Feline Cancer: The Warning Signs
Cats are wonderful, remarkable creatures and they make great pets. They entertain us with their peculiar natures and grace us with their affection. They can be at once stand-offish and foolish, composed, and careless. This means it can be difficult to read what they’re feeling on a physical and emotional level. Keeping track of their behaviour is, however, a good way to know that they’re staying healthy and happy.
Younger cats are more at risk for accidents and infection, but older cats are more likely to succumb to ailments similar to those we expect to see in any older mammal: kidney problems, arthritis and cancer. Although cancer is a scary word, you should know that it is no longer the death sentence it once was and if it’s caught early enough, you may be able to spend a few more years with your feline friend. Here’s the warning signs so you can keep her safe and sound:
Loss Of Appetite
For most cats this is an easy one to spot. Cat’s can be gluttonous creatures, so if your kitty starts turning her nose up at dinner, it’s a good time to go visit a vet. There are a lot of other reasons why your cat might not be eating, from fussiness to boredom, but it’s always worth having a look.
Wounds That Don’t Heal
It’s common for older cats to get scabs and scratches. As they get older their skin can’t take the rough and tumble it once could. But if these wounds are seemingly not able to heal, they might be the result of skin cancer. White cats often get this on their ears, especially if they’ve spent a lot of time outdoors.
Digestive Issues
Like some dogs, cats and their food can be tricky. But very dark stools alongside regular vomiting could be a sign of stomach cancer. It’s quite rare in cats, but if it’s there it can be quite aggressive. There are a lot of reasons why a cold could be vomiting, from eating too fast (see gluttony) or even anxiety, but if these two symptoms are occurring simultaneously be sure to make a visit to the vet’s as soon as possible.
Listlessness
Some old cats like to sleep a lot, but they generally retain their curious natures even well into their later life. If there’s a sudden change of temperament it could be a clear indicator that something’s wrong. This could also be merely a symptom of a psychological issue, but when cats are in pain it can often manifest as a lack of interest for the world around them.
Clearly Inflamed Areas
Bizarrely, finding a lump on your cat’s abdomen when playing apuestas deportivas Chile isn’t instantly a cause for panic. These masses are common in older cat’s and are mostly benign. However, if a cat is reacting negatively to pressure or touch in a certain area, it’s definitely cause for concern. The lymph nodes are a common area for cancerous growths as is the chest. Take care to examine any painful area carefully for irregularities.
Keeping an eye out for these symptoms can save a lot of heartache in the future, so be sure to check your furry friend regularly!