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Step 1
At its most basic level, cancer is caused by a failure of the immune system to regulate cell growth. Cancer can occur in any body organ (liver, spleen, lungs etc), body area (bones, skin, mouth) or even just a general vicinity of the body (chest cavity). Under normal circumstances, cells grow and divide, and damaged or irregular cells (cancer cells) are routinely eradicated by the immune system. However, if the immune system is weakened or not functioning properly, damaged cells go undetected and continue to grow and replicate, leading to the growth of tumors, which are made up of the damaged cells.
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Step 2
Aggressive and Rapidly Growing Disease
Cancer in cats can occur in virtually every body part and system, it can often go undetected for weeks or even months. As cancer is an aggressive and rapidly growing disease, the lag time between occurrence and diagnosis often has a direct influence on cure and survival rates. -
Step 3
Once cancer has been diagnosed
Close consultation with your veterinarian can help you to select which feline cancer treatment and cancer therapies are appropriate for your situation. Depending on the type of cancer, the age and condition of your cat and other important factors, treatments for cancers in cats can range from surgery to tumor or abnormal growth removal, chemotherapy and radiation therapy to isolate and destroy cancer cells, and medications to help slow down tumor development, treat inflammation, and control pain. -
Step 4
Mainstay Western-Medicine Therapies
Unfortunately, while many of these mainstay western-medicine therapies can be successful in removing or shrinking tumors, at least temporarily, none of these feline cancer treatments address the underlying cause of cancer- a faulty or weakened immune system. In fact, some of the treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can significantly damage or even destroy an already fragile immune system.
Since feline cancer results from the inability of a cat's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells, than it seems only natural the helping to build up and support the immune system of a cat with cancer, along with conventional therapies, may be the key to successful feline cancer treatment. -
Step 5
Building the Immune System
Building the immune system of a sick cat requires a multi-faceted approach. Reduce the everyday toxins in your cats’ environment, such as from pesticides, cleaning products, and highly processed cat foods. In addition, talk to your veterinarian about stopping any vaccination program your cat is on. Vaccines can be very disruptive and even damaging to the immune system. Stopping all vaccines can help to prevent further immune system degradation. -
Step 6
Commercial Cat Food
Most commercially prepared cat foods are highly processed, and in that processing, much of the nutritional value of the ingredients in the food is being lost. All cats, but especially those with cancer, can benefit by changing to naturally prepared or organic cat foods, rich in nutrients and without chemical preservatives. Cats with cancer often have a poor appetite, so it is essential to continually offer your cat a variety of healthful foods to encourage him or her to eat. -
Step 7
In addition to providing essential nutrients through diet, supplementation can help to ensure that your cat has the utmost level of immune system support and boosters to fight cancer.
