As with dogs cats also suffer from mast cell tumors. The seriousness of this illness for cats was recognized during the last years. Mast cell tumours can occur at each age. Every tenth animal is younger than 3 years when symptoms occur. The following symptoms can be seen:<\/p>\n
If suspicious observations are made, a veterinarian should be consulted to be on the safe side.<\/p>\n
Often tumors of mast cells can be found in the follwing aereas:<\/p>\n
These are often primary localisations, i.e. ‘first origins’ of the tumour. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for tumours to be ‘multiple’, i.e. to occur at several sites simultaneously or one after the other. The mast cell tumours belonging to the skin usually express themselves through hairless knots with clean edges. These knots are usually reddish or white. Please note that many changes are difficult to find as they are hidden under the fur. That is why a careful control is so important.<\/p>\n
Melville et al report in a study with 86 mast cell tumors of 69 cats on the medical history of the animals. Twelve of the 69 cats died of the mast cell tumor disease. The average age of the cats was 11 years (in diseased animals between 5 months and 19 years old). Pedigree cats were more susceptible to the disease. In particular, the publication mentions Siamese, Burmese, Russian Blue and Ragdoll as susceptible to a mast cell tumor disease. Interestingly, in young cats most mast cell tumors of the skin are found in the head area, in older cats it is rather in the body area.<\/p>\n
Source<\/strong>: Melville, K., Smith, K. C., & Dobromylskyj, M. J. (2015). Feline cutaneous mast cell tumours: a UK-based study comparing signalment and histological features with long-term outcomes.<\/a> Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 17(6), 486\u2013493. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/1098612X14548784<\/p>\n If a tumour occurs in the internal organs of the cat, such as the spleen, many unspecific symptoms that do not immediately indicate the tumour are associated with it. A common symptom is loss of appetite, which is often accompanied by severe weight loss, vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Cats suffering from mast cell tumours of the internal organs (also called intestinal or visceral tumours) also express this via a change in the blood count, namely anaemia. Blood effusions may also indicate the disease. These not only develop very quickly, but can also be observed as apparently spontaneous bleeding in the body cavities. Nonspecific symptoms – tumours of the internal organs<\/a><\/h3>\n