If your cat is Siamese, ten years or older, or wasn’t spayed before her first heat, she may be at risk for breast cancer, otherwise known in animals as mammary cancer. It is important that a tumor in the breast tissue be detected early on for the greatest chance of survival. But how can you tell if your cat is displaying symptoms of mammary cancer?
Signs of Feline Mammary Cancer: Sores and Swelling
Have you noticed any abnormal marks on your cat’s body, particularly near the mammary glands? If you can see swellings that don’t go down or continue to grow, your cat could have a tumor in her breast tissue. Also, if you have noticed any sores in this area that do not heal, you might want to book an appointment with your veterinarian.
Signs of Feline Mammary Cancer: Bleeding or Discharge
If you see any bleeding or discharge from your cat’s body, you might want to have it checked out. It may not necessarily be coming from the mammary area, but it could be coming from any body opening. This is yet another sign that something might be wrong.
Signs of Feline Mammary Cancer: Stiffness and Loss of Stamina
Does your cat seem to be stiff or sore? Stiffness and a loss of stamina are also potential symptoms of cancer or another illness. If your pet seems to be displaying these signs, definitely check in with her doctor.
Signs of Feline Mammary Cancer: Loss of Appetite, Difficulty Eating, and Weight Loss
A cat that has either a tumor or is in a more advanced stage of cancer might display some of these signs. Does she refuse to eat? Perhaps she is having difficulty eating or has even lost her appetite. Sudden weight loss is a sign that your cat hasn’t been eating and might have a mammary tumor.
Signs of Feline Mammary Cancer: Difficulty Breathing, Urinating, and Defecating
If your cat has difficulty breathing, she should be seen by a veterinarian immediately; it could be cancer or a respiratory disease causing this problem. Also, keep an eye on your cat’s litter box if she is at risk for mammary cancer. If she hasn’t been urinating or defecating like normal, there could be a serious problem lurking in her body.
Unfortunately, cats are no more immune to mammary cancer than humans are to breast cancer. If you notice any of these mammary cancer symptoms in your cat, it is possible that she might have a tumor in the breast tissue. Please consult with your veterinary clinic for a diagnosis and to discuss treatment.
References:
Dogs, Cats Not Immune to Breast Cancer, Abc.com
Mammary Cancer in Cats, PetEducation.com
**Note:This author does not claim to be a veterinary professional, and this article is not intended to be used in place of professional medical advice. If your pet is displaying symptoms of a tumor or illness, please consult with your veterinary clinic immediately.**
