Signs of Stomach Cancer in Cats

Feline stomach cancer is a silent killer that can manifest itself in multiple ways, and cats frequently do not show signs of the disease until it has progressed well beyond the early stages. The disease begins quietly and progresses until the cat is so uncomfortable that she gives in to her distress.

Lethargy

The term "lethargy" describes the state a cat is in if she simultaneously loses interest in her environment and exhibits inactivity and drowsiness. She may also hide in a secure spot to avoid contact with people and other pets. Cats tend to hide when they are ill as an instinctive, protective response to the fear of becoming another animal's prey at a time of weakness.

Vomiting and Black and Tarry Stools

Bloody vomiting and black and tarry stools result from the digestion of blood resulting from cancerous masses in the gastrointestinal tract. Prolonged vomiting can cause both anemia from loss of blood and dehydration from loss of fluid in general.

Weight Loss

Intestinal blockage due to the presence of a tumor will cause a cat to lose her appetite. Refusal to eat will, of course, result in weight loss. Any sudden weight loss is cause for alarm.

Abdominal Pain

Tenderness and pain in the abdominal area is a reliable sign of distress and may indicate the presence of an abdominal mass. A veterinarian will need to take x-rays to confirm that such a mass is present and perform surgery to remove the mass.

Treatment and Prognosis

Radiation therapy is not recommended for feline stomach cancer because of the risk of damage to other organs. Chemotherapy is likewise not recommended as the treatment has not proven effective in halting the disease. Surgery is the best option. Unfortunately, surgery extends the life of the feline cancer patient only for an average of 12 to 14 months. Cancer can reappear months or even years after treatment, so any prognosis will be cautiously optimistic at best.