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

Having your feline companion diagnosed with lung cancer by a veterinary oncologist is devastating, especially when it is accompanied by a poor prognosis. It is one of the most serious problems that can affect your cat's health.

We here at Zumalka put together this article to get you in on the important things you need to know about lung cancer in felines so you can properly plan out your next steps with your veterinarian.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the finer details of lung tumors and lung cancers in cats, an overview of the risk factors involved, the clinical signs to keep an eye on, and the care options veterinarians commonly discuss.

We will also cover supportive wellness options that can sit alongside conventional veterinary care to help maintain your cat's quality of life during this health crisis.

For a comprehensive look at cancers affecting cats, check out our complete guide to common cancers in cats for more information.

What Is Lung Cancer in Cats?

Feline lung cancer is a type of cancer that is rare in cats. It is similarly quite uncommon in most dogs as well.

It significantly affects the respiratory system of felines and certain procedures should be conducted to get a definitive diagnosis.

Most primary lung tumors are uncommon. It is much more common for cats to develop a tumor in the lungs after cancer has spread from another location than for the tumor to start in the lungs.

Depending on the circumstances and the extent of damage in the lung tissue, there may be solitary tumors or multiple tumors.

This is also the case for squamous cell carcinoma and cancers affecting other organs and parts of the body like fibrosarcoma, the breasts, lymphoma, ceruminous adenoma, brain tumors, as well as those targeting the bones.

But here's the thing: for tumors that start in the lungs (technically referred to as primary lung tumors), nearly 80% of them are cancerous. This simply means that if a cat has a primary lung tumor, it is highly likely that it will develop into lung cancer sooner or later.

A quick look at how lung cancer develops in cats

At its simplest, cat lung cancer begins when abnormal cells multiply and cause genetic damage over time.

This results in the formation of a lung tumor, which can either be classified as "primary lung tumors" or "secondary lung tumors." The latter is often the result of a metastatic disease when it comes to lung cancer in felines.

We will differentiate the two as we go along.

However, regardless of whether it is primary or secondary, thorough physical examination and other procedures (such as computed tomography and abdominal ultrasound) have to be done to get a definitive diagnosis.

Possible Causes of Lung Cancer in Cats

It is difficult to identify a singular reason why a cat has developed lung cancer. What we do know, though, is that older cats and Persian cats tend to develop this cancer more frequently. And like in humans, cigarette smoke is a risk factor, too.

We've outlined some of the most possible triggers that can lead to the development of lung cancer in your pet's body below:

Age

Although there is no average age as regards the development of cancers and tumors in cats, they typically affect felines that are in their older or senior years. Older cats often have a less resilient overall immune system health.

Supporting your cat's everyday immune health is one wellness habit many pet parents discuss with their veterinarian as part of long-term care.

Genetic predisposition

If we're being honest, all cat breeds are vulnerable to cancer. But there are specific breeds that seem to be prone to this serious health concern compared to others, namely the Siamese, Bengal, and Persian. You can also read our cleaned overview of cat cancer risk by breed.

Your pet's susceptibility to primary lung cancer may also increase if either of their parents were diagnosed with the same.

Underlying health conditions

While an underlying cause, such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney issue won't directly cause the development of either tumor type or cancer of the lung in cats, they can significantly negatively affect your pet's immune response.

Again, supporting immune health is a wellness conversation to have with your veterinarian, not a substitute for diagnosing or managing lung cancer.

Exposure to harmful chemicals

Akin to humans, cancer cells tend to get in the picture when a feline is constantly exposed to chemicals that can have a toxic effect on their lungs. These include emissions from vapes, smoke from cigarettes and cigars, as well as harsh household chemicals like oven cleaners and bleaches.

Decreased immune system health

A poor immune system health can be associated with a higher overall illness burden in cats over time. Just to emphasize, cats whose immune systems are in good shape generally have more capacity to cope with veterinary care plans when tumor and cancer cases arise. Immune support is not a cancer treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer In Cats?

It's important to know the signs of lung cancer in cats so you know when to seek veterinary care and support (or perhaps palliative care). This is also crucial for symptom management under your veterinarian's guidance.

Here are some of the most common symptoms to watch out for in the context of feline lung tumor and cancer:

• Difficulty breathing or sudden rapid breathing

• Reduced exercise or unexpected exercise intolerance

• Wheezing or coughing

• Pleural effusion (or fluid accumulation around the lungs)

• Poor appetite or severely decreased appetite

• Weight loss

• Lumps and bumps that are causing swelling in the chest cavity

While not all of these symptoms point to lung tumors in cats, you should get your cat checked out if you notice any of these symptoms. The earlier any sickness is diagnosed and addressed with your veterinarian, the better the outcomes generally are.

What's alarming, though, is that not all cats show symptoms when they have lung tumors or cancer. They may only show significant physical changes like weight loss. Technical procedures like CT scans may be required.

Keep in mind that while lung cancer is rare in cats, its effects can be extremely detrimental to your kitty's quality of life if neglected. Regular checkups with your vet are important to keep tabs on your pet's health.

Conventional Procedures in Determining the Presence of Feline Lung Cancer

Several procedures are used to determine the existence of lung tumors in cats. Whether it's getting a fix on primary lung tumors or metastatic lung tumors, the following are the usual procedures administered:

Physical examination

This is perhaps the most non-invasive diagnostic method used to check for lung cancer in felines. To describe this in a very straightforward sense, it generally involves a physical exam where the chest and neighboring areas will be checked for suspicious lumps and bumps. Chest X-rays are also going to be used for further analysis.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA)

In this procedure, a fine needle is inserted into a bump or lump to extract fluid and cells. These will be subsequently tested for primary lung tumors or their secondary counterparts. It may also be resorted to in cases of lung digit syndrome. This procedure is also referred to as "fine needle biopsy." General anesthesia may or may not be used.

Complete blood count (CBC)

Blood is extracted to help monitor overall health markers. This can be also performed before, during, or after a conventional care plan like radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Chest X-ray

Also technically called "chest radiographs," chest X-rays are used to check for anomalies in the areas covered by the respiratory system, which can include tumors and cancer. It can be also used in conjunction with other procedures to check for other symptoms.

Imaging or digital means

A computed tomography (CT) scan is utilized to generate digital internal "photographs" of the chest and other affected areas. CT scans are often performed by trained professionals using high-tech medical equipment.

What are Primary Lung Tumors?

Primary lung tumors are a class of tumors that originate in the lungs and will not spread to other organs when they develop or grow. This type of tumor may progress to primary lung cancer in some cats.

Are they the same as primary lung cancer?

No, primary lung cancer is the proliferation of abnormal cells. A tumor is usually indicated by neoplasms, bumps, or lumps. The recommended veterinary care plan for either health concern is also different.

Distinction from secondary lung cancer

Secondary lung cancer in cats is the result of metastatic cancer from a different part of the body that subsequently spreads to the lungs. A metastatic lung cancer may have originated from other organs like the pancreas and breasts, or perhaps the bones.

What are Metastatic Lung Tumors?

Metastatic lung tumors are tumors that originate from a different part of the body and then spread to the lungs. This type of tumor often results in the development or formation of multiple tumors. The recommended veterinary care plan may be entirely different from that for metastatic lung cancer.

Conventional cancer care usually involves procedures like radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Lung Cancer In Cats: Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of lung cancer in cats depends a lot on the severity and spread of the cancer, but it is generally less than one year. Sadly, more than half of cats diagnosed with lung cancer have metastasized, meaning the tumors have spread to other parts of the body.

In the later stages, this cancer often spreads to the nearby lymph nodes and other areas of the lungs.

Veterinary Care Options for Feline Lung Cancer

Depending on your cat's circumstances, your vet might recommend surgery to remove the tumor and affected area. If surgery isn't possible or if the cancer has spread, they might also recommend chemotherapy.

Conventional Options Veterinarians Discuss for Lung Cancer

The most common care options for lung cancer in felines are as follows:

Surgical removal

As the name suggests, it involves the invasive procedure of removing the cancer through surgical means. Surgery may also be resorted to in the case of a tumor.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy makes use of very intense beams of light as part of a veterinary care plan aimed at cancer cells. Interestingly, this type of care incorporates X-rays in its administration. Radiation therapy often has nausea, vomiting, and sudden hair loss as side effects.

Chemotherapy

This type of care utilizes powerful chemicals as directed by a veterinarian. It can be used in various stages of cancer in felines. However, due to the chemicals involved, your pet may be exposed to adverse side effects like loss of appetite and extreme lethargy.

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.

Remember that we are always here to provide help and support through your pet's health concerns.

Please schedule an online consultation right now so we can know how best to help you, or get in touch by phone, email, or web chat any time.

We appreciate the time you take to share this article on social media so others can be helped with this important information too!

About the author

Suzie Cyrenne

HOMEOPATH & CO-FOUNDER OF ZUMALKA

Suzie Cyrenne has dedicated more than 20 years of her life in making and improving natural animal health solutions in the global setting.

Being the co-founder of Zumalka, Suzie is a forerunner in enhancing the lives of pets through natural and homeopathic options using the knowledge she has gained from the Classical Homeopathy School in Quebec.

Through the guidance of her mother-in-law and fellow natural health expert, Denyse Lessard, Suzie constantly devotes herself to create premium pet products that are aimed at dealing with the root causes of wellness problems and not just their symptoms.

Besides immersing herself in books, personal development and visiting new places, Suzie also enjoys keeping herself in tiptop shape by snowboarding and taking daily hikes with her husband and Zumalka co-founder, Matt Lessard, and their Golden-Doodle, Westin.

Find out more about Suzie when you click HERE.