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

Does your cat have a lump on his stomach?

If your pet has an unusual lump on his body that seems to come out of nowhere, it may be a sign of a serious health issue, including some forms of cancer in cats. Only an accurate veterinary diagnosis can determine what is going on.

Should you find an unusual growth in your cat's abdomen, you're most likely worried. In this article, we're going to look at stomach cancer in cats and cover the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and care options veterinarians commonly discuss.

Early veterinary attention matters

Cats who receive a timely veterinary evaluation often have more care options on the table. Your cat's specific circumstances will also vary depending on factors like age, environment, and heredity, among others.

We're also going to give you a run-through of life expectancy and care outcomes as we go along. This is to help you have an idea of how to maintain your cat's quality of life during this serious disease, in partnership with your veterinarian.

Waiting too long to get a suspicious lump checked can limit the choices available later.

A quick helpful tip for cat owners

You can always look into our complete guide to common cancers in cats to learn more about different cancers affecting cats. Moreover, it is not uncommon that some types of cancer in cats may require further diagnostic testing to determine the extent of the disease.

And unlike what a lot of people mistakenly think, exclusively indoor cats can also be susceptible to cancer. Keeping your cat indoors does not make him non-vulnerable to cancer and tumors, including those that can affect the mammary gland and lymph nodes.

Do You Notice a Suspicious Lump on Your Cat's Body?

If we're being honest, a new lump can be an indicator of one of the more serious health concerns that your kitty could face, including feline cancer. Cancerous cells, like in the case of squamous cell carcinoma, as well as mast cell tumors, can sometimes manifest as lumps and bumps on your precious feline friend.

While cancer can appear on the body of your kitty in many forms, one of the ways it can show up is when the stomach or abdomen is the affected area. Besides targeting the stomach, disease in this region can also put other internal organs at risk like the digestive tract, particularly the small intestines, and the mammary glands.

Never Neglect Any Lump on Your Cat's Body

Besides putting a strain on your cat's comfort, felines affected with cancer can also experience pain. This is the reason why seeking a proper diagnosis from a veterinary oncology team is a must if you notice a strange lump on your cat's body, not just on his stomach.

How Common Is Stomach Cancer in Cats?

First of all, it's reassuring to know that stomach cancer is rare in cats, and it only makes up less than 1% of diagnosed cases. Any tumor is classified as either malignant (cancerous and can spread) or benign (not cancerous and does not spread). Unfortunately, while stomach cancer is rare, the majority of stomach tumors in cats are malignant and often spread to other areas of the body.

Different types of malignant tumors, such as in the case of mammary tumors, can be found on or around the stomach. In cats, the most common abdominal cancers are lymphomas, leiomyosarcomas, and adenocarcinomas.

Just to point out, squamous cell carcinomas are the most prevalent as regards cancer affecting the oral region in felines. Other common types of cancers and tumors in cats include those affecting the lymph nodes, mast cells, as well as other organs.

These may involve different veterinary care options like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgical treatment, and other targeted therapies, or a combination of these options.

However, comprehensive diagnostic testing is required, usually by a veterinary oncology team, to dig deep into your pet's medical history (such as having an abdominal ultrasound and exploring the surrounding tissue) and plan out possible care options.

Is stomach cancer or a tumor in cats painful? Yes, your cat may experience gastrointestinal symptoms that can cause pain or discomfort. After your feline is diagnosed with cancer, the vet will also discuss medications like those used in managing pain and other general symptoms. This is also common with palliative care.

What Causes Stomach Cancer in Cats?

Despite the strides in modern veterinary medicine, the exact cause of stomach cancer in cats is still unknown. However, the following are the common risk factors that may increase the susceptibility of your cat to this disease:

Age

Older felines tend to develop cancer of the stomach more often, in part because immune resilience can decline with age. Supporting everyday immune health is one wellness habit many pet parents discuss with their veterinarian as part of long-term care.

Gender

Additionally, male cats are more often diagnosed with cancer of the stomach. They account for a higher share of those who are initially diagnosed with this disease and may show clinical symptoms more readily. Spayed cats have a lesser risk of some cancers, too.

Breed

Yes, there are cat breeds that are more prone to cancer. These include Bengals, Persians, and Siamese cats. Some environmental factors may also be linked to this wellness problem, like exposure to secondhand smoke.

Does the Feline Leukemia Virus Cause Stomach Cancer in Cats?

FeLV (feline leukemia virus) is commonly discussed in connection with certain cancers in cats. Part of the discomfort caused by related disease can involve the gastrointestinal tract. This is often associated with weight loss as well.

What Are The Symptoms of Stomach Cancer in Cats?

The most common symptoms of stomach cancer in cats are a change in eating habits and appetite, and weight loss. You might also notice chronic vomiting or diarrhea that might be bloody too. Often these symptoms don't happen all at once but are chronic problems that tend to get worse over time.

Stomach cancer in cats isn't usually perceptible to the touch or sight, as it is a cancer that affects the actual organ in the abdomen. But if you've noticed an abnormal growth in your cat, it could be a different type of abdominal cancer or another lump type entirely.

Whether you notice other symptoms or not, be sure to get it checked out by your vet!

Work With Your Veterinarian on Stomach Cancer Care

While many pet parents also look into natural wellness products for everyday support, it is always crucial to follow the advice provided by your veterinarian when it comes to stomach cancer. Supportive options, when used, should sit alongside conventional veterinary care, not replace it.

Stomach Cancer in Cats: Life Expectancy and Vet Care Options

The life expectancy or outlook of a cat with stomach cancer depends on a lot of factors, such as the type, size, and progression of the tumor. Generally, surgery is often discussed by vets rather than chemotherapy and radiation alone, depending on the specific diagnosis.

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

You likely have many decisions to make and information to consider, and we are here to help educate about your pet's health and discuss supportive product options. You can always fill out our consultation form so we can know how to help you.

If you found this article informative, we'd appreciate it if you shared it with your friends, family, and fellow pet parents too, or leave us a comment below!

About the author

Denise Lessard