Brain tumors are a serious, although rare, type of cancer that unfortunately affects cats. Because these types of tumors are internal, they can't be seen without advanced imaging, but that doesn't mean you can't observe the symptoms they cause. Knowing what symptoms a brain tumor can cause in cats can help you seek help as quickly as possible.

What are brain tumors in cats?

Tumors in cat brains are associated with the growth of abnormal cells. These increases are typically classified as primary or secondary. Primary brain tumors are tumors in which abnormal cells originate in the brain or its membranes. Secondary brain tumors are usually cancers that have spread from other parts of the body, called metastases. It may also be associated with cancer in another part of the body, such as the nasal cavity, which can affect the brain by local extension.

Signs of brain tumors in cats:

Excessive pacing and circling

Visual problems

Epileptic seizure

Poor sleeping pattern

Head tilt

Balance problem

Brain tumor weakness in cats

Different types of tumors can cause different symptoms in your cat, but are generally divided into neurological and vestibular types.

Neurological symptoms

Brain tumors can cause a range of neurological symptoms in cats. Most commonly, you'll see forced cycling and excessive pacing, especially if the tumor is located in the forebrain. Cranial nerve problems can cause problems with vision and eye reflexes, and may cause the cat to bump into things. Seizures and sleep abnormalities may also be observed.

Vestibular Signs

Eye twitching, rolling, tossing and head tilting called nystagmus are classic signs of vestibular problems, but they can also indicate vestibular disease, not just brain tumors. Weakness and ataxia are also common.

Causes of brain tumors in cats

There is still much research on the causes of brain tumors in cats. However, factors thought to be possible include genetic factors, environmental causes, diet, certain viruses and trauma.

Diagnosis of brain tumors in cats

The first step to determine if your cat has a brain tumor is to take it to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will discuss the symptoms you are seeing at home, observe your cat in the exam room, and perform a thorough physical exam to check for abnormalities. If you still have doubtsIf you have a tumor, you may be asked to have some tests done. A chest X-ray to check for lung lesions that indicate the cancer has spread; a CT scan or MRI scan of the head to look for the actual tumor; blood tests to check organ function and blood cell and platelet counts; and surgery or a biopsy may even be recommended to obtain a sample of the tumor. test.

Some cat owners choose to run these diagnostic tests so that they can know exactly what's wrong with their cat and provide treatment options. Others choose not to undergo testing, opting instead to have their cats receive only palliative care.

Treatment of brain tumors in cats

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery may be options for treating certain brain tumors in cats. Even if no diagnostic tests are run, some of these options may still be available. In cats, meningiomas can be completely removed, so surgical treatment is usually the best option for cats. More than 70% of cat brain tumors are of this type. However, for many brain tumors there is no cure, but certain treatments may delay growth and spread, giving your cat some time.

Palliative care is an option to manage the symptoms of a brain tumor for as long as possible. It's designed to maintain or improve the cat's quality of life, and may include painkillers, steroids, and other things. You will want to discuss your options and what they involve with your family and veterinarian so you can choose the right steps for you and your cat. Not every cat is a good candidate for chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, and many drug options require special home care to safely remove feces and a strict dosing schedule.

Monitor your cat’s quality of life

The most important thing to monitor is the cat's quality of life, regardless of whether treatment is chosen. Appetite, elimination of the litter box, socialization, playing with favorite toys, and other normal cat-related activities are all things that need to be monitored. When these things start to feel less normal, unfortunately, it may be time to talk to your veterinarian about euthanasia. The prognosis for cats with brain tumors depends on the type of tumor, severity, stage and treatment chosen. For example, some cats diagnosed with meningiomas may require surgery to remove the tumors before they live to be ten years old, while others live only one to two years.

However, palliative care, designed to treat only the symptoms of a brain tumor, is usually only available for a few weeks.