Mammary Tumors in Cats

Sadness of Living With Pets That Have Cancer
We are living with a pet with cancer and recognize the great sorrow and joy that comes to those with a pet ill that has a disease we cannot cure. For us, the best solution is to make treatment choices based on conventional and holistic research and the wishes of our pet. We intentionally "consult" with our sick pet and ask how it would like to be approached. No amount of academic information gives the same level of faith and hope that we find when communicating with the pet we’re focused on helping. Together we make the right choices for treatment.

Mammary Tumor In A Friend's Cat
Our friends have a cat with tumors along the mammary line. About 85% of cats with mammary tumors have metastatic cancer. This is different than with dogs where only half the cases of mammary tumors are metastatic.

Conventional Treatment for Mammary Tumors in Cats
The conventional treatment for feline mammary tumor is surgical removal and chemotherapy. The holistic treatment is to change the energy that caused tumor to occur in the first place. For example, change quality of food, toxins in environment, stress, etc.

Statistically, cats that have tumors removed surgically do not live longer, but they have a longer “disease-free” interval. We estimate how long a cat will live—this is called a prognosis—based on overall health, whether the cancer has spread (metastasized) to lymph nodes or to the lungs, and how large the tumor is:

· If the size of the tumor is greater than 1 ¼ inch (3 cm), cats live about 6 months.
· If cancer cells have spread to lymph nodes, cats generally die within 6 months.
· If tumor is less than 1 inch (2 cm), cats can live for several years.
· If the tumors are not spreading, about 90% will live for at least another year.
· If the tumors are proliferating, 12% may live for another year.

Focusing On What's Important In Life
We extend our love and support to our friends, their cat, and all who have pets with cancer. Make the best of whatever time you have with your pet, be upbeat and positive. No cat wants to live with a family that’s focused on what’s wrong with it. Cats want to live surrounded by peace, slurping up great food, awash with fun toys or outdoor adventure. When cats become sick, it’s their way of telling us to refocus on what’s important in life.