How to Diagnose Cancer Warning Signs in Cats

Although cancer typically affects older felines, younger cats can also contract the disease. The prognosis depends on the type of cancer and how far it has advanced. With an early diagnosis, your cat stands a better chance of surviving. Learn how to identify behaviors and characteristics that could indicate the presence of cancer in your pet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Feel for abnormal swelling or an enlarging lump anywhere on the cat's body--especially around the abdomen and on the lymph nodes.

2. Notice any changes in eating and litter box behaviors, including a decrease in appetite or difficulty eating, chronic weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and bad breath. Excessive drooling or trouble swallowing often signals feline cancer of the mouth and throat.

3. Watch for bleeding or discharge from any body opening or wound. Pay attention to scabs that don't heal. All three can indicate an internal tumor.

4. Detect excessive coughing, panting or breathing trouble that could indicate heart or respiratory problems.

5. Observe increased lameness and stiffness or a significant slowdown in activity. General changes in overall behavior and personality can also point to a cat's illness.

6. Get an official diagnosis from a veterinarian if you observe any of the above warning signs for feline cancer.

Tips & Warnings

• The most common places cancer will strike your cat are in the intestinal track, chest lymph nodes, kidneys, spleen and liver.
• Many feline cancers progress rapidly, so take your cat to the vet as soon as you suspect the disease.

Resources

• Vets write about cat diseases on Manhattan Cats.
• Animal cancer support groups at Feline Cancer Resources.
• Organic supplements to help fight cancer from Feline Instincts.