Six Key Symptoms of Feline Skin Cancer to Watch For

Skin cancer is well known in humans, but cats can also be affected, and spotting the symptoms early can be challenging. Cats often hide signs of pain or discomfort, and skin changes can be mistaken for injuries or minor issues from everyday scrapes. Recognising the warning signs of feline skin cancer is vital to get your cat the help they need as soon as possible.

Which cats are at risk of developing skin cancer?

All cats have the potential to develop skin cancer, but certain factors increase the risk. Hairless cats or those with very thin coats, as well as cats with pink skin or light-coloured fur, such as white cats with blue eyes, are more susceptible. These cats lack the protective barrier of dense fur, making them vulnerable especially when exposed to sunlight, whether outdoors or indoors while sunbathing by windows.

Even indoor cats can develop skin cancer if they spend substantial time in sunny spots. Understanding your cat’s risk factors helps you monitor their skin more carefully and respond to any suspicious changes promptly.

Six primary symptoms of feline skin cancer

Skin cancer in cats may manifest in various ways, which can make early detection difficult. Here are six symptoms to be vigilant about during regular checks:

1. Unusual lumps or bumps on the skin

New lumps, bumps, or moles that appear on your cat’s skin, especially those that grow or change shape over time, require veterinary assessment. While not all such growths are cancerous, persistent or changing lumps should never be ignored.

2. Non-healing sores or wounds

Sores or lesions that do not heal within a reasonable time, or that repeatedly bleed or ooze fluid without an apparent cause, are concerning. These could be signs of malignant skin lesions like squamous cell carcinoma.

3. Black, crusty patches or scabs

Areas of darkened, crusty, or scabby skin, particularly on the ears, nose, or eyelids, may indicate cancerous changes. These patches can sometimes bleed, look irritated, or develop ulcers.

4. Red, raised, or irritated skin areas

Look out for skins that are red, swollen, or raised, which may be itchy and cause your cat to scratch, groom excessively, or lick obsessively. Skin irritation in localized areas can mask underlying tumours.

5. Changes in skin colour or texture

Discoloured areas, such as patches of red, pink, brown, black or grey skin, or scaling patches that seem different from usual, require a closer look. Such changes often occur on sun-exposed parts of the body and should prompt veterinary evaluation.

6. Fur loss or bald spots

Excessive grooming or scratching can lead to bald patches. While many causes exist, persistent fur loss combined with other skin changes is a red flag for potential malignancy.

How to check your cat for skin cancer at home

Regularly examining your cat’s skin during grooming sessions is an excellent opportunity to spot early abnormalities. Use a calm and gentle approach, especially if your cat is sensitive to touch. Check the entire body, paying particular attention to areas with less fur such as the ears, nose, eyelids, around the eyes, lips, and any pink-skinned regions.

If you notice any lumps, sores, scabs, discolouration, or areas your cat frequently licks or scratches, make arrangements to see your vet promptly. Early expert diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment and better outcomes.

Understanding diagnosis and treatment options

Your vet will perform a thorough examination, potentially including skin biopsies or imaging, to determine whether a lesion is cancerous and its type. Treatment depends on the diagnosis but can include surgery to remove tumours, chemotherapy, and palliative care to manage symptoms and quality of life.

Because skin cancer in cats may be caused or worsened by sun exposure, protecting vulnerable cats from excessive sunlight is a key preventive measure. Discuss sun safety and monitoring with your vet, particularly for high-risk cats such as those with pale skin.

Conclusion

Recognising the six common symptoms of feline skin cancer — lumps or bumps, non-healing wounds, black crusty patches, red irritated areas, changes in skin colour, and fur loss — is crucial for cat owners. Regular skin checks, early veterinary consultation, and sun safety are essential for giving your feline friend the best chance of effective treatment and wellbeing.

If you suspect your cat shows any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to seek veterinary advice promptly. Early action can be lifesaving.