Feline Cancer Awareness: Protecting Your Cat’s Health in Normal, IL
Author: Dr. Randy Brunswick
Brunswick Animal Hospital – Normal, Illinois
November marks Cancer in Pets Awareness Month, an important time to focus on one of the most serious health threats facing our feline companions. While cats develop cancer less frequently than dogs, the disease remains a significant concern, particularly for older cats. Understanding the warning signs of cat cancer and feline cancer risk factors can help you catch issues early when treatment is most effective.
At Brunswick Animal Hospital in Normal, IL, our veterinary team specializes in feline oncology and early detection, helping you protect your cat’s health and quality of life.
Cancer in Cats: What Cat Owners Need to Know
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in older cats, responsible for nearly one in three feline deaths. Cats develop many types of cancer, some more common than others. The good news is that with early detection and modern veterinary oncology, many feline cancers can be successfully treated or managed.
Common types of feline cancer include lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, mammary tumors, fibrosarcoma, and mast cell tumors. Each has its own characteristics, risk factors, and treatment approaches.
At Brunswick Animal Hospital, we provide personalized care and diagnostics for all types of cat cancer to ensure the best outcome for your pet.
We Recommend All Animals Be Vaccinated
Vaccines are an important part of protecting your pet against preventable diseases
Common Types of Cancer in Cats
- Lymphoma accounts for about one-third of all feline cancers. This cancer of the lymphatic system can affect the intestines, chest, lymph nodes, nose, and kidneys. Vaccination programs have helped reduce FeLV-related cases, but lymphoma remains common.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma typically affects light-colored cats on areas like the ears, nose, and eyelids. Sun exposure is a major risk factor, making indoor living an important preventive measure.
- Mammary Tumors are among the most aggressive cat cancers. About 85–90% are malignant. Spaying your cat early—ideally before one year of age—can dramatically reduce risk.
- Fibrosarcoma (including vaccine-associated sarcomas) and Mast Cell Tumors also occur in cats, sometimes requiring surgical intervention.
- If you live in Normal, IL, our team can perform diagnostic imaging, biopsies, and pathology reviews right here at Brunswick Animal Hospital to diagnose and treat these cancers effectively.
Cats are experts at hiding illness, making early detection a challenge. Regular checkups and vigilance at home are vital. Schedule an exam at Brunswick Animal Hospital in Normal, IL if you notice:
- Changes in Eating Habits: Loss of appetite, difficulty chewing, or reluctance to eat.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: A common sign of lymphoma and internal cancers.
- Lumps and Bumps: Any new mass should be checked immediately.
- Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea: May indicate gastrointestinal cancer.
- Changes in Litter Box Habits: Blood in urine or stool, or straining to eliminate.
- Non-Healing Sores: Especially on ears, nose, or face.
- Breathing Difficulties: Rapid or labored breathing could signal lung tumors.
- Behavioral Changes or Lethargy: Cats in pain often hide, vocalize more, or stop grooming.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Cancer in Cats
Lifelong Wellness for Your Senior Companions
Senior pet veterinary care is a specialized area of veterinary medicine that focuses on the unique needs and health concerns of older animals. As pets age, they are more prone to certain health conditions and require additional care to maintain their well-being. At Brunswick Animal Hospital, we take special care of senior pets.
Risk Factors for Feline Cancer
Several factors can increase a cat’s risk of developing cancer:
- Age: Cats over 10 years are most at risk.
- Viral Infections: Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) increase cancer likelihood.
- Sun Exposure: Particularly in white or light-colored cats.
- Secondhand Smoke: Greatly increases oral and lymphoma risk.
- Hormonal Status: Unspayed females face a much higher risk of mammary cancer.
Our veterinarians emphasize prevention through early spaying, vaccinations, and a smoke-free home environ
The Importance of Regular Veterinary Care
Because cats hide illness so well, regular veterinary checkups in Normal, IL are crucial.
At Brunswick Animal Hospital, we recommend:
- Annual Wellness Exams for cats aged 1–10.
- Bi-Annual Exams for senior cats over 10 years old.
- Baseline Testing (bloodwork, imaging) to detect changes early.
Our experienced veterinary team can catch subtle signs of illness long before they become serious.
Diagnostic Testing at Brunswick Animal Hospital
If cancer is suspected, we may recommend:
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) or Biopsy
- Blood Work to evaluate overall health
- X-rays, Ultrasound, CT, or MRI to locate tumors
- Endoscopy to visualize internal areas
Our Normal, IL animal hospital is equipped with diagnostic tools for accurate cancer detecti
Treatment Options for Feline Cancer
Modern veterinary oncology offers multiple options to treat cat cancer. The best approach depends on your cat’s cancer type, location, stage, your cat’s overall health, and your goals for treatment. Some of the options include:
- Surgery – Often curative for localized tumors
- Chemotherapy – Well tolerated by cats, especially for lymphoma
- Radiation Therapy – For tumors that can’t be surgically removed
- Immunotherapy – Strengthens your cat’s immune system against cancer
- Palliative Care – Focuses on comfort and quality of life
At Brunswick Animal Hospital in Normal, IL, we customize every treatment plan to your cat’s needs.
Preventing Feline Cancer
While not all cancers are preventable, you can reduce your cat’s risk:
- Spay female cats early in life
- Keep cats indoors and limit UV exposure
- Maintain a smoke-free home
- Feed high-quality nutrition
- Provide regular dental care and checkups.
Our veterinary team in Normal, Illinois can help you build a lifelong prevention plan for your cat.
Pet Insurance and Cancer Costs
Cat cancer treatment can be costly, but pet insurance can make it more manageable.
We recommend enrolling while your cat is young and healthy to ensure coverage for cancer and other conditions. Our staff can guide you through insurance options available to Normal, IL pet owners.
Hope and Support
A cancer diagnosis can be frightening, but many cats live happy lives during and after treatment. At Brunswick Animal Hospital, we support both you and your cat throughout every stage—from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up care.
Special Considerations for White Cats
White and light-colored cats are more vulnerable to squamous cell carcinoma due to sun exposure. Keep these cats indoors during peak sunlight hours, and use pet-safe sunscreen when necessary.
If you notice sores or crusty spots on the ears or nose, schedule an exam at Brunswick Animal Hospital in Normal, IL right away.
The Link Between FeLV/FIV and Cancer
We strongly recommend FeLV testing and vaccination for all cats, especially outdoor cats or multi-cat households. Knowing your cat’s FeLV/FIV status helps monitor for lymphoma and other cancers linked to these viruses.
Moving Forward with Confidence
During Cancer in Pets Awareness Month, commit to proactive feline health care.
Regular veterinary exams in Bloomington-Normal, IL, early detection, and awareness are your best defenses against feline cancer. Please visit our feline cancer awareness checklist for more information.
Trust your instincts—if something feels off with your cat, contact Brunswick Animal Hospital today.
Remember: early detection saves lives.