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Unfortunately, cancer in cats is common. But it means vets are well-versed in treating the disease, especially when it's detected early.
Here, we discuss one element of cancer in cats: tumours. You can spot these early as an owner, and while they don't always indicate cancer, it's essential to keep on top of them.
Read below to see what cat tumours are, the signs of tumours in cats, the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, and the role cat insurance can have.
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What are cat tumours?
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A tumour is a collection of abnormal cells in the body that grow out of control. There are two major types of tumours:
Benign - These don't spread to other parts of the body and stay localised. They aren't cancerous.
Malignant - These invade other, healthy parts of the body and are what cause typical cancer symptoms.
Common types of cat tumours include:
Bone - Tumours that appear on a cat's bones.
Fibrosarcoma - These occur in soft tissue, meaning they can grow and spread quickly.
Leiomyosarcoma - Leiomyosarcoma is soft-tissue sarcoma. Sarcomas develop in connective tissues.
Lymphoma - These are tumours in the lymphatic and immune system.
Mastocytoma - A tumour that's usually benign and comes from issues with a cat's mast cells, which are white blood cells that help the body fend off allergens, bacteria and parasites.
Squamous cell carcinoma - A type of skin cancer caused by an accelerated development in squamous cells.
As one of the most common cat health issues, cancer can cause a variety of troubling symptoms, so it's important you go to your vet as soon as you notice signs.
Signs of tumours in cats
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Cat tumour symptoms are wide-reaching, and are one of the signs of cancer in cats. Often, the earliest warning sign is finding a lump on your cat's body.
But many tumours are internal, so you may see other signs of ill health. Some clear warning signs include:
Breathing trouble or excessive vocalisation
Lethargy
Sores that don't heal
Sudden lumps and bumps
Weight loss
Given the general nature of some of these, it's important for you to stay on top of your regular vet check-ups. Vets can spot seemingly unconnected symptoms and help diagnose cancer early, which is essential to extending your cat's comfortable, healthy life.
Our guide on cancer in cats can help too.
Diagnosis and treatment of cat tumours
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Diagnosis depends on the condition's severity, your cat's medical history and the type of tumour they have. The first step is always a thorough examination of your cat followed by a close review of their history.
This will involve blood and urine tests depending on the location and type of tumour, and may also include:
Biopsy - A vet will biopsy if they suspect your cat has a tumour. This is where a sample of a tumour, or a suspect tumour, is taken via a needle and its cells are viewed under a microscope.
Ultrasound - A scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of your cat's body.
X-rays - A radioactive procedure that produces images, usually of the skeleton.
CT scan - A procedure that produces cross-sectional images of your cat's body.
Endoscopy - This involves a camera and a tube to physically investigate the inside of your cat's body, which is common for oesophagus and rectal investigations.
MRI scan - Uses magnetic images to see inside your cat.
There, a vet can see if the cells have become cancerous, the cancer's stage, the type of cancer your cat may have and treatment options.
Treatment for cat tumours
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Cat tumour treatment depends on the type, size, stage, location and other factors, like your cat's overall health. Treatment works on getting rid of the cancer but also extends how long your cat can have a healthy, full life.
In general, treatment options include:
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Experimental treatment like gene therapy
Radiation treatment
Vets base treatment on trying to remove all or as much of the tumour as possible. Sometimes, this is followed by other treatments.
The chances of your cat's recovery depend on the tumour type and cancer stage, which is why early detection is important.
Again, our cancer in cats guide covers things in more detail.
How can I prevent cancer in my cat?
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Genetics play a large role in tumour development, but there are some things you can do to reduce the chances of it. Some experts recommend:
Spaying or neutering - This can completely minimise the risk of some tumours developing, like mammary cancer.
Vaccinations - The feline leukaemia vaccination helps minimise the risk of developing the disease. Stay on top of your cat's vaccine schedule.
Preventing sunburn - Some cats with pale or exposed skin can benefit from sun protection, which will reduce the risk of skin tumours and cancer.
Nutrition - A well-rounded, balanced diet can help reduce the chances of your cat developing cancer.
Reducing obesity - Obesity is a major risk factor for developing cancer.
Our main recommendation is to stay perceptive with your cat and keep on top of your regular check-ups. The trained eye of a vet can help spot things early.
Can pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions like tumours?
It depends on what the insurer classifies as a pre-existing condition. For us, our pre-existing cover will cover conditions where there’s been no treatment, medication or advice for three months.
Our Value, Regular and Complete cover will treat conditions that have had no treatment, medication or advice for twelve months.
We recommend talking to your insurance provider about this to confirm if it's covered.
The cost of treating cat tumours (and how cat insurance can help)
Estimating the cost of tumour treatment in cats is difficult as it varies depending on the type of cancer, tumour location, your cat's age and the treatment plan your vet believes is best.
No matter what type of cancer your cat may deal with, our cat insurance can help with up to £15,000 vet fee cover, unlimited 24/7 vet calls with FirstVet and a host of ManyPets Perks.
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