Vet-Verified: Which Cat Breeds Are More Likely to Get Cancer?
Cancer is, unfortunately, a relatively common condition in cats, with one in five being diagnosed at some point in their lives.
Just as in people, some types of cancer occur more frequently than others. Among the most commonly diagnosed in cats are squamous cell carcinoma, mast cell tumors, bone cancer, and lymphoma.
We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for pet owners. However, the good news is that with early detection and appropriate treatment, some types of cancer can go into remission—meaning that while some cancer cells may still be present, the tumor size can significantly decrease, improving your cat’s quality of life.
The clinical signs of cancer vary depending on the type your cat has. However, some common symptoms may include loss of appetite, weight loss, lumps or swellings that grow over time, difficulty breathing or coughing (if the cancer has spread to the lungs), changes in behavior, and lethargy.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult your veterinarian for further evaluation.
The exact causes of cancer in pets, including cats, remain unknown. However, genetic factors appear to play a significant role in its development. Certain cat breeds, such as Siamese, Bengal, Maine Coon, Persian, Scottish Fold, and Oriental Shorthair, may have a higher risk of developing cancer.
While genetics can influence susceptibility, regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help with early detection and management.
In this article, we’ll explore the potential causes of cancer in cats, the breeds that may be more susceptible, the most common types of feline cancer, and other important information to help you better understand this condition.
What Are The Causes Of Cancer In Cats?
Although veterinary science and technology are advancing year by year, the causes of cancer in cats are not well understood. However, certain factors can lead to the occurrence of this medical condition, such as:
- Genetic factors – Some breeds, such as Siamese, Bengal, Oriental, Maine Coon, Persian, Scottish Fold, and Oriental Shorthair, are more prone to certain types of cancer, which suggests a genetic component.
- Age – Older cats have an increased risk of developing cancer because their bodies become more vulnerable to genetic mutations.
- Viral infections – Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is associated with lymphoma in cats, and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) weakens a cat's immune system, increasing the risk of cancer.
- Exposure to harsh chemicals and toxins – Frequent exposure to cigarette smoke, pesticides, herbicides, cleaning products, and contaminated food can increase the risk of cancer in cats.
- Prolonged sun exposure – Cats with white fur or light skin are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma if exposed to the sun for a long time.
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Diet and lifestyle – Cats that eat a poor-quality diet, full of artificial colors and chemical preservatives, may have an increased risk of developing cancer because most of these ingredients are carcinogenic. In addition, an unbalanced diet can lead to chronic inflammation, which can increase the risk of cancer.
The lack of certain vitamins and minerals in your cat's diet can cause nutritional deficiencies, which in turn can lead to an increased risk of cancer. Obesity is another factor that can lead to an increased risk of cancer. - Chronic inflammation and repeated injuries – These can lead to the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells because the normal structure and function of tissues are affected. Repeated damage to normal tissues can lead to DNA mutations, which can increase the risk of developing cancer in that area.
- Hormonal imbalances – Unneutered animals have an increased risk of cancer compared to those fixed at a young age. The risk of developing cancer is directly proportional to the age at which the pet is sterilized. Therefore, the younger the pet is neutered, the lower the risk of developing cancer at an older age.
Which Breeds are Prone to Cancer in Cats?
Ultimately, any cat can develop cancer. However, certain cat breeds are more prone to it due to genetic factors. Below, we will explore the most common cat breeds that can develop cancer, as well as the types of cancer they are more prone to.
1. Siamese
This cat breed is prone to several types of cancer compared to other breeds. Here are the most common types of cancer in Siamese cats:
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is the most common cancer in cats.
This is a cancer that affects the white blood cells and can occur anywhere in the body. Siamese cats are more prone to developing mediastinal lymphoma (i.e., the mediastinum is a space formed by connective tissue that contains organs such as the heart, esophagus, trachea, bronchi, thymus, thyroid, etc.).
Most cats diagnosed with lymphoma are positive for feline leukemia virus but, for Siamese cats, it seems that there is a suspect gene on chromosome D1 that leads to lymphoma.
Siamese cats affected by mediastinal lymphoma may develop the following clinical signs: difficulty breathing, lethargy, coughing, and fluid accumulation in the chest cavity.
Intestinal adenocarcinoma
This type of cancer is an aggressive cancer that usually affects older cats. It can occur in the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine.
Cats suffering from intestinal adenocarcinoma become progressively weaker, lose their appetite, are lethargic, and have gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation). Sometimes blood may also appear in their stool.
Mammary cancer
Siamese cats tend to develop mammary cancer at a younger age than other cat breeds. The most common form of mammary cancer in Siamese cats is mammary adenocarcinoma (it is also the most common form of mammary cancer in all cat breeds, comprising 80-90% of the mammary tumors).
Clinical signs of mammary adenocarcinoma in Siamese cats can include: lumps or masses in one or more mammary glands, mammary ulcerations, local swelling, pain, and redness, excessive grooming of the area, discharge coming from the nipple of the affected mammary gland, and enlarged lymph nodes.
When the cancer has spread to other organs, like the lungs, difficulty breathing and coughing can also occur.
Mast cell tumors
This type of cancer arises from mast cells, which are cells of the immune system. These tumors can occur on the skin and in various organs (such as the spleen and intestines). Siamese cats are more prone to developing cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs), especially the atypical form - atypical MCT.
In addition, as with mammary tumors, Siamese cats develop this type of cancer earlier than other breeds.
Clinical signs of cutaneous MCT in Siamese cats may include: single or multiple raised, firm nodules that occur usually on the limbs, head, and neck, hair loss in those areas, itching and scratching, red, bloody areas, and rarely lethargy and vomiting.
Osteosarcoma (OAS)
This type of bone cancer is rare in cats and is also less aggressive than OAS in dogs. In addition, OAS in cats does not metastasize as quickly as it does in dogs. Siamese cats (and other breeds) are more commonly affected.
Clinical signs may include pain, persistent lameness, swelling of the affected limb, difficulty eating when the jaw is affected, weight loss, lethargy, spontaneous fractures, and pain to the touch.
If OAS metastasizes to the lungs, difficulty breathing and coughing may occur, but these cases are rare.
2. Persian
Persian cats are also prone to certain types of cancer, but not as many as Siamese cats. Here are the most common types of cancer that Persian cats can develop:
Mammary tumors
Like Siamese cats, Persian cats are diagnosed with mammary cancer at younger ages than other breeds.
Clinical signs of mammary adenocarcinoma in Persian cats may include: lumps in one or more mammary glands, ulcerations, local swelling, pain, and redness, excessive licking of the area, discharge coming from the nipple of the affected mammary gland, and enlarged lymph nodes (in advanced cases).
When the cancer has metastasized (i.e., spread) to other organs, such as the lungs, difficulty breathing and coughing can also occur.
Basal cell carcinoma
This type of skin cancer occurs more frequently in older cats, and Persian cats are more prone to it. Clinical signs include ulcers on the head, neck, and legs (the tumors are not raised from the skin). Basal cell carcinoma can spread throughout the body and even to organs (in rare cases). As a result, the treatment of choice is surgical removal.
Sebaceous gland adenomas
This type of cancer is benign (i.e., does not metastasize). Persian cats are most susceptible. Sebaceous gland adenomas can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the head. These tumors may sometimes be covered with a crust or be inflamed with pus.
Osteosarcoma (OAS)
Like Siamese cats, Persian cats can be affected by osteosarcoma. Clinical signs are similar and include: spontaneous fractures, pain to the touch, lameness, swelling of the limbs, difficulty eating and chewing, lethargy, and weight loss.
Coughing and difficulty breathing may occur if the disease spreads to the lungs, but such cases are rare because OAS in cats has a lower rate of metastasis compared to OAS in dogs, and is also less aggressive.
3. Maine Coon
Although Maine Coon cats are generally a healthy and robust breed, due to their large size and genetics, they can develop certain types of cancer. Here are the most common cancers that Maine Coon cats are prone to:
Lymphoma
Maine Coon cats have an increased incidence of developing lymphoma. According to studies, the most common types of lymphoma in Maine Coons are nasopharyngeal (affecting the nasal passages and throat) and alimentary lymphoma (affecting the gastrointestinal tract).
Maine Coon cats affected by nasopharyngeal lymphoma may develop the following clinical signs: chronic nasal discharge, sneezing, snoring, noisy breathing (due to airway obstruction), difficulty swallowing, open mouth breathing, lethargy, eye bulging and eye discharge, and weight loss.
Those that develop alimentary lymphoma can exhibit the following clinical signs: chronic vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, abdominal pain, bloating, black, tarry stools, palpable abdominal mass, and dehydration (due to chronic gastrointestinal issues).
Osteosarcoma (OAS)
OAS is a type of bone cancer that is rare in cats. It is also less aggressive and less metastatic compared to that of dogs. According to studies, Maine Coon cats are on the list of the most affected breeds. However, affected cats can experience pain and severe bone damage.
Clinical signs of OAS in Maine Coons may include: persistent lameness, pain when touching the affected limb, visible swelling in the limbs, spontaneous fractures, lethargy, weight loss, difficulty chewing (if the jaw is affected), and difficulty breathing when the cancer has spread to the lungs.
4. Oriental Shorthair
Oriental Shorthair cats are descended from Siamese cats, which makes them more susceptible to some of the same types of cancer, such as lymphoma and mast cell tumors.
Mediastinal Lymphoma
As with Siamese cats, young Oriental Shorthair cats are more commonly affected by lymphoma than other breeds. This type of lymphoma is not generally associated with FeLV and FIV. Still, it appears to be caused by a suspected gene located on chromosome D1.
In addition, this type of lymphoma has a higher sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs, meaning that affected cats can be treated more successfully.
Clinical signs of mediastinal lymphoma in Oriental Shorthair cats may include difficulty breathing, coughing, lethargy, and fluid accumulation in the chest cavity.
Mast cell Tumor (MCT)
As previously mentioned, MCT arises from mast cells, cells of the immune system. MCT can occur anywhere on and in the body. However, Oriental Shorthair cats are more prone to developing the cutaneous form.
Like Siamese cats, Oriental Shorthair cats develop MCT at a younger age than other breeds.
Clinical signs may include firm skin nodules (single or multiple in multiple locations), hair loss in those areas, itching and scratching, red, bloody areas, and rarely lethargy and vomiting. The most common sites of cutaneous MCT are the limbs, head, and neck.
5. Bengal
Although the Bengal cat breed is generally healthy, there are a few conditions it is more prone to, including cancer. Here are the most common types of tumors reported in this breed of cat:
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer of the lymphatic system, which is the body's immune defense system. It affects white blood cells and can occur anywhere in the body. In Bengal cats, the most common form of lymphoma is intestinal lymphoma.
Clinical signs include decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
6. Scottish Fold
The characteristic appearance of Scottish Fold cats is given by a defect in the auditory cartilage. This defect is caused by an autosomal dominant gene – a mutation in the TRPV4 gene. This mutation causes, in addition to folded ears, a short and stiff tail. Moreover, the TRPV4 gene mutation leads to skeletal dysplasia (also called osteochondrodysplasia).
Because of this, Scottish Fold cats are more prone to developing osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer in cats.
Clinical signs of osteosarcoma in Scottish Folds may include: pain, persistent lameness, swelling of the affected limb, difficulty eating when the jaw is affected, weight loss, lethargy, spontaneous fractures, and pain to the touch.
In rare cases, if the cancer metastasizes to the lungs, difficulty breathing and coughing may also occur.
How Do Veterinarians Diagnose Cancer In Cats?
In my experience as a veterinarian, the sooner cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of remission for the affected pet. In addition, early diagnosis also helps improve the cat's life.
Diagnosing cancer in cats involves several diagnostic methods, such as clinical examination, medical history, laboratory tests, imaging tests, and cytological and histopathological examinations.
1. Medical History
The medical history includes a series of questions from the veterinarian. Through those questions, the veterinarian gets a clearer view of your cat's health.
2. General Examination
This stage involves another series of questions from the veterinarian (about clinical signs and symptoms, behavioral changes, etc.) and the physical examination.
The physical examination consists of checking your cat's vital signs (such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure), palpating their body (to identify swellings, tenderness, nodules, or abnormalities of internal organs), and evaluating clinical signs (bleeding, difficulty breathing, skin lesions, painful swellings, etc.).
3. Laboratory Tests
Laboratory tests involve several steps depending on the type of tumor, such as:
Complete blood count (CBC)
This is a blood test that evaluates blood cells. It is used to look at overall health and detect abnormalities in red and white blood cells – anemia, infection, inflammation, leukemia, etc.
Blood Biochemistry
The activity of each organ influences one or more specific biochemical markers. These tests measure the substances in the blood (protein, oxygen, sugar, etc.). Blood biochemistry is often used to diagnose various conditions, including cancer. In other words, these tests evaluate the function of internal organs and metabolic abnormalities associated with cancer.
Rapid Tests
Rapid tests are used to detect antigens for various diseases. As mentioned earlier, lymphoma is often caused by FeLV or FIV in cats. Therefore, if your veterinarian suspects your cat has lymphoma, they may recommend FeLV/FIV testing. These tests use a chromatographic method to screen for and detect FeLV and FIV antigens.
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
FNA is a nonsurgical, noninvasive, and quick technique that can provide an accurate diagnosis of cancer. The method involves inserting a fine needle into a tumor and aspirating tumor cells. The sample obtained is examined under a microscope (cytological examination).
Sometimes, this diagnostic method can have an inconclusive result, and the veterinarian may recommend a biopsy.
Biopsy
A biopsy is the most reliable method to confirm a cancer diagnosis. This method involves removing a piece of the tumor (partial biopsy) or all of the tumor (total biopsy). The tissue collected will be analyzed under a microscope (histopathological examination).
Biopsy indicates the type of cancer, the aggressiveness of the tumor, and the degree of malignancy (i.e., distant spread in the body).
4. Imaging Tests
Imaging tests can reveal certain types of cancer (e.g., bone cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, spleen cancer, lung cancer, etc.).
Several methods can be used for imaging testing:
X-rays
In cats, because their bodies are so small, the x-ray will include the entire animal. As a result, x-rays can detect lung cancer, including lung metastases, or tumors on internal organs.
Abdominal Ultrasound (AUS)
AUS can identify tumors in soft tissues (liver, kidneys, spleen, intestine, stomach, bladder, etc.).
Computed Tomography (CT)
CT can identify masses in the liver, kidneys, brain, intestines, etc.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI can be used for an exact localization of brain tumors, bone cancer, or internal organs and other tissues in the body.
How Do Veterinarians Treat Cancer In Cats?
How your veterinarian treats cancer in cats depends on several factors, including:
- Type of cancer
- Location of the tumor
- Stage of the cancer
- The general health of the affected cat
The most common treatment methods are radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these. In addition, palliative therapies (symptomatic treatment) may be used to improve the cat's quality of life and help fight the cancer.
Surgery
Surgery is usually the first treatment option for solid, operable tumors. There are cases where tumors are inoperable (due to location, extent, etc.); in these cases, your veterinarian will recommend other treatment options.
With surgery, the goal is to remove all or as much of the cancerous tissue as possible to prevent recurrence. Surgery can be recommended for the following types of cancer:
- Skin cancer (e.g., MCT, squamous cell carcinoma)
- Mammary tumors (e.g., adenocarcinoma)
- Soft tissue cancer (e.g., sarcoma)
- Well-defined malignant tumors
In the case of bone cancer, your veterinarian will recommend amputation.
If metastases have already occurred in the body, surgery alone may not be effective.
Radiation Therapy
If the tumor is inoperable, there is still cancerous tissue after surgery, or the cat has comorbidities and is not a good candidate for surgery, your vet may recommend radiation therapy. It uses targeted beams of radiation to kill cancer cells and is administered in fractionated doses.
Radiation therapy may be recommended for oral squamous cell carcinoma,brain tumors, nasal tumors, sarcomas, or MCTs.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of various drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used before surgery to shrink the tumor, after surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells (to delay or prevent metastasis), or as such when surgery is not an option.
In the case of lymphoma or leukemia, chemotherapy is the most effective possible treatment.
It can be administered orally, by injection, and intratumorally. In rare cases, it can also be administered intracavitary (pleura or abdomen).
Immunotherapy
Although this form of therapy is more commonly used in dogs, it can also be used in cats in some cases. This type of therapy uses the cat's immune system to fight cancer.
The main types of immunotherapies include cancer vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
How Can You Support Your Cat With Natural Products In Their Fight Against Cancer?
Zumalka has a series of natural products that can help support your cat in their fight with cancer. These products can support their immune system, protect them against harsh sunlight, and support their skin and internal organs.
One product that can help your cat with cancer is PIPTOPET. It can strengthen your cat’s immune system and help them fight cancer better. It is made from Fomitopsis betulina, a medicinal mushroom used for centuries by people for different conditions. According to studies performed on dogs, mice, and monkeys, it has multiple health benefits, such as: anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant.
Other natural products that can support your cat alongside PIPTOPET include:
TONICPET #4: Supports the body's natural immune response and promotes healthy oxygen circulation throughout the cat’s body.
TONICPET #5: Promotes good circulation and functioning of all your cat’s body systems.
TONICPET #7: Supports your cat’s body's natural immune response and promotes healthy oxygen circulation into the deeper layers of the skin.
TONICPET #4, 5, and 7 also support a healthy inflammatory response, since cancer cells thrive in inflamed tissues.
TONICPET #10: Promotes balanced acidity levels in your pet's body and also helps with the proper functioning of the digestive tract. Because cancer cells like acidic environments, TONICPET #10 helps create a more balanced environment to discourage tumor growth.
By combining these products, you provide your cat with a powerful, natural option to boost their immune system and overall well-being. Additionally, these products also help create an inhospitable environment for cancer cells.
Skin Drainer: This product is formulated to support your cat’s skin health and overall appearance. It protects your cat against harsh sunlight, while detoxifying the skin.
It is made out of premium natural ingredients such as Arctium Lappa 30k, Solidago 30k, Dulcamara 30k, Argentum Nit 30k, Fagopyrum Esculentum 30k, Smilax Officinalis 30k, Viola Tricolor 30k, Urtica Urens 30k, and Saponaria 30k. It can help with skin irritations, hives, crustiness, rashes, ulcers, and itchiness.
Other products that can help your cat with cancer are CBD oil, which stimulates programmed cell death (apoptosis) of cancer cells and reduces cell viability, especially when combined with chemotherapy drugs.
Always talk to your current vet or a holistic vet before administering any products.
People Also Ask
What is the deadliest cancer in cats?
The deadliest cancer in cats is lymphoma. This cancer affects the lymphatic system (white blood cells – lymphocytes), which is part of the immune system. Lymphoma can affect different parts of a cat's body, such as the bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, liver, intestinal tract, and other organs.
Cats diagnosed with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are more prone to developing lymphoma. Although it can occur anywhere in the body, there are three types of lymphoma that are most common, such as: intestinal lymphoma, renal lymphoma, and mediastinal lymphoma.
Depending on its location, the clinical signs may include: lethargy, low energy, loss of appetite and weight loss, abdominal pain, coughing, difficulty breathing, etc.
At what age is cancer common in cats?
Cancer usually occurs in older cats (over 10 years of age) but some breeds are more prone to developing it at younger ages. Cats like Siamese, Oriental Shorthair, and Persian can develop lymphoma at younger ages.
In cats, cancer tends to grow more slowly than in dogs, without obvious clinical signs in the earlier stages. If you have an older cat, you should take them to the vet at least two times per year to detect any signs of cancer and other age-related health problems.
What Is an aggressive form of cancer in cats?
One of the most aggressive cancers in cats is oral squamous cell carcinoma.
This type of cancer develops from the squamous cells that make up the skin and mucous membranes. This cancer reduces the affected cat's ability to eat, drink, and groom normally. Squamous cell carcinoma can spread throughout the body if left untreated.
Cats are known for hiding their pain well for some time after the onset of a disease. Therefore, the signs of cancer in cats in the early stages can be subtle or absent. When they suffer from cancer, their condition and behavior can change over time or suddenly, depending on several factors, such as the type of cancer, its location, and the stage of the disease.
Some of the clinical signs you may notice include lack of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, decreased activity, skin lesions, painful limbs, abdomen, nodules or growths on their skin, vocalization, etc.
About the author
Thank you for sharing this informative guide on cat breeds prone to cancer. It’s essential for pet owners to stay aware and proactive about their feline’s health!
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