10 signs of cancer in cats
Cancer is the number one cause of death for cats and dogs today. Many of the symptoms are difficult to distinguish and may also be caused by other medical conditions, but if you notice most of the following signs in your cat, it is highly recommended that you take it to the veterinarian to rule out the possibility of cancer or to detect and treat the disease accordingly.
Here are 10 symptoms that may indicate cancer in cats. Compulsive Hiding Cats have many strange habits and we usually know how to identify and predict our cat's behavior, but if you notice that your cat spends much longer than usual under the bed or other places that are difficult to reach, something may be wrong with him. Jake Seidel, a veterinarian and founder of the New York-based Malta Animal Hospital, says: "'Owners can often identify if their cat is sick if it is a cat who is not shy with people and who spends more time in hiding or simply stops coming To his food bowl during the feeding times ".
While hiding this is a sign of disease in cats in general, and not necessarily cancer, it is important to contact the vet when this symptom appears. Weight loss is the most common symptom of cancer in cats, according to Dr. Seidel. "'When the cats start to move away from food and do not get too excited to eat, it's a sign that the owner should be concerned," says Dr. Seidel. Cancer can cause your cat to lose weight even though it seems that he continues to eat.
If you notice that your cat has lost weight, whether within a few days or during a few weeks, make an appointment with the veterinarian.
Changes in the oral cavity Sores, lumps, bad smell, bleeding or a change in the color of the gums can indicate oral cavity cancer, especially among older cats. Most owners have not paid much attention to these signs for a long time. "'We regularly find tumors in the oral cavity in cats because people just do not check their cats' mouths," says Dr. Seidel. He adds, "'Many tumors in the oral cavity can be very dangerous because people do not usually find them until they are already in advanced stages". Dr. Seidel recommends brushing your teeth regularly, so you can be sure that you will know their mouth cavities properly.
In addition, Dr. Timothy Rucha, a vet and an oncology specialist in New York, recommends looking at the cat's mouth while yawning or eating. Bleeding from the nose is never a sign to be ignored! "'The older the cat is, the more nasal bleeding you have to worry about - it could be a symptom of nasal cancer," says Dr. Roca. "'In the case of very young cats there is still a need to worry, but less than cancer?" It is possible that this is a foreign object that penetrated your nose and that your veterinarian needs to remove ".
Diarrhea, or changes in toilet habits. Diarrhea, which appears every so often, does not have to be a sign of cancer, says Dr. Roca. But if diarrhea continues for several days or even gets worse, you should take your cat for examination at the vet. Frequent use of the sandbox, difficulty in urinating or excrement, or blood found in the urine or stool, can all be signs of cancer.
Also, note cases of vomiting? It is possible that your cat simply took out a ball of hair stuck in his stomach, but it is also a sign of growth in the digestive tract according to Dr.
Seidel. Ejaculation from the eyes and nose According to Dr. Seidel, nasal discharges may indicate an increase in the face, while the discharge from the eyes may indicate an increase in the eyes. If you notice such a recurring, non-stop symptom, you should immediately contact your cat's, veterinarian. According to Dr. Seidel, "'If you notice that your cat has uncontrolled bouts of behavior, such as jumping in the legs, incessant chewing, or foam coming out of your mouth, your cat may be experiencing An attack requiring a medical examination by the veterinarian ".
However, most of the times uncontrollable seizures in cats just look like their strange behavior, such as anger or hysteria, constant licking or biting the owner constantly? Be aware of any changes in the behavior of your cat, and contact your veterinarian if necessary. Changes in the skin "'Any bump, lump or change in skin texture requires a veterinarian's examination," says Dr. Seidel. "'It may be benign or malignancy, but it's always easier to treat as soon as you find it". Feel all parts of your cat''s body from time to time and look for swollen or prominent areas. If you notice something different and strange, including non-recovering injuries or areas that look inflamed, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Weight gain Although weight loss is a symptom that may indicate cancer, even an extreme weight gain is a sign that you should be concerned. If your cat eats less but at the same time seems to be fattening, or suddenly has an extreme increase in appetite, take him to the veterinarian to see if he has gastrointestinal cancer.
Pain and general discomfort "'Pain is one of the most prominent signs of cancer," says Dr. Seidel.