Can young kittens get cancer or tumors if they look sick?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! What clinical signs was she exhibiting that indicated she was ill: vomiting, coughing, sneezing, inappetance, etc? It is not uncommon for kittens to acquire respiratory infections if they were obtained from a shelter/rescue setting and this can certainly make them feel ill. If Luna appears back to her normal self and is eating/drinking normally, no vomiting/diarrhea, or other signs are noted then I would suspect she is okay at this point. If she is still exhibiting any abnormalities of any kind I would certainly have her evaluated by her veterinarian. Based on her physical examination with the doctor, a minimum database (complete blood count, serum chemistry, +/- urinalysis, +/- FeLV/FIV test), fecal diagnostics, or radiographs may be recommended.

Hello. While I cannot promise you that the lump is not cancer, it is very HIGHLY UNLIKELY that the lump is cancerous. She is just too young. There are lymph nodes in the abdomen that can enlarge possibly due to a local infection, possibly even during a heat cycle. So, do not worry too much. Take care.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Fiona. Unfortunately, there is no way to determine if the mass is cancerous or not just by looking at it. Her veterinarian could perform a simple procedure known as a fine needle aspirated. The doctor would use a small needle to collect a sample of cells to evaluate under the microscope. This can lead to a diagnosis in some cases, but can be inaccurate. For a more accurate diagnosis, the mass would need to surgically removed and the whole mass submitted to the laboratory for a pathologist to review. I understand your hesitancy to do so given her age. That being said, cats have a higher rate of cancerous mammary tumors compared to dogs. Furthermore, the mass appears ulcerated in your picture. This can can associated with malignancy as well. Unfortunately, there is a good chance that it is cancerous. I hope this information helps.

Poor Squash! It is possible that she does have mammary tumors, or it could be another type of cancer causing these tumors. Unfortunately, cancer is always a possibility in an older cat. If one of the lumps is oozing and looks infected, then Squash needs to see a vet right away. I would take her into an ER vet or a find a vet on call in your area to have her examined. If it is mammary tumors, they are very aggressive, and 85% of mammary tumors in cats are malignant. If for some reason you can't find a vet on call, I would take her into the vet first thing in the morning.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Lethargy and low energy level in such a young kitten is always a concern. This behaviour could be due to fever, pain, intestinal worms and more. Please de-worm your kittens if they have not been dewormed in the last few days. If it does not make any difference, please take him to your local vets for an appointment.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Sibby! She is very cute! Fleas usually do not make kittens not eat and vomit. I wouldn't put any flea medication on her until she sees your Vet. Since she is so young and is a cat we do not like them to not eat for more than 2-3 days. It is time to have her seen. Causes of not eating and vomiting in kittens are: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, feline leukemia or FIV, feline infectious peritonitis, ate something gross, ate something causing a blockage, food allergy or intolerance. I would bring a stool sample with you to the appointment. I wish Sibby a speedy recovery!

That is not normal behavior from a young kitten. Yes it sounds like she has a fever and stomach upset. Since she’s so small and sick she should have veterinary treatment soon so she doesn’t get worse. Healthy kittens are very playful and don’t vomit or sleep that much. Please take her in for treatment. They will give medication to resolve the vomiting and reduce her fever if she has one. She may need fluids to prevent dehydration and she may need to be dewormed also. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your kitten.