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by Suzie Cyrenne December 02, 2023 9 min read
27 CommentsIf you've just received the terrible news that your cat is fighting cancer, then this blog post is for you.
Besides getting you in on the causes of cancer in our feline pets, we will also go over their different types and symptoms.
We will also discuss how homeopathic remedies made from natural substances—inspired by the work of German physician Samuel Hahnemann—can be alternatives to conventional medical treatments.
A tumor is a mass formed by the uncontrolled multiplication of a certain type of cell.
It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact causes of cancer in cats, however, certain risk factors are known, such as obesity, second-hand smoke, and some viruses.
Cancer takes place when a tumor is malignant. It grows quickly, tends to migrate through the bloodstream (metastases), and is at risk of cancer recurrence.
Cats can develop benign tumors, which are non-dangerous masses.
Moreover, dogs can also be afflicted with tumors and cancer.
Overweight
Lack of physical exercise
Secondhand smoke
Prolonged exposure to the sun
Feline leukemia (leukosis) virus (FeLV)
Feline immunodeficiency virus (F.I.V.) also known as cat AIDS
Some breeds like Siamese cats
It is said that one in five cats will develop cancer in their lifetime.
Generally, older animals are at higher risk of developing feline cancer. However, in cats with viruses such as FeLV and F.I.V., can develop cancers at a young age.
Among the most common cancers in cats, we find lymphoma and mammary tumors in females. We'll go over how homeopathic medicine can be resorted to when these health concerns get in the picture.
The clinical signs of a cat's cancer vary depending on the system or organ affected by the tumor.
As mentioned earlier, you might notice a lump on your pet's body, which can be easily overlooked as an ordinary skin condition or skin problem.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of signs of a tumor in cats:
Lump under the skin
Abnormal odors
Vomiting
Diarrhea and other digestive issues
Wounds that do not heal (even when you treat skin problems properly)
Reduced appetite, difficulty eating, or completely stopped eating
Weight loss (more prominent in dogs)
Eye problems
Cough or difficulty breathing
Fatigue, lethargy, or arthritis-like indicators (commonly seen in dogs)
Increased thirst
More frequent urination (using the litter box more often)
Pain
If your cat has any of these signs, we recommend that you consult a veterinarian.
While we advocate for the consideration of homeopathic remedies and holistic medicines (such as traditional Chinese veterinary medicine), having your pet checked by a veterinarian for a cancer diagnosis is crucial.
As you can imagine, there is no precise answer to this question.
We could be talking about a few weeks or a few years. Only your vet can give you a prognosis according to your kitty cat’s particular case.
The type of cancer, its stage at diagnosis, and the general health of your cat are all factors that can affect life expectancy.
Besides helping raise the chances of healing and prevent cancer recurrence, feline cancer caught early also gives you access to a wider range of treatment options.
A good diet for your pet cancer patient can be also deemed as a "remedy" for this health problem. Sometimes a home-cooked diet can do a lot of healing for your pet when he is suffering from a wellness issue.
Never hesitate to contact a holistic veterinarian when you notice the indicators—beforethey become acute conditions!
Cancers found in many cats are commonly classified by the system in which the uncontrolled cells develop like skin cancer, breast tumors, and bone cancers.
It is important to take note that a holistic veterinarian can comprehensively walk you through what these are and provide the feasible treatment options you can go for to support the good health of your pet.
Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymph cells of the cat, more specifically the lymphocytes (white blood cells) in the lymph nodes. It is the most common cancer in cats and there are different forms, depending on the organ that is affected.
It usually appears suddenly and is seen largely in older cats or those with the feline leukemia virus. The life expectancy of a cat with lymphoma is commonly between two months and two years.
Melanomas (benign or malignant) are skin tumors. They generally develop on the cat's head (eyes and ears), neck, or hind limbs. Malignant melanomas are quite rare in cats, but unfortunately, they are also aggressive. They tend to recur when removed surgically.
There are different types of bone cancer, but osteosarcoma is the most common.
This cancer is characterized by an uncontrolled multiplication of bone cells (often in the long bones) and usually causes pain, swelling, and arthritis-like lameness in pets.
Liver cancer affects this organ which is involved in the digestion process. A cat with this type of cancer may have digestive symptoms such as vomiting and loss of appetite.
Not all masses in the liver of your pet are cancerous. An ultrasound and biopsy can therefore provide more information on the nature of a lump on the liver.
Fortunately, this type of tumor is very rare in cats. However, if a cat shows symptoms of a major UTI without resolution after treatment, it would be important to do additional tests (such as an ultrasound) to rule out cancer. The symptoms are very similar.
Male cats and those that are obese are more prone to developing this kind of cancer.
A tumor can develop in the stomach. There is also a type of lymphoma that affects the digestive system. In all cases, a cat with this cancer would show signs such as weight loss, vomiting (sometimes tinged with blood), and loss of appetite.
When a tumor develops in the intestines of your pet cat, he may have symptoms such as diarrhea and pain upon touching its abdomen. If the tumor becomes large, it is even possible for it to block intestinal transit, which complicates the situation.
The most common oral cancer in felines pets is squamous cell carcinoma. It represents more than 75% of oral feline tumors.
Although theoretically a skin cancer, this type of cancer often develops in the oral cavity of the cat. It is also observed in the nose and ears. This disease is often fatal, as surgery is complicated due to its location, and its progression can interfere with the cat's ability to eat. This kind of tumor responds more or less to chemotherapy.
Indeed, the life expectancy of a cat with an oral tumor is a few months, up to one year. The malnutrition it causes leads to a decline in the health of the sick animal.
Lung cancer itself is quite rare in cats. However, several other types of cancer can migrate to the lungs (metastases). All respiratory symptoms in cats (coughing, difficulty breathing), especially in older cats, should be analyzed quickly by a vet, as the situation can change very rapidly and become serious.
As the name suggests, pancreatic cancer attacks this organ which is involved in the digestion and production of certain hormones, such as insulin.
There are different types of pancreatic cancer, depending on the type of cells that develop uncontrollably.
Symptoms will often be digestive, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. The prognosis is generally poor, while the diagnosis is often made too late.
Pancreatic cancer can be very severe.
The life expectancy of affected cats ranges from a few weeks to a few months. The reason for this is that when this cancer is diagnosed, it is often too late and there is already metastasis throughout the body.
This type of cancer is very common in cats and affects their mammary glands. 85% of these tumors are reported to be malignant. It’s a very aggressive cancer that requires surgery from the start. As in dogs, this type of cancer is more often seen in non-sterilized females, although it is possible in sterilized females.
In fact, cats spayed before the age of 6 months reduce their risk of developing breast tumors by 91%! That’s not insignificant, is it?
Feline leukemia is technically not a cancer in cats. It’s a viral infection that causes immunodeficiency and can cause cancer, such as lymphoma.
In more severe cases, the virus can spread through the bloodstream to the bone marrow, white blood cells, and blood platelets, making it look like human leukemia.
Cats that venture outside are much more at risk of catching it, as it is a very contagious virus between cats.
Mutual grooming, sharing litter or water bowls and sneezing are some of the means of transmission, among many others.
Fibrosarcoma can appear anywhere, as it is a tumor that develops in the subcutaneous tissue and then in the muscles of the body. It does not usually cause pain on the touch. This tumor tends to grow very quickly, to the point where it can ulcerate and become necrotic.
Cats diagnosed with fibrosarcoma can live for up to 3 years with the disease. That said, if the lump is detected early and surgery is done to remove it, a cat could gain several years!
You are probably familiar with the conventional treatments that may be used by veterinarians, namely chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
But the thing is feline tumors and cancer may be dealt with using homeopathic medicine (such as the use of traditional Chinese medicine or maximizing the beneficial effects of medicinal mushrooms like in our PIPTOPET).
Even those considered as the best course of action to treat feline cancer are not 100% guaranteed! There is still no definite cure for this serious health problem.
Pets like cats and dogs deserve a gentler approach to healing and treatment during the wellness crisis like homeopathy and Chinese medicine.
Conventional treatment options, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are used to shrink the size of a tumor and kill the remaining cancerous cells after the surgical removal of a lump.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are invasive and attack both healthy and diseased cells. We suggest alternative natural products to optimize the fight against cancerous cells, without impacting the healthy cells.
As the name suggests, chemotherapy is the administration of a chemical treatment, i.e. strong drugs, either intravenously or orally. Less than a quarter of animals show side effects from this therapy, unlike in humans.
Radiotherapy, also called radiation therapy, is when radiation is targeted at a tumor to completely destroy it or reduce its size. It requires several treatments, and the animal must be anesthetized each time, as it must be completely still during treatment.
Finally, surgery is also an option to consider when it comes to the treatment of a cat cancer patient.
Nevertheless, there are less invasive natural methods of treatment for feline cancer.
This medicinal mushroom Piptoporus betulinus works miracles for the immune system of our pets—and it is the main ingredient of ourPIPTOPET!
It promotes your cat's defenses during its fight to get rid of cancer cells without harming healthy cells in the body.
PIPTOPETcan even be used to promote your cat's immune system in the early stages of cancer and it allows your pet to maintain a good quality of life naturally even in difficult times of illness.
Check out our website for yourselves where you can read the comments of our customers satisfied with the success achieved with this product.
Here is one of their story:
“In August of 2019, our 8-year 'KittyKat' was taken to the vet. She'd lost a ton of weight, and no longer wagged her tail for anything except breakfast.
She was quickly diagnosed with some unknown type of tumor, larger than a softball, in her abdomen.
We were given little to no hope and told to take her home and spoil her until she couldn't take living any longer.
We could have had tests/surgeries/treatments done but were told that because of her breed the cancer was quite probably of a certain type, and those things "might" add an extra 6 months of life.
And really, who wants to live an extra few months while sick on Chemo? So, they prescribed her steroids to help keep her comfortable, but all they did was make her sick.
I came home from the vet and did a ton of research, decided to give Piptopet Cancer treatment a try, what have we got to lose?
Well, within the first week, I saw such a difference. She was happy and playful again.
A year and a half later, I can still feel the tumor there, and she never regained the weight, despite eating more than she used to, but she's thriving.
She has a few bad days now and then, but don't we all? She eats well, plays, enjoys walks, and belly rubs. I never thought we'd still have her around, but thanks to Zumalka and Piptopet, we've been given so much more time with our sweet girl.”
- Jenni
We invite you to read more of these touching stories here.
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.
February 29, 2024
Thank you for sharing! It a great blog! Your blog post was well-organized and easy to comprehend.
February 29, 2024
Invaluable information! Your detailed breakdown of cat cancers and treatments is a lifesaver for pet owners. Thank you for sharing!
February 02, 2024
Thanks Lisa, we’re glad you communicated with us through our website and obtained a free consultation.
February 02, 2024
Hi,
I seek your advice please regarding my 14 year old cat, Hercules who was diagnosed with oral sarcoma. What treatment regimen do you suggest please? Thank you!
December 01, 2023
We’re sorry to hear this Matthew, we have sent you an email with some recommendations. We are looking forward to hearing back from you !
December 01, 2023
Our cat Oliver is only 4-6, we got him as a rescue so we’re not totally sure. He lost weight and started refusing treats after a 6 day vacation, shows signs of dehydration no matter how pushy we get with water, and we’re waiting for blood work from our vet to see what they recommend. The vet seemed to think it was likely a cancer of some kind in the abdomen. We switched him to wet food to encourage more nutrient dense meals, but we’ll be switching to only human grade foods (tuna, salmon, ground poultry, and occasional liver/offal as once in a while supplementations, most likely locally sourced from organic farms, kept frozen, then fed raw and minimally processed.) At this point I’d do anything to make him feel better; what we thought was just constipation has become a terrifying nightmare while we wait for more tests to be done. Any help at all is welcomed, I just want to make him feel better and live a much longer and happier life.
November 09, 2023
Hi Klara, so sorry to hear about your cat’s condition. We have sent you an email with a few questions. Once we hear back with your answers, the homeopath will make a recommendation for you sweet kitty.
November 09, 2023
Our 12 year old cat has a malignant tumour in the spleen and it has spread to the liver, there is also some sort of tumour in the ear canal. The cat still seems to have energy, drinks and eats.
Is there a remedy that can reverse this or is it too late?
Vet “suggests” euthanasia.
April 03, 2023
Dear Jan, Thank you so much for your comment. I hope that our Homeopath has provided you with good recommendations to help your beloved cat. Our products are completely safe along with other medicines and treatments, we only recommend that you space out our products from other meds about 30mins or so to make sure each treatment has the best results.
April 03, 2023
My 19 year old Ragdoll has been diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer and has a large mass pushing into one lung making breathing difficult. He is currently getting steroid injections. Can I give your product to my cat along with the steroid?
February 10, 2023
Thanks Michael, you’re off to a great start with your Piptopet order ! We can’t wait to hear good news from you and Pumpkin !
February 10, 2023
My cat Pumpkin has a mass on her large intestine. There was an unidentified fluid buildup surrounding her lungs and lower organs. It’s been drained since. She’s a 11 year old Maine Coon. I’m hoping she lives to be 21, like Pumpkin the first. Can PIPTOPET help her? She is eating and drinking water, but she’s losing a lot of weight. She’s been prescribed a steroid, than she doesn’t like, in hopes that it will shrink the tumor. Should we continue the steroid in conjunction with PIPTOPET? Any advice much appreciated.
Michael
May 23, 2022
Hi Anna, Thank you for your question! The Piptopet is an excellent product made with a medicinal mushroom that has proven its anti-cancer properties over the years. Sooo many pet parents have used this product with excellent results. Here is the webpage you can consult the reviews section on for more real life experiences with it: https://www.homeoanimal.com/products/cancer-piptoporus-natural-remedy-for-pets
May 23, 2022
does piptopet really help with cancer in cats?
April 12, 2022
Hi AnneMarie,
I am sorry to hear about your poor kitty. We are for sure here to help with any questions you may have. Especially once the test results are back, we will be able to guide you to the best natural treatment possible.
We have sent you a private email so we can help you faster.
Regards,
-Homeoanimal
April 12, 2022
I have several questions about my cat. Waiting for tests to come on Wednesday ! He has a mass on his hone leg ! Was biopsies today.
September 27, 2021
“There are other types of skin cancer in cats as well. They can develop basal cell carcinomas, mast cell tumors and fibrosarcomas. Some fibrosarcomas can also develop at the injection site following a vaccine.
This happened to my friend’s cat. Following its vaccination, the small lump under the skin never went away and, after having it analyzed, the vets realized that cancer was developing. But don’t worry, it’s very rare.”
Anyone reading this comment please know that the cancer being described by the author in the above statement IS NOT RARE. Please do not get your dog/cat vaccinated year after year after year; it is unnecessary and is only done to make pharmaceutical companies more money. My cat Amelia was diagnosed with Vaccine Associated Sarcoma in 2006; I still have her pathology report from LSU. She passed away from that horrible disease in May 2009 and I still feel guilty. There are thousands upon thousands of new cases reported to the USDA each year by veterinarians however these numbers only represent cases where the owners sought treatment.
March 29, 2021
Dear Giacinta,
We are so very sorry to hear that Misce is having to fight with Sarcoma. We understand how stressful this is. But we are happy to offer you natural solutions that can help in your pet’s battle with cancer! We will be sending you a private email so we can help him in a more personalized manner. We look forward to working with you!
-HOMEOANIMAL
March 29, 2021
A year ago my Misce had what looked like a blister on the top of his nose. The pandemic had just started and so his vet appointment had been delayed. By the time he got to the doctors it had grown and started to bleed due to the scratching and touching in the area. It is a long story and it has been a long year but after 3 surgeries the diagnose sarcoma has returned and I just can’t afford anything else. Me she is spunky he’s doing great but I could see that the tumor is really irritating him as it is causing him to lose weight. I’m going to see a new vet and find treatment options that we could work with to prolong his life and keep him comfortable. Does this work well also with steroids just in case that is provided to us as an option?
September 10, 2020
Hi Diane,
Thank you for your comment!! We are so sorry to hear about poor Lexi but for sure PIPTOPET can help!! We will send you a private email to detail the best and most targeted natural treatments we have available to help Lexi in her fight. We want to be with you and your cat every step of the way to see the best possible results!
Regards,
Homeoanimal
September 10, 2020
MY cat, Lexi is 9 years old, diagnosed last week with a mass in her stomach. The mass has taken 90% of her stomach. She is vomiting and has lost weight. She is still eating but little and often. She is currently on steroid tablets – 1 a day. Can I give Piptopet to my pet? Will it shrink the mass in her stomach ?
September 10, 2020
Thanks for the splendid article, Veronique. This is quite well-written. I do agree on the tragedomedy of it all, but I think it’s an uphill battle, not a downhill one. So look alive, keep up the good work, all in all, some such, thank you thank you thank you.
August 24, 2020
Dear Barbara C,
Thank you for your comment and we hope this article was useful for you in helping your cat’s fight against cancer. The Piptopet will work well with other mushrooms however, we would need to have more specifics on what mushrooms are included in what you are giving. We have sent you a private email so we can get all the details and give your cat the best possible help!
Regards,
Homeoanimal
August 24, 2020
Can this be used in combination with other mushrooms. I am giving my cat a multi mushroom complex . She had adenocarcinoma removed from the small intestine.
June 15, 2020
Hi Mary,
Thank you for your comment and excellent question. Our PIPTOPET remedy can for sure be given as prevention to cancer! Simply give a much lower dosage of 1 spray a day in the mouth or with water. This prevents the formation of cancer cells in the body and boosts the body’s natural defences and fighting power.
Regards,
Homeoanimal
June 15, 2020
Can I give Piptopet to a cat to prevent cancer
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Cat Exotica
February 29, 2024
This was useful! I appreciate your suggestions. They are useful and simple to use. Keep doing awesome!