Are You Familiar With These 5 Causes of Cancer in Cats?

Apr 28, 2023by Suzie Cyrenne

Notwithstanding the great strides we’ve made in modern science and technology over the years, the exact causes of cancer in cats are still rather elusive until now.

However, experts already have a list of the possible factors that may play a key role in setting off feline cancer. Make sure you read on so I can walk you through what these are in just a bit.

But before we discover what these possible causes of cancer in cats are, let’s first have a quick rundown of the signs of feline cancer so you can be familiar with the things to take note of…

 

Signs of Cancer in Cats you should Keep in Mind

Cats have this remarkable skill of hiding pain and discomfort—not to mention various other indicators of health problems—like the ones triggered by cancer. It is highly recommended having regular bonding and cuddling sessions with your feline family member to closely check for any suspicious things that may be indicative of this serious health problem.

Here are the signs of cat cancer that you should include in your home pet care checklist:

  • Sudden weakness and lethargy
  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sudden appearance of bumps
  • Difficulty doing the business
  • Appearance of discharge or bleeding
  • Strange and unpleasant body odors

Moreover, I’d just like to emphasize that early detection of cancer in cats is critical in properly dealing with this terrible disease. This is why being familiar with its indicators can help you a great deal in giving your pet the care and support he needs when this disease gets in the picture.

If you’re looking to check out a more detailed blog post on the signs of cancer in cats, just click here.

 

Possible Causes of Cat Cancer

As I’ve pointed out earlier, the exact cause or causes of cancer in cats are still unknown. But what’s really interesting is there are a few factors speculated to potentially set off this disease. How about we go over them right now?

#1. Older cats are more susceptible to feline cancer.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), cancer belongs to the most common age-related health problems in cats, along with diabetes, heart disease, cognitive impairment, osteoarthritis and kidney issues.

It is theorized that as a cat’s age progresses—particularly those above 7 years old—his body’s immune system slows down and may not be that responsive when it comes to dealing with diseases and illnesses. This makes him more vulnerable to health issues, including cancer.

#2. Certain environmental factors are considered as possible culprits.

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology highlights that cats that are continuously exposed to environmental tobacco smoke or ETS have a higher risk of developing malignant lymphoma.

Besides tobacco smoke and emissions from vapes, frequent exposure to harsh chemicals such as radon, benzene, vinyl chloride, nickel and asbestos may also make your feline family member more susceptible to cat cancer.

#3. Genetics can also play a key role in the development of cancer.

Cancer in cats may be hereditary and your pet could be more at risk of this disease if either his parents went through it. While there is no specific feline breed that is deemed as cancer-prone, the NCBI reports that Siamese cats are often the ones diagnosed with mammary gland and intestinal neoplasia.

#4. Diet and lifestyle may be linked to cancer in felines.

Malnutrition deprives your pet of the essential vitamins and minerals his body needs to keep his overall immune system health in tiptop shape. On the other hand, at the other end of the spectrum, excessive absorption of nutrients can eventually lead to obesity.

What’s really alarming is that a cat’s susceptibility to cancer tends to increase in either case. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle, which often plays a key role in obesity, can also trigger hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, among other chronic conditions.

#5. Some viral infections are speculated to set off cancer in cats.

The Morris Animal Foundation points out that there are two (2) particular viral infections that may be connected to the development of cat cancer. These are the Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and the Feline papilloma virus.

Although the exact mechanisms as to how these feline viral infections can cause cancer in cats are still unclear, it is theorized that they may have a hand in prompting a state of immune deficiency that gets worse in the long run.

 

The Link between the Immune System and Cancer Suppression

The NCBI reports that there may be a connection between metastasis or the spread of cancer and the body’s immune system response. It has also been proposed that a strong overall immune system health may deter the development of tumors that can eventually progress into cancer.

 

A Natural Product to Consider when Boosting your Cat’s Immune System Health

 

Zumalka Immunopet
Zumalka’s IMMUNOPET is designed to promote and support ideal immune system health. Made from premium natural ingredients, this product also helps stimulate normal red and white blood cell levels in the process.

Moreover, IMMUNOPET stimulates an increase in hemoglobin levels and acts as a purifier of blood and lymph nodes. The boost in white blood cell count also helps your feline family member to become more resilient against numerous types of bacterial and viral infections.

 

 

Final Word

While we may still not have a clue on what the specific causes of cancer in felines are, there are some factors that are believed to increase a cat’s risk of this serious disease. Knowing what these are not just helps you protect your pet even more, but maintain his quality of life as well.

Getting in touch with a pet homeopathy professional is also an advantage when it comes to making your pet more resilient against health problems, especially those that may put your animal family member at risk of cancer. You can contact us anytime to do just that.

 


About the author

Suzie Cyrenne
Suzie Cyrenne

HOMEOPATH & CO-FOUNDER OF ZUMALKA

Suzie Cyrenne has dedicated more than 20 years of her life in making and improving natural animal health solutions in the global setting.

Being the co-founder of Zumalka, Suzie is a forerunner in enhancing the lives of pets through natural and homeopathic options using the knowledge she has gained from the Classical Homeopathy School in Quebec.

Through the guidance of her mother-in-law and fellow natural health expert, Denyse Lessard, Suzie constantly devotes herself to create premium pet products that are aimed at dealing with the root causes of wellness problems and not just their symptoms.

Besides immersing herself in books, personal development and visiting new places, Suzie also enjoys keeping herself in tiptop shape by snowboarding and taking daily hikes with her husband and Zumalka co-founder, Matt Lessard, and their Golden-Doodle, Westin.

Find out more about Suzie when you click HERE.


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