Signs of Cancer in Cats
When you own a cat, you want to be sure that you are taking the best possible care of their health at all times. However, even if you are the most diligent cat owner, health issues can develop. Cancer is one of those health issues that can seemingly hit out of nowhere and can have a major impact on your cat's health and well-being. It is a good idea to get to know some of the signs and symptoms of cancer in cats. Then, you can be sure to get to a veterinarian specialist as soon as possible if you think your cat may have some form of cancer.
Lethargy
Lethargy, or a lack of energy and movement, is a common sign that something is amiss with your cat. If your cat is lethargic for a day or two and then returns to being their normal self, this may not be a sign of cancer. Sometimes, viruses or other bugs can cause lethargy as well.
However, if your cat becomes lethargic and it lasts more than a few days, you have cause for serious concern. You should seek out the advice of your veterinarian who may refer you to a veterinarian specialist if they suspect cancer is the cause of your cat's lethargic behavior.
Weight Loss
Another sign of cancer in cats is weight loss. Specifically, if your cat seems to be acting and eating normally but is still losing weight, there is likely a serious problem going on. Keep an eye on your cat's weight. You may even want to put them on the bathroom scale from time to time.
Keeping track of their weight can help you to detect any changes early on. Any amount of weight loss in cats over a pound is significant as cats do not weigh very much to begin with. So, if you notice a downward trend in their weight, you should seek veterinary care from a veterinarian specialist right away.
Lumps That Seem to Change in Size or Shape
If your cat has lumps on their body, it is not necessarily an immediate sign of cancer. Cats can develop lipomas, which are fatty non-cancerous tumors and are fairly common, especially in aging cats.
However, if your cat has a growth that appears suddenly and seems to be changing in size or shape, you need to get them to a veterinarian specialist as soon as possible. These types of growths may be cancerous tumors rather than the benign variety.
Knowing these signs of cancer in cats, you can be sure that you contact a veterinarian specialist if these signs show up in your cat.
