What can cause cancer in cats

For some cats, the major risk factor is age. As cats get older, their risk of getting cancer increases exponentially. To prevent cancer in older cats, it is important to do regular check-ups and to maintain a healthy diet. Aspects of a healthy diet vary depending on the stage of life of your cat.

Cats who are fed a high-quality diet from kittenhood have a low risk of developing cancer.

Cats who are fed a low-quality diet and are not exposed to much sunlight have a higher risk of developing cancer.

Cats exposed to sunlight have a lower risk of developing cancer.

Cats who are fed a high-quality diet and are exposed to sunlight have a low risk of developing cancer.

Cats fed a high-quality diet (for example, a raw diet) have a lower risk of developing cancer.

Cats fed a low-quality diet (for example, dry food only) have a higher risk of developing cancer.

Cats do not get cancer because they are bad. Cancer is a disease, and as with all diseases, it can be prevented and treated.

What are the symptoms of cancer in cats?

The most common signs of cancer in cats are:

Weight loss (not gaining weight despite feeding)

Difficulty in breathing (this can be due to an increase in weight or to a lump in the belly, so it is important to have the cat examined by a veterinarian).

Pain

Lumps in the belly

Inability to urinate

Difficulty in walking

Lack of appetite

Inability to stand on all four legs

Inability to pass bowel movements

Inability to pass urine

Pain when urinating

Lack of energy

What causes cancer in cats?

There are many factors that may lead to the development of cancer in cats. These include:

Diet

Infections

Hormonal disturbances

Genetic predisposition

Environmental factors

What are the types of cat cancer?

Cancer in cats is divided into two types:

Primary cancers

Secondary cancers

Primary cancers are cancers that start in the body of the cat and cannot be attributed to a genetic predisposition. These include many types of cancer and include:

Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes)

Lung cancer

Brain tumors

Kidney cancer

What are the signs of primary cancers in cats?

Cats with primary cancers may be asymptomatic.