Cancer Doesn't Only Affect Humans: 4 Signs Your Cat May Have Cancer

24 August 2017
 Categories: , Blog

Share

If you have a feline family member, you should know that it's at risk for several different types of cancer. When you think of cancer, you probably think of the types that affect humans. However, there are five types of cancer that affect cats, including lymphoma, feline leukemia virus, mammary cancer, skin cancer, and fibrosarcoma. Unfortunately, cats can't tell you when they're feeling ill, which means you need to be on the lookout for sudden changes. Early detection of feline cancer is key to the survival of your furry friend. Here are some signs you should be aware of. If your cat develops any of these signs, you should schedule an appointment with a veterinarian immediately.

Change in Bathroom Habits

It's not uncommon for an irritated cat to take their frustration out on you by urinating and defecating where they shouldn't. However, if your cat seems to have lost control of their bowels or bladder, or has had other significant changes to their bathroom habits, it might be an indication of something more serious. This is particularly true if you've noticed blood in their urine or fecal matter.

Sudden Foul Odors

Foul odors are another potential warning sign that could be indicating the presence of cancer. If your cat has developed bad breath, or other unpleasant body odors, you should have it checked out by a veterinarian. If the foul odor is coming from your cat's mouth, it could be caused by tooth decay, or gum disease, which your veterinarian will be able to rule out during an exam. If your cats foul breath is not caused by dental problems, your veterinarian will need to take a closer look at your cat's health.

Sores That Refuse to Heal

If your cat spends time outside, it could come home beat up from time-to-time, especially if it gets into it with other neighborhood cats. If those wounds refuse to heal after they've been cleaned and cared for, your cat may have cancer. If you start noticing unusual sores, or lumps on your cat, or open wounds that won't heal, you need to consult with a veterinarian.

Behavioral Changes

Behavioral changes can also be a sign of feline cancer. If your cat suddenly lacks energy to get up and play, or appears weak when it tries to move, your cat may have cancer, especially if the behavioral changes are combined with any of the symptoms described above. If your cat just isn't acting like itself anymore, it's time to check it in to a local veterinary clinic.