Skin Cancer in Cats
Whether your cat lives indoors or spends a significant amount of their time outdoors, they are still at risk of getting cancer, especially if they spend a lot of time outside in the sun or napping next to a window that's exposed to sunlight.
Skin cancer can appear in many shapes and sizes in our feline friends, from lumps and bumps to rashes, ulcers, scabs and lesions. Any of these may appear brown, grey, pink, red or black in color. Our vets recommend keeping an eye on your feline's skin for any bumps or lumps you find unusual. If you discover one of these unusual markings on your pet's skin, call your vet immediately.
Though most lumps and bumps on your cat's skin are generally harmless, early detection and treatment is key when it comes to cancer, as this will give your kitty the best opportunity to make a full recovery.
There are also different types of skin cancers in cats. These include:
- Fibrosarcoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Basal cell tumors
- Mast cell cancer
Causes of Cat Skin Cancer
Skin cancer in cats is most commonly caused by exposure to the sun, whether it's from spending time outside in the summer or sunning themselves under their favorite window at home. Your cat may be at greater risk of developing skin cancer if they have thin or. light-colored fur, or previously had a sunburn.
Other less common causes of cat skin cancer are excessive licking of certain areas on the skin, serious burns, and physical trauma.
Signs & Symptoms of Skin Cancer in Cats
Below we have listed a few of the most common symptoms of skin cancer in cats:
- Sores that are small, crusty, or scabby
- Unusual lumps or bumps on the body
- Ulcerated lesions that ooze fluid or blood
- Lesions that have irregular, hardened borders
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, contact your veterinarian as quickly as possible. The sooner your kitty's cancer is diagnosed and attended to, the better chance they have of making a full recovery.
Diagnosing Your Cat's Skin Cancer
If your vet believes your cat might have skin cancer they may start the diagnostic process by performing a physical examination and a fine needle aspiration or biopsy. This helps to determine the type and form of cancer your kitty might have.
Sometimes, to make an official diagnosis, your vet might need to obtain more information by performing a surgical biopsy. Other diagnostic tests your vet may perform include X-rays or testing fluids drawn from your pet's lymph nodes.
Treating Skin Cancer in Cats
Luckily, most skin cancers in cats can be treated and have a positive prognosis. However, the treatments and outcomes depend on the type of skin cancer your cat has, its severity, and its location.
Sometimes sores can be treated before they turn cancerous with topical medication. Other cases will require surgery to remove the cat's cancer and infected tissues (this also helps keep cancer from regrowing). If your kitty's cancer has spread or become too large to remove surgically, chemotherapy or radiation may be needed.
If your cat does require chemotherapy it may experience a lack of appetite and weight loss following the procedure and may be given medications to help alleviate any side effects caused by their treatment.
In many situations, cats can make a complete recovery and live full, happy, and healthy lives without any further issues. Although, there are situations where cancer does return.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.