What It Is:
Lymphoma is the most common type of cancer in cats, affecting the lymphatic system, the body’s immune and lymph tissue network. It’s a cancer of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, and it can appear in many different parts of the body.
Lymphoma is not contagious, but it is serious. Some types progress quickly, while others respond well to treatment and can be managed for months or even years.
🐾 Common Symptoms
Because lymphoma can appear in different organs, symptoms vary based on location:
🔹 Gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma (most common form):
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Abdominal mass (sometimes felt on exam)
🔹 Mediastinal lymphoma (in chest):
- Labored breathing
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
🔹 Renal lymphoma (kidneys):
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Abdominal enlargement
- Kidney failure symptoms
🔹 Nasal lymphoma:
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Facial swelling
- Nosebleeds
- Eye discharge
Other less common forms include lymphoma in the skin, spine, eyes, or central nervous system.
🦠 Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of lymphoma is unknown, but known risk factors include:
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) – especially in young cats
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) – linked to some forms
- Age – GI lymphoma is more common in older cats
- Genetic factors
- Environmental exposure (e.g. secondhand smoke)
🔍 Diagnosis
Because lymphoma mimics many other conditions, diagnosis often requires multiple steps.
Common diagnostics include:
- Physical exam and history
- Bloodwork and urinalysis
- X-rays or ultrasound (to identify masses or enlarged organs)
- Fine needle aspirate or biopsy of affected tissue
- FeLV/FIV testing
- Endoscopy (for GI lymphoma)
- Bone marrow sampling (in some cases)
A definitive diagnosis requires seeing cancerous lymphocytes under a microscope, often with additional lab analysis to classify the lymphoma type.
💊 Treatment
Lymphoma is treatable but not curable. The goal is to induce remission, where symptoms disappear and the cancer stops progressing.
Standard treatment:
- Chemotherapy – usually well-tolerated in cats
- Protocols vary in intensity and length
- Oral and injectable options exist
- Prednisolone (a steroid) – sometimes used alone or alongside chemo
- Supportive care
- Appetite stimulants
- Anti-nausea meds
- Subcutaneous fluids
- Pain relief if needed
Most cats do not lose their fur during chemotherapy, and side effects are typically mild.
🩺 Prognosis
Prognosis depends on location, FeLV status, and response to treatment:
- GI lymphoma: 6–18 months with treatment (shorter with high-grade, longer with low-grade)
- Nasal lymphoma: 12–24 months with radiation and/or chemo
- Mediastinal lymphoma: 3–9 months, often FeLV-positive
- Renal or CNS lymphoma: shorter survival, often weeks to months
Without treatment, survival is often 4–6 weeks or less, though steroids alone may provide short-term relief.
💡 Cat Owner Note
A lymphoma diagnosis is scary, but it doesn’t always mean goodbye. Many cats respond well to treatment and have good quality of life for months, if not years. Even if you choose not to pursue chemo, there are still ways to help your cat feel comfortable and loved.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lymphoma in Cats
Is lymphoma in cats painful?
Not usually in the early stages, but some forms can cause discomfort as they progress. Pain control is part of treatment when needed.
Can lymphoma be cured?
Lymphoma is not curable, but remission is possible. Some cats stay in remission for a year or longer.
How long can a cat live with lymphoma?
With treatment, survival ranges from 6 to 24 months depending on the type. Without treatment, the disease progresses quickly.
Is chemotherapy safe for cats?
Yes. Cats usually tolerate chemo well. Most don’t experience major side effects like humans do. Quality of life is a top priority.
What’s the link between FeLV and lymphoma?
FeLV is strongly associated with mediastinal lymphoma and other aggressive forms, especially in young cats.
Should I treat or focus on comfort?
Both are valid options. Treatment may offer more time and quality of life, but comfort-focused care is always compassionate if treatment isn’t the right choice.