Liver Cancer in Cats: Signs, Life Expectancy, and Vet Care Options

One of the most common concerns a pet parent has is when their companion becomes sick. Receiving any diagnosis can be difficult, and cancer can be especially challenging. And if your cat has been diagnosed with liver cancer (or a liver tumor), I'm sure you have many questions, which is normal!

Here at Zumalka, we are a group of concerned pet lovers and pet advocates, just like you. We are committed to using our decades of knowledge and experience in the pet health industry to help thousands of pet parents around the world navigate their pet's health concerns.

We've written this article to answer common questions about feline liver cancer, such as its symptoms, the difference between benign tumors and malignant tumors, how the disease affects liver function, and the care options veterinarians commonly discuss.

We will also walk you through life expectancy ranges for cats affected with this serious health problem, and supportive wellness options that can sit alongside conventional veterinary care.

(If you'd like a broader overview, please refer to our complete guide to common cancers in cats.)

What is Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) in Cats?

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that affects the liver cells, liver enzymes, and the liver tissue. It usually begins as liver tumors in cats, which can either be benign tumors or malignant tumors.

Benign liver tumors in cats typically stay in one place and won't affect other internal organs apart from the liver itself. These types of tumors in cats can, in some cases, progress into primary cancer.

Alternatively, a malignant liver tumor in cats tends to spread or "metastasize" to other places. This is why they're also referred to as metastatic liver tumors.

A complete blood count is often conducted by a veterinary oncologist not just to check for liver tumors, but also for related concerns such as biliary cystadenomas and bile duct adenomas.

The vet will also discuss prognosis and may recommend having the tumor surgically removed if required.

The lowdown on feline liver tumors

There are many types of liver tumors (technically referred to as "hepatic neoplasia") that affect cats, such as bile duct carcinomas, carcinoids, sarcomas, and myelolipomas. Hepatocellular tumors are the most common types of liver tumors in felines (compared to neuroendocrine tumors, which are quite rare).

It is crucial to take note that whether it's hepatocellular carcinoma or bile duct carcinoma, it will always begin as liver tumors affecting the liver tissue. To give you a more straightforward example, bile duct cancer may result from bile duct tumors and not the other way around.

Thankfully, though, if your cat has a tumor on their liver, it doesn't always mean cancer. More than half of liver tumors found in cats are benign, meaning they are not cancerous and can't spread to different parts of the body.

While there haven't been any specific causes found, age is a large risk factor. Liver cancer is most often diagnosed in cats that are older than 9 years old.

This serious health problem should not be ignored, since it can potentially lead to life-threatening internal bleeding and other complications if not given prompt veterinary attention.

Additionally, determining the presence of liver tumors often involves blood tests, a thorough physical exam, an abdominal ultrasound or abdominal palpation, diagnostic imaging (usually via magnetic resonance imaging or MRI), as well as needle biopsy.

What is a primary liver tumor?

Primary liver tumors in cats are those that originally began in the liver and did not spread from a different part of the body. At its simplest, a primary tumor originates in one place, such as the liver, and remains there even as it develops and grows.

A common primary liver tumor is not deemed a metastatic disease because it won't spread to the respiratory system, the lymph nodes, and the gastrointestinal tract, among others. Just to emphasize, primary liver tumors stay in the cat's liver.

Primary liver cancer usually stems from primary liver tumors.

How are primary tumors different from metastatic tumors?

Compared to their primary counterparts, metastatic tumors in cats are those that will move or spread to other organs. In the context of liver tumors, they won't just affect liver tissue but are highly likely to "wander" to different parts of the body.

A metastatic tumor is also called a "malignant tumor."

Apart from liver damage and disrupting multiple liver lobes, metastatic tumors in cats can also lead to several other tumor-related complications. These include bile duct obstruction as well as damage to the large blood vessels in the neighboring areas like the kidneys and pancreas.

Unlike primary tumors, their metastatic counterparts can progress into metastatic cancer. This is also true with metastatic hepatocellular carcinomas. As we've highlighted earlier, accurate diagnosis often requires procedures like abdominal ultrasound, abdominal radiographs, and computed tomography.

What are the Clinical Signs of Liver Cancer in Cats?

Unfortunately, liver cancer in felines often doesn't have specific symptoms. Many cats don't show clear signs that the liver is affected. Here are some things you can be on the lookout for:

• Lethargy and lack of energy

• Weight loss and decreased appetite

• Vomiting

• Frequent urination and excessive thirst

• Jaundice (yellow coloring in eyes, gums, and inner ear)

The earlier you can recognize concerning signs and get them evaluated, the better for your cat. While these symptoms don't always mean liver cancer, if you notice something off about your pet, make sure to get them checked out so you can be sure.

You are probably wondering, "Does liver cancer cause pain in cats?" Each situation is different. In most cases, the cancer is found before they have any severe symptoms. But as the cancer advances without veterinary care, it can cause pain and discomfort in your cat.

Liver Cancer in Cats: Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of a cat diagnosed with liver cancer depends a lot on their specific circumstances, the size of the tumor, and how much it has progressed. Generally speaking, adenomas and carcinomas often have a more positive prognosis, with many cats living years after a diagnosis and few experiencing metastases.

Tumors such as sarcomas and carcinoids have often already spread by the time they are diagnosed, which means they have a shorter life expectancy and poorer outlook. Surgical removal may also be discussed in these circumstances, especially in the case of large tumors that have already disrupted other parts of the body like the bile ducts.

Veterinary Care Options for Liver Cancer in Cats

Depending on your cat's specific circumstances, the option most commonly discussed by vets is to remove the tumor surgically. Other conventional options that may be discussed include radiation therapy and chemotherapy, depending on tumor type and staging.

These decisions are always tough, especially when surgery is involved. Work closely with your veterinarian or a veterinary oncologist to choose a care plan that fits your cat.

Natural immune support alongside veterinary care

Many pet parents also look for natural options that can sit alongside conventional veterinary care. If you are looking for a natural product for daily wellness support, you can learn more about PiptoPet.

PiptoPet is a birch-polypore formula (Fomitopsis betulina) designed to support a healthy immune response in cats and dogs. It is meant to complement your veterinarian's care plan, not replace diagnosis, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other veterinary care. Talk with your veterinarian before adding anything new to your cat's routine.

Schedule an online consultation with a pet wellness expert

Remember that the team here at Zumalka is always here to help educate about your pet's health and discuss supportive product options. We're available through phone, chat, or email to answer questions, or you can schedule an online consultation.

About the author

Denise Lessard