How to Detect Skin Cancer in Cats

Early detection of skin cancer in cats, just as in people, is the key to successful treatment. Here's how to catch it before it's too late.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scratching Posts
• Cat Beds
• Cat Carriers
• Cat Combs/brushes
• Cat Shampoos
• Cat Toys
• Veterinarian

1. Examine your cat's skin monthly, looking for tumors, blemishes, scaly areas or color changes.

2. Be concerned if you find new growths, or if any existing growths change colors or become larger.

3. Note any areas that bleed easily or do not heal normally - these may mean trouble.

4. Groom your cat daily with a fine-tooth comb to help you notice small changes early.

5. Massage your cat often, feeling for masses or other suspicious areas. Fingers often find things that you will not see because of the hair coat.

6. Look closely at your cat's eyelids and lips and inside his mouth for irregular areas or color changes. If your cat's nose or ears are white, check them closely for scaly, bumpy or reddened areas.

7. Report any suspicious findings to your veterinarian.

Tips & Warnings

• Orange tabby cats often develop smooth dark spots on their lips and eyelids as they age that are not cancerous.
• Chronic infections from cat-fight wounds that will not heal may resemble skin cancer.
• Ask your veterinarian for more in-depth information about skin cancer in cats. See "How to Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer in Cats," under Related eHows.
• Skin cancer left untreated may lead to serious consequences or even become inoperable.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Ask a Cat Vet Online Now

on 2/21/2006 Vets are willing to tattoo a dark color on vulnerable, light colored areas, such as pink nose tips or the tips of the ears - this avoids having to reapply sunscreen all the time, which can be toxic if ingested in quantity and your cat can look really cool!

on 11/22/2005 I use children's colored sunblock on my white cat's ears and nose. This way, I can see when she has rubbed or washed it off, and I can re-apply as necessary.

on 11/22/2005 Light colored cats (white or cream) have much less protection from the sun's rays. The best thing you could do is to apply a small amount of children's sunscreen to the ears and any other areas that have a thin coat.

on 11/22/2005 A white cat's pink skin is extremely vulnerable to the sun, especially where the fur is thin on the face and ears.
Examine these areas often and check with your vet at any sign of discoloration, lumps, or wounds that never seem to heal.