Cancer, also known as a malignant tumor, occurs in cats just as it does in humans.
In recent years, cats’ lifespans have extended. However, as cats age, the incidence of cancer increases significantly. Consequently, cancer has become the leading cause of death in cats.
In older cats specifically, cancer (malignant tumors) is the top cause of death, with about half succumbing to it.
Early detection of cancer in cats is crucial, but it’s even more important to create a living environment that reduces the risk of cancer and to take steps to support the immune system, which can help prevent cancer from developing in the first place.
As some of you may already know, both humans and cats develop cancer cells in their bodies daily. However, if a cat’s immune system is functioning well and the balance of hormones and the autonomic nervous system is maintained, these cancer cells are less likely to grow and form into cancer.
Even if cancer has already developed, understanding its causes and eliminating them as much as possible can help create an environment where the cancer is less likely to grow or spread.
To achieve this, it is crucial for cat owners to learn accurate information about cat cancer.
Why not study together for the sake of your beloved cat?
Main Types of Cancer in Cats – What kind of cancer can cats get?
Below are some of the representative tumors (cancers) that can occur in cats.
Types of Cat Cancer
Lymphoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Fibrosarcoma
Mast Cell Tumors
Melanoma (Malignant Melanoma)
Mammary Tumors (Breast Cancer)
Hemangiosarcoma
Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Cancers on the Skin, Body Surface, and Oral Cavity
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats is a skin cancer that frequently occurs in middle-aged and older female cats, and those with white fur.
Squamous cell carcinoma in cats often develops in the mouth, around the eyes, nose, and mouth, but since it can occur in any area where squamous cells are present, it is one of the malignant tumors that can appear on the entire skin, around the nails, and the abdomen.
The majority of oral tumors (tumors inside the mouth) in cats are believed to be this squamous cell carcinoma.
Mast Cell Tumor in Cats
The second most common cancer that occurs on the skin of cats is the Mast Cell Tumor.
Mast cell tumors are malignant tumors that arise from mast cells, which are responsible for immune responses, but they are not related to obesity.
There are “cutaneous mast cell tumors,” which occur on the skin around the head and neck, and “visceral mast cell tumors,” which occur in internal organs such as the spleen, liver, and small intestines.
Malignant Melanoma (Melanoma, Skin Cancer)
Melanoma in Cats commonly occurs in cats over nine years old and is especially prevalent in black-colored cats.
Melanoma, also known as malignant melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that progresses rapidly and is prone to recurrence and lung metastasis, making it one of the most dangerous types of cancer.
Other cancers that frequently develop on the skin, body surface, and in the oral cavity include Fibrosarcoma and Soft Tissue Sarcoma.
Mammary tumors are highly recurrent carcinomas in cats and are considered difficult to completely cure.
Feline Lung Cancer and Lung Tumors
Primary lung cancer and lung tumors in cats are not very common cases. The incidence rate of lung cancer is less than 1% of all cancers, making it a rare type of cancer.
Feline Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Liver Cancer
Cancer that develops in the liver is called liver cancer. Liver cancer includes primary liver cancer, where liver cells, or stem cells, become cancerous, and metastatic liver cancer, where cancer has spread to the liver from other areas.
Since it develops in the endothelium of blood vessels, it is commonly seen in organs with abundant blood vessels like the liver and spleen. Hemangiosarcoma is rare in cats, but its prognosis is extremely poor and it is considered difficult to cure once it develops.
Feline Malignant Lymphoma
Lymphoma in cats varies in type depending on the site of occurrence.
Types of Malignant Lymphoma
Gastrointestinal lymphoma that forms in the digestive organs, and multicentric lymphoma characterized by the enlargement of lymph nodes on the body surface
Cutaneous lymphoma which occurs in the skin or oral mucosa (inside the mouth)
Thymic (Mediastinal) Lymphoma that occurs near the heart or in the area called the mediastinum, which is the part between the left and right lungs.
Extranodal Lymphoma that occurs in the eyes, central nervous system, kidneys, etc.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma / Bladder Cancer in Cats
The leading cause of death in cats is malignant tumors, or cancer, and aging is the primary reason.
In addition to aging, other causes of cancer include a weakened immune system due to stress, chronic inflammation, lifestyle habits (such as diet), infections by viruses (like Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), retroviruses, papillomaviruses, etc.), genetic factors, radiation, chemical substances like food additives, pesticides, insecticides, and tobacco, and in some cases, hormonal influences (such as mammary tumors, perianal gland tumors, and prostate cancer).
Main causes of cancer in cats include:
Causes of Cancer in Cats
Weakened immune system due to stress
Aging
Genetic factors and chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, food additives, etc.)
Tobacco smoke and chronic inflammation
Hormonal factors (such as mammary tumors, perianal gland tumors, and prostate cancer)
Viruses
Obesity
Injections such as vaccines and antibiotics
Weakening of the Immune System
Cancer and the immune system are closely related. This holds true for cats as well.
It is inevitable that cells will make errors (abnormalities) due to various reasons. Normally, when abnormal cells develop, the immune system recognizes, attacks, and eliminates these cells in a series of reactions, preventing cancer from growing unchecked.
However, if the immune system’s functioning is compromised due to stress, aging, or other factors, it becomes unable to suppress the proliferation of cancer, allowing it to grow to a noticeable size.
Conversely, even if cancer develops, regaining immune function can help in controlling its growth.
Providing emotional care is one method to prevent the worsening of cancer.
Aging is a major risk factor for cancer development in both cats and humans. One reason for the significant increase in cancer rates in cats is their increased average lifespan.
As they age, their immune system weakens, making it more challenging to successfully complete the series of actions needed to identify, attack, and eliminate cancer cells, thus increasing the likelihood of developing cancer. It is recommended to incorporate immune support measures as your beloved cat reaches middle to senior age.
Genetics
There are genetic factors contributing to cancer in cats. However, acquired factors (post-birth) tend to have a greater impact than congenital (inherited) ones, so it is important to provide a proper diet and environment for your pet.
Chemicals
Chemicals, including pesticides, increase the incidence of cancer in cats.
Please try to minimize the exposure to chemicals as much as possible.
Tobacco Smoke (Secondhand Smoke)
While cats do not smoke, they may develop cancer due to secondhand smoke if any family members smoke. Since tobacco smoke contains many carcinogens, it is important for smokers to smoke away from cats.
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can stimulate cells and make it easier for cancer cells to develop. It is recommended to identify and eliminate the causes of inflammation, enhance the immune system, and appropriately provide oils such as EPA and DHA, which have anti-inflammatory effects, to reduce inflammation.
Hormones
Certain cancers, such as mammary tumors (breast cancer) and prostate cancer, are influenced by hormones.
Viruses
Infection with viruses can lead to chronic inflammation and the potential for cancer. Because a strong immune system can eliminate viruses, it is essential to boost your cat’s immune system regularly.
Obesity
Obesity can lead to various diseases, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. High carbohydrate intake can easily lead to obesity, so it is important to pay attention to your cat’s daily diet.
Symptoms of Cancer in Cats
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your cat may have cancer, and it is advised to visit a veterinary clinic as soon as possible to determine the cause of the symptoms. Cancer becomes more difficult to treat as it progresses, so it is important to pay attention to any changes in your cat’s health regularly.
Common Symptoms of Cancer
Decreased energy and appetite
Sudden weight loss
Reduced vigor
Palpable lumps on the body
Hard areas upon touching the body
Bleeding from the mouth, nose, or anus
Swollen lymph nodes
Strong body or mouth odor
Non-neutered or spayed
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Persistent coughing
Severe dermatitis
Difficulty urinating, frequent urination, or blood in the urine
Seizures or epileptic symptoms
Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen
Jaundice
It is rare, but sarcomas can develop at the injection sites of vaccines or antibiotics.
Here are nine common symptoms that may appear depending on the location of the cancer. Please refer to this list for guidance.
Common Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Types of oral cancer that are likely to develop include:
Melanoma (malignant melanoma)
Squamous cell carcinoma
Fibrosarcoma
You may notice changes such as decreased appetite, bad breath, or bleeding from the mouth or surrounding area.
In advanced or terminal cancer stages, solid foods may become difficult to consume, tumors may become noticeable, and metastasis to the lungs may cause labored breathing or coughing.
Symptoms of Superficial or Skin Cancer
Common types of cancers that develop on the surface or skin include:
Melanoma (skin cancer, malignant melanoma)
Mast cell tumor
Soft tissue sarcoma
Mammary gland tumor
You might notice lumps or nodules. Skin layers may ulcerate and cause bleeding.
As cancer progresses and metastasizes to the lungs or liver, symptoms such as coughing, fatigue, and ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen) may manifest.
Cancers on the skin’s surface are often detected sooner than those on internal organs.
If you notice anything unusual, it is recommended to visit a veterinary hospital as soon as possible.
Common Symptoms of Respiratory Cancer
Respiratory-related cancers, such as those in the lungs or nasal cavity, include:
Lung adenocarcinoma
Lung squamous cell carcinoma
Nasal cavity cancer
Sinus cancer
In many cases, there are no symptoms in the early stages.
As the cancer progresses, symptoms such as rapid (or labored) breathing, frequent coughing, and blood-tinged sputum may appear.
Common Symptoms of Visceral or Digestive Cancer
While it may be difficult to detect visceral cancer in the early stages, symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea may appear.
If these symptoms occur, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian promptly.
Common Symptoms of Bladder and Urinary Tract Cancer
Bladder cancer, transitional cell carcinoma, and cancers around the anus include:
Anal sac gland carcinoma
Perianal gland tumor
Kidney cancer
If these cancers emerge, symptoms such as difficulty urinating, difficulty defecating, blood in the urine, or blood in the stool may occur.
Common Symptoms of Liver Cancer
As mentioned above, there are primary and metastatic liver cancers. Primary liver cancers include “hemangiosarcoma” and “hepatocellular carcinoma.”
As you may know, the liver is often referred to as the “silent organ,” meaning it may be difficult to detect liver cancer in your beloved cat.
The liver generates energy and breaks down toxins, but these functions decline when it becomes cancerous.
As a result, symptoms like “lethargy,” “appearing listless,” “decreased appetite,” and “(in some cases) jaundice or ascites” may appear.
Cancer Treatment in Cats
Here is a summary of cancer treatments for cats that you can use as a reference.
Upon a cancer diagnosis, treatments generally include “surgery,” “chemotherapy,” “steroids and antibiotics,” and “radiation therapy (in well-equipped hospitals).”
Surgery
The benefit of surgery is that it can simultaneously remove the cancer, surrounding tissues, and lymph nodes where metastasis may have occurred.
A surgery that aims to remove all observable cancer is known as an excision surgery.
If the cancer has not metastasized and remains localized (low invasiveness), this treatment can potentially lead to a cure.
On the other hand, even when complete removal of cancer is difficult, surgery may be performed to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life (QOL). This is referred to as a palliative surgery.
The drawbacks of surgery include the necessity of general anesthesia, the significant physical burden on the body due to incisions, and the potential for post-operative complications, including loss of organ function depending on the site of excision.
Additionally, if the cancer has extensively metastasized, it becomes challenging to completely remove it through surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy involves using radiation to destroy cancer cells. General anesthesia is required to keep the cat still during the procedure.
Unlike surgery, radiation therapy has the following benefits:
It is less painful since no incisions are made
It can treat areas within the body or brain where surgery might be difficult
However, there are also disadvantages to radiation therapy, including:
It is not suitable for cancers that have metastasized, similar to surgery
General anesthesia is required
It can cause inflammation by damaging normal cells
It is available only in well-equipped hospitals like university hospitals
The cost is high
Chemotherapy
The basic concept of chemotherapy involves introducing strong toxins (chemotherapeutic agents) into the body to kill cancer cells.
The benefits of chemotherapy include:
It can treat cancer even if it has metastasized
Even blood cancers can be treated
General anesthesia is not required
There are other advantages as well.
As for the disadvantages:
Severe side effects
Bone marrow damage leading to a decrease in white blood cells and platelets, loss of appetite, vomiting, and decreased stamina
Development of drug resistance, limiting the effectiveness
There are other disadvantages as well.
If your beloved cat has been recommended for chemotherapy or is already undergoing it, please read the following articles.
By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of chemotherapy, we hope you can consider whether receiving or discontinuing chemotherapy is the best course of action for your cat, taking into account the state of their cancer and their overall strength.
Common Metastasis Sites – Locations Where Cancer Spreads in Cats
As cancer progresses, it can infiltrate the lymphatic and blood vessels, spreading throughout the body via the lymph fluid and bloodstream.
Additionally, cancer prefers an oxygen-deprived environment and lower body temperatures.
Both humans and pets like dogs and cats circulate blood to deliver oxygen throughout their bodies and maintain their body temperatures.
Thus, when the body becomes cold or the blood flow (circulation) is poor, cancer tends to metastasize more easily.
For easier understanding, consider how trash gets accumulated in a river where the flow is slow near the banks, whereas in the center of the river where the current is fast, trash gets flushed away.
Lymph nodes are stationed along the lymphatic vessels, acting like checkpoints where lymph fluid from all body tissues passes through.
Moreover, organs like the liver, lungs, bones, and brain have a large blood supply but are also areas where blood flow can stagnate.
Consequently, lymph nodes, liver, lungs, bones, and brain—areas where lymph fluid and blood tend to accumulate—are common sites for cancer metastasis.
To effectively manage cancer, it’s crucial to focus on keeping the body warm and improving blood circulation for these reasons.
Mindset When Your Beloved Cat is Diagnosed with Cancer
When your beloved cat is diagnosed with cancer, it’s natural for the owner to be shocked.
However, depending on our approach, it is possible to control the progression of cancer and maintain your cat’s energy and appetite.
If the owner feels down or becomes irritable, the cat might sense that it’s causing distress to their beloved owner.
Therefore, instead of looking back in regret or worrying about why the cancer occurred, think about what you can do to keep your cat as spirited and happy as possible.
Starting After Accepting and Resolving to Battle Cancer – Feline Cancer
A strong will from the owners is required to keep smiling even when your beloved cat is diagnosed with cancer.
Our company provides tips on the necessary mindset, immune-boosting methods, nutritional strategies, and more to help cats coexist with cancer while maintaining their energy and appetite.
Cancer is not like an accident or injury that immediately threatens life.
Even if your beloved cat is suffering from cancer, it is possible to coexist with it.
Once the owner resolves to fight for their beloved family member against cancer, please enjoy more communication with your cat and spend as much time together as possible.
And to coexist with cancer, please start as soon as possible the practices that you and your family can undertake at home.
As detailed further, the methods you can practice at home aim to boost physical strength and immunity and combat cancer without taking away the enjoyable time with your cat.
Concept of Feline Cancer Treatment
Understanding the Reality of Feline Cancer Treatment
Regrettably, with current veterinary medicine, it is challenging to consistently control cancer, except in its early stages.
Even if a tumor is thought to be entirely removed through surgery in the early stages of cancer, it is not rare for it to recur or metastasize.
Moreover, many veterinarians believe that the prognosis is poor if cancer recurs or metastasizes.
While veterinary medicine and feline cancer treatment are advancing, at present, it remains difficult to completely eliminate all cancer cells or destroy them without leaving any traces, regardless of the excellent treatment methods available.
For example, even in malignancies like lymphoma, which are said to be most responsive to anti-cancer agents, cases of recurrence after remission are not uncommon.
Many cats experience recurrence despite successful surgeries that completely excised the tumor.
Adding chemotherapy after surgery to prevent recurrence is not uncommon, but recurrence can still occur.
Therefore, rather than relying solely on conventional cancer treatments, I believe it is necessary to start complementary and alternative efforts to overcome cancer.
Changing the Way You Think About Cancer
It is difficult to completely eradicate or remove cancer, and doing so places a significant burden on the body.
However, with the perspective of “controlling the growth of cancer” and “maintaining energy and appetite even if cancer remains in the body,” the goals become more achievable without placing a heavy burden on the body.
Thinking about “coexisting with cancer” is also a viable approach.
At our company, when cats become ill, we aim to extend their lives in a way that allows them to stay as healthy and happy as possible, enjoying their meals. Even if this goal isn’t entirely achievable, we hope it will still provide a sense of happiness for their owners.
If Your Beloved Cat is Diagnosed with Terminal Cancer
What to Confirm Before Undergoing Chemotherapy
Hearing from a veterinarian that your cat has “terminal cancer” and “only 1–2 months to live without treatment” can be devastating, making you feel the only option is to rely fully on the veterinarian.
However, do not give up even if your cat is diagnosed with terminal cancer. The effort of the owner can greatly influence the treatment outcome and significantly affect the prognosis.
If you are told “with chemotherapy, your cat could live six months; without it, 1–2 months,” know that this only applies if the chemotherapy is very effective and has few side effects.
I recommend verifying with your veterinarian if chemotherapy will definitely extend life, if there will be no loss of energy due to side effects, and if the treatment will indeed be effective.
If you feel the disadvantages of chemotherapy outweigh the benefits, consider the courageous choice of “not undergoing chemotherapy treatment.”
Using Immunity to Fight Cancer
Our company aims to enhance a cat’s vitality and immune strength without burdening them, with the objective of combating or coexisting with cancer. While we can’t guarantee 100% positive results, at least it will not place a burden on the body, and you can assess its effectiveness in a short time.
Here are the key recommended efforts:
Restrict carbohydrates to limit glucose supply to cancer cells.
Provide adequate protein to build strength for good immunity.
Administer Cordyceps, which has a proven track record in improving cancer, to enhance immunity.
It is very important to avoid imposing physical and mental stress on the animals as much as possible. Both physical and mental stress can exacerbate cancer. Therefore, I believe we should actively incorporate efforts that do not burden the cat physically or mentally, and that have evidence and successful track records.
Revisiting the Diet
Cancer grows by feeding on glucose. Changing the diet alone might not cure cancer, but reducing glucose intake through diet changes is seen as essential for managing cancer effectively.
Additionally, I have compiled information about diets that help improve your cat’s condition, so please take a read. Especially for cats with kidney issues, which is not uncommon, it is recommended to provide “appropriate protein” instead of the therapeutic diets for kidney disease if you want a high-protein diet. Administering BCAAs can also help restore kidney function.
When starting chemotherapy, physical strength and immunity are almost certain to decline.
If your dog’s physical strength and immunity decrease, their quality of life (QOL) will decline. Even if treatment extends their life somewhat, it may only increase the time they spend suffering from cancer.
Therefore, to maintain physical strength and immunity, first provide good nutrition to build stamina to avoid retiring due to treatment side effects. Ensure that immunity is not compromised.
In fact, immunity is the primary factor in cancer suppression, while chemotherapy is merely supplementary.
Cordy allows for immune support without placing strain on the body.
There is potential to cherry-pick the best elements from various treatments.
Sole reliance on chemotherapy is clearly insufficient. It is essential to combine complementary treatments to create a balanced approach.
To Undergo Treatment Without Regrets
We have compiled information that we want to share with owners whose cats have been diagnosed with cancer.
We do not want owners to regret anything. We want them to avoid later lamenting their choices.
Whether to undergo treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, or to consider avoiding treatment considering the physical burden—there is no definitive answer for cancer treatment.
Conversely, any choice the owner makes out of love for their cat is the right choice.
However, it is not advisable to solely rely on doctors or give up.
Instead of depending entirely on surgery or chemotherapy and leaving everything up to the veterinarian, we want you to know there are many things you can do at home with your family.
When your cat is suffering from cancer, it is crucial to undertake immune support, regardless of whether treatment is undergone.
At our laboratory, we are continuing research to see if administering Cordy during immune suppression will hasten immune recovery.
While we cannot predict how much response or improvement there will be, there is a good possibility that appetite will increase and energy will be regained.
Using medications such as chemotherapy, steroids, and antibiotics comes with a concern for liver function decline.
In such cases, combining treatment with Domestic SPF Pig-Derived Placenta Extract may help minimize liver damage.
Even in cases where liver values have already deteriorated, there are many examples where liver function improves within about a month with the administration of Domestic SPF Pig-Derived Placenta Extract.
Additionally, since cancer is often accompanied by inflammation, it is believed that giving EPA/DHA Krill Oil Extracted from Antarctic Krill with anti-inflammatory properties may also be effective.
Our laboratory is continuing research on Cordy, which is expected to have immune-modulating properties, domestically produced SPF pork-derived placental extract, which is expected to protect liver function, and krill oil, which is expected to have anti-inflammatory properties. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
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