The American Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Cancer Society list the 10 most common signs and symptoms of cancer in pets:
1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss
of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating
Remember that these are just some of the common signs and symptoms of cancer, but the list is not comprehensive and the symptoms are not exclusive to cancer. If your cat has any of these symptoms or if you have any concerns about your cat’s health, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. For more information, visit the Veterinary Cancer Society's website.