Understanding feline cancer
Cats are experts at masking discomfort, which can delay diagnosis. By the time cancer is detected, it may already be in an advanced stage. But with early recognition and thoughtful treatment, many cats can live longer, more comfortable lives — and experience meaningful time with the people they love most.
Common cancers in cats
Some cancers are more prevalent or more aggressive in felines:
- Lymphoma: The most common cancer in cats, especially those with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). It affects lymph nodes, the gastrointestinal tract, or chest cavity.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): Often appears in the mouth or on the skin (especially ears or nose) in light-colored cats.
- Fibrosarcoma: A connective tissue tumor that often forms under the skin, sometimes at vaccine sites.
- Mammary tumors: Particularly common in unspayed females. Early spaying significantly reduces the risk.
- Oral tumors: Often aggressive and painful, these tumors can affect eating and grooming.
- Hemangiosarcoma or osteosarcoma: Though rarer, these aggressive cancers are highly invasive when they occur.
Feline cancers can progress differently than those in dogs or humans, making tailored veterinary care essential.
How is cancer diagnosed in cats?
Veterinarians may use several tools to confirm cancer and determine its stage:
- Bloodwork and urinalysis
- Biopsies or fine needle aspirations
- Imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, CT)
- Exploratory surgery in cases of internal tumors
- FeLV/FIV tests to assess immune suppression risks
Diagnosis not only identifies the type of cancer but informs treatment options and prognosis.
Cat cancer treatment options
1. Surgical removal
If a tumor is localized and accessible, surgery may be curative — particularly with mammary tumors or fibrosarcomas. Clean margins are key to success.
2. Chemotherapy
Used for systemic cancers like lymphoma. Most cats tolerate chemotherapy well, with fewer side effects than humans. Hospital visits are usually brief and spaced out.
3. Radiation therapy
Available at specialty clinics. Effective for tumors in areas that are difficult to operate on, like nasal passages or the brain.
4. Supportive care
This includes pain management, anti-nausea medication, hydration support, and nutritional aid. Even without curative treatment, these therapies can provide a meaningful extension of comfort and connection.
5. Holistic or integrative therapies
Some owners explore acupuncture, herbal supplements, or CBD under veterinary guidance. While evidence varies, these may support overall wellbeing.
Making decisions: treatment or comfort?
Not all cats are candidates for aggressive treatment. Consider:
- Your cat’s age and overall health
- Their tolerance for vet visits or handling
- The goals of treatment (cure vs. palliation)
- Your emotional and financial capacity
- The expected quality of life during and after treatment
You are your cat’s advocate. Choosing palliative care over chemo does not mean you’re giving up — it means you’re choosing comfort and presence over medical stress, if that's what's best.
Signs your cat may be in discomfort
- Hiding or increased isolation
- Changes in appetite or litter box use
- Vocalization or restlessness
- Difficulty grooming or sleeping
- Breathing changes
- Rapid weight loss
These symptoms should be addressed with your vet. Medications and lifestyle adjustments can often help.
Saying goodbye and preservation options
When treatment is no longer helping or pain becomes too great, euthanasia may be the most humane choice. Many cat owners choose at-home euthanasia, which allows for a peaceful and loving goodbye.
After death, you may choose:
- Cremation (private or communal)
- Burial (where legal)
- Cryopreservation for future possibilities
At Tomorrow.bio, we offer cat cryopreservation, where your pet’s body is stabilized, perfused with cryoprotectants, and vitrified for long-term storage in liquid nitrogen. While revival isn’t possible today, it preserves structure in hopes that future medical science may one day offer solutions.
Use our pet calculator to estimate pricing and learn more.
You're not alone in this
A cat’s quiet companionship becomes deeply embedded in daily life. Facing a cancer diagnosis can feel like the world has shifted — but it doesn’t mean you have to walk the road alone.
With the right care team, emotional support, and clarity of purpose, you can make decisions that bring peace, dignity, and presence — however many days remain.
About Tomorrow.bio
At Tomorrow.bio, we are dedicated to advancing the science of cryopreservation with the goal of giving people and pets a second chance at life. As Europe’s leading cryopreservation provider, we focus on rapid, high-quality standby, stabilization, and storage of terminal patients — preserving them until future medical technologies may allow revival and treatment.
Our mission is to make cryopreservation a reliable and accessible option for everyone. We believe that no life — human or animal — should end because current medical capabilities fall short.
📧 Contact us at: hello@tomorrow.bio
🌐 Visit our website: www.tomorrow.bio
🤝 Schedule a consultation: Book a call
