About mammary tumours
Older cats, especially if unneutered or neutered later in life, are at risk of developing mammary tumours. This is a common cancer in cats, and sadly, they are often malignant. The tumour develops in the mammary tissue and can grow, spread, and even affect other organs. The sooner a cat with mammary lumps is seen by a vet, the better, so please book an appointment for an examination if you feel a lump.
You'll find your cat's mammary glands along the underside of their abdomen. These glands produce milk if the female cat has kittens. Lumps in a cat's mammary tissue are almost always malignant and may have already spread to other parts of the mammary gland by the time of examination. It's most common in older, unneutered females, but cats neutered later in life or who have been on contraceptive medication also carry some risk.
Initially, there may be few noticeable symptoms apart from the lump(s) itself. However, over time, the lumps will grow, and there's a high chance they will spread. As they enlarge, your cat might start to irritate the area, possibly by licking it more than usual, which can lead to soreness and inflammation.
If the tumours have spread to other organs, symptoms can vary depending on which ones are affected. Mammary tumours commonly spread to lymph nodes or the lungs, potentially causing severe breathing difficulties (metastases). Tumours can also develop in bones or other abdominal organs. It's difficult to predict the long-term outlook for a cat with mammary tumours.
Make a habit of regularly feeling your cat's body to check for lumps and other changes as early as possible. If you find any lump or change, whether on the mammary glands or elsewhere on their body, please book a veterinary examination.
