What Causes Cancer in Cats?

What Causes Cancer in Cats?

 

When you receive a diagnosis of cancer for your pet, the first question is often, “why?” And many pet parents want to know the common causes of cancer in their pets so they can do their best to prevent their pet from getting sick.

 

 

In this follow-up article to our causes of cancer in dogs, we are going to look at the common causes of cancer in cats, as well as some common symptoms of feline cancer as well. It is our mission here at Zumalka to make sure pet parents world-wide are informed when it comes to their pet’s health!

 

You might also want to check out our complete guide to cancer in cats to learn more about the types of cancer that affect our feline friends.

 

 

What Causes Cancer in Cats?

 

Each type of tumor or cancer that affects cats has different causes or risk factors, and it is difficult to identify a single reason a cat develops cancer. However, there seems to be 3 general factors.

 

The 3 risk factors are: hereditary/genetic (certain genes or breeds that tend to develop cancer more frequently), environmental (exposure to certain environments that can cause cancer more often), and age (cats of a certain age group are often at a higher risk for cancer).

 

Hereditary Causes of Cancer in Cats

 

Often, there is a breed that is more frequently diagnosed with a certain type of cancer than other breeds. That leads researchers to believe that there are certain factors in their genes that make them more at risk to developing a certain tumor.

 

For example, siamese cats have a higher risk for many cancers, and can even be 8 times as likely to develop adenocarcinomas.

 

Environmental Causes of Feline Cats

 

There are also environmental factors that play a role in the development of tumors in cats. For example, as with in humans, cigarette smoke has been linked to feline lung cancer.

 

Another example is breast (mammary) cancer in cats. The biggest risk factor for developing this cancer is being “intact”, or not being spayed. Female cats that have been spayed before 6 months can have up to a 91% less chance of developing this cancer.

 

How Age Is Related To Cat Cancer

 

The majority of cats that are diagnosed with cancer are middle-aged or older cats. In fact, some researchers believe that there is a 50% chance of a cat developing a tumor by the time they are 10 years old!

 

Of course, while these are some risk factors, any cat can develop a tumor at any age, so it is important to keep your eyes open for signs that they are sick.

 

 

Common Signs of Cancer in Cats

 

Each type of tumor affects different parts of the body, so there are often specific symptoms you can look out for. But there are also a number of general signs that your cat might be sick with cancer, such as:

  • Weight loss or a reduced appetite
  • Lethargy or a lack of energy
  • A lump or bump, or an open wound that isn’t healing
  • A change in behavior or habits

 

If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure to get your kitty checked out. Hopefully it isn’t cancer, but if it is, you’ll want to get a diagnosis as soon as possible so you can start treatment early!

 

 

Treatment for Cat Cancer

 

Conventional treatments for cancer in cats can include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. Many pet parents are also interested in exploring natural options as well for their furry friend.

 

That is why we are excited to tell you about PIPTOPET - a natural product that has been carefully designed by experts to help support your cat before cancer is present but also when you have received this terrible diagnosis! There are thousands of pet parents who have used this product for their pet when fighting cancer or even after the cancer disapearance of the disease.

 

 

The pet lovers and advocates here at Zumalka are always here to help you with your pet’s health concerns. Make sure to fill out our Free Consultation form to see how we can help you.

 

Do you have a cat that has suffered from cancer? Share your experience in the comments below!

 

Denyse Lessard
Denyse Lessard

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.