Sugar Rub! Feline Cancer Foundation
Fighting Feline Cancers
See the brave warriors who have faced feline cancer.
Feline Cancer
Just like humans, cats get cancer. And just like humans, some cancers are more aggressive than others. Advances in veterinary care have enabled cats to live longer lives. But with a longer lifespan, the odds of a cat being diagnosed with cancer increase.
Anyone who has had a cat with cancer, will never forget hearing those devastating words, "Your cat has cancer". While some cancers are more treatable than others, there are still many feline cancers that are very aggressive and have a poor survival rate.
The majority of studies and research are for dogs and we want to change that by supporting research and clinical trials for feline cancer. Do we want to change the world for cats? You bet! And we hope that you will change it with us.
The Five Most Common Feline Cancers
#1 - Lymphoma
Because it is a cancer of the lymph system, lymphoma can be found in many different parts of the body, such as the chest, lymph nodes, and abdomen. Lymphoma can occur at any age, but is most often diagnosed when a cat is 10 - 12 years old. Some lymphomas are more treatable than others. Small cell GI Lymphoma is considered the most treatable feline cancer.
#2 - Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a cancer that can occur on a cat's skin. It is commonly found on a cat's temples, the outer tips of the ears, the eyelids, the lips, the nose and inside the mouth. The oral version can be an extremely aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis and few treatment options.
#3 - Mammary Cancer
Mammary cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in cats older than 10 years of age. Approximately 85 percent of feline mammary cancers are lethally malignant adenocarcinomas. Having your female cats spayed before their first heat cycle can dramatically reduce the odds of her developing mammary cancer. One study indicated that cats spayed prior to six months of age had a 91 percent reduction in risk and those spayed prior to one year of age had an 86 percent reduction. Like humans, although less common than in females, male cats can develop mammary cancer.
#4 - Fibrosarcoma
Fibrosarcomas are soft-tissue tumors that typically develop on or under a cat's skin. They are often located on the hip, back, or shoulder blades and will be hard to the touch. Sometimes these may develop around injection sites. In the beginning, the lump won't be painful, but if untreated and metastasized, your cat will become very ill.
#5 - Mast Cell Tumor
A mast cell tumor (MCT) is a type of tumor consisting of mast cells. Mast cells are allergy cells and play a role in the allergic response. MCTs can form nodules or masses in the skin (and other organs), and cause enlargement of the spleen and intestine. Surgical removal of the mass(es) (cutaneous, splenic, or intestinal) is the treatment of choice whenever possible. In some cases, chemotherapy or radiation may be recommended.