected. The treatment offering the best prognosis is surgical removal. Lightly pigmented cats-especially white cats-are at highest risk for this form of cancer.
Oral SCC occurs inside a cat’s mouth. Oral tumors are often not detected until symptoms are apparent, such as difficulty eating or breathing. By this time, it is often too late to treat the tumor. Oral SCC is more likely to occur in senior cats.
Prevention Tips: Minimizing your cat’s exposure to ultraviolet rays (even through the window) is an excellent method of skin cancer prevention. Try to limit the amount of time your cat spends in direct sunlight, especially if he is white. Consider applying sun block to your white cat’s head (but please apply it in such a way that he will not lick it off!).
Oral SCC has been associated with cigarette smoke, flea collars, and canned cat food (especially tuna). Minimizing exposure to these contributing factors may aid in oral SCC prevention. (Note: many veterinarians recommend canned cat food over dry cat food, in spite of the SCC risks, because canned cat food is believed to be a healthier source of protein and water. Discuss the nutritive benefits of canned cat food with a veterinarian before making a drastic change in your cat’s diet.)
Summary
Lymphosarcoma, breast cancer, and skin cancer are three of the most common feline cancers. Fortunately, we know enough about these cancers to take positive steps toward their prevention. The prevention tips listed in this article are not a 100% guarantee against disease, but following them can certainly give your cat a fighting chance against three of the most common feline cancers.
