May is all about understanding Pet Cancer Awareness Month!

May is all about understanding Pet Cancer Awareness Month! 

Having lost 3 cats of my own to cancer and having many customers who also lose their cats to this terrible disease, this month is super important.   From prevention to early detection, understanding cancer in animals can give us more time with our furry friends. 

As with humans, there is no magic bullet to prevent cancer but there are many lifestyle recommendations to help lessen the odds or give a better than usual prognosis if cancer is caught early. 

Diet & Exercise-   Healthy food and maintaining a good weight can be super important for your cat.  Keeping playtime a priority for you and your cat will help relieve stress and back to the first, help with weight issues. Have fun toys ready for your cat and with many varieties out there, your cat is sure to have a favorite and happy to play with each day. 

Annual Veterinarian Visit-   We should be seeing our doctor each year for basic wellness exams and vaccines.  So should your cat!   They can’t speak so having that strong relationship with your vet’s office and having the annual or bi-annual ( depending on age and health issues) can be the key to early detection. Having the basic vaccines each year or other testing done is what you need to be ready to do as an advocate for your kitty. 

Spay/ Neuter- Yes, this really can prevent some cancers!   With female cats, mammary cancer can be reduced if spaying is done before their first heat cycle around 6 months.  Male cats should also be neutered around the same age.  There are other benefits but this is super important! 

Knowing your cat-  At the cat spa, I love to pick up and hold the cats and have sometimes found a lump or bump that is concerning to me.  Immediately notifying the owner has been vital with a few cats and I’m so glad that I was able to help with early detection.  Simply petting your cat and knowing its body can alert you if something were to happen and getting to your vet immediately.  Watching for signs of illness also can be a sign of pet cancer such as hiding, loss of appetite, weight loss, breathing issues, lethargy are just a few symptoms. Cats are master of hiding pain and you usually don’t know they’re in pain until it’s too late. 

The most common feline cancers are mammary cancer, lymphoma, fibrosarcomas of the skin, and squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth.  Having lost one to mammary cancer and one to mouth cancer, I really regret not being more aware of early detection and basic lifestyle changes.  Pet Cancer Awareness is very simple and we should be aware each and every month but let’s share our information this month and help out our fellow cat owners.

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