Just how common is cancer in cats? In the past 2 years, 4 of my 10 have been diagnosed with it.
Boo - Diagnosed as likely having cancer due to very elevated WBC with no other obvious cause in April 2021, euthanized 8 months later at age 18.5.
Rascal - Never diagnosed with cancer, but a hard mass was found in his abdomen during a vet appointment in Nov 2022 at which he was euthanized for kidney failure, age 6.
Roscoe - Brought to vet for suspected abscessed tooth in April 2021 (drainage and stink), diagnosed with very advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth and euthanized on the spot at age 5.
Sasha - Mostly lives in heated, insulated shelter on my porch in winter because she’s scared of my pellet stove. Noticed blood spots on porch and large swelling in her left cheek with occasional pus draining from her mouth. Brought to vet yesterday, diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma and given timed-release broad-spectrum antibiotic to knock down secondary infection. The tumor isn’t negatively affecting her in any way, she doesn’t aPpear to be in any pain, is still very active, grooms herself regularly, and sassy as only a tortie can be. Put on wet food diet because I think dry food kibble irritated the tumor and caused bleeding. Age 15.
So am I just looking at a statistical aberration, or are many cancers simply never diagnosed?