Keeping Cats Healthy and Preventing Cancer – Part 5
25th Jun 2025
This month, we cover Part 5, the final part of our series in keeping cats healthy and cancer prevention.
This article highlights the last 2 tips (Tips 9 & 10) which are equally important in helping cats to thrive, throughout their lives.
The article is written with the help of our medical specialist, Vicki Adams, who is a trained Veterinarian and Veterinary Epidemiology Consultant, working for the Animal Cancer Trust Charity.
9. Genetics
A crucial first step in the process of choosing a juvenile or mature cat involves learning as much as you can about the species, breed and/or immediate family – encompassing parents, grandparents and siblings.
Certain breeds carry a susceptibility or predisposition to develop cancer, with specific lines within those breeds demonstrating varying degrees of vulnerability. Seeking out favourable genetic traits and robust well-being when opting for a young companion or adopting an older one, is always recommended.
Of course, rescue animals often lack such information and it must be considered that even the most well-bred cat could potentially develop diseases, including cancer. However, where possible, starting with good strong lines, can reduce the risk. If you're aware of your cat's potential predisposition to a particular form of illness or cancer, there are measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of an eventual diagnosis, or at least be aware of the need for vigilance for an early diagnosis, to allow for appropriate treatment and a better prognosis, as discussed in the previous tips.
While cancer can affect any cat, regardless of breed, some breeds may have a higher predisposition to certain types of cancer. Asking about the pedigree and disease history of ancestors of your chosen breed is a good place to start if you have a particular breed in mind. Siamese cats are often over-represented in cases of intestinal tumours and mammary cancer, sometimes developing mammary cancer at a younger age than other breeds. Other breeds that may have a higher risk of developing certain cancers include Persians, Bengals, Maine Coons, Scottish Folds and Sphynx. Due to their lack of fur, Sphynx are more susceptible to skin cancer from sun exposure.
It's important to note that while breed can be a factor, it's not the only one. Other risk factors include age, obesity, coat colour and exposure to environmental toxins, as discussed in the first 8 tips.
Additionally, while some illnesses or cancers in cats may be linked to genetics (meaning cats from families with a history of cancer may be at higher risk), these other factors play a role in the epigenetics of disease development. Epigenetics refers to how behaviours and environment can cause changes, that affect the way genes work.
Unlike genetic changes (mutations), epigenetic changes are reversible and do not change the sequence of DNA bases, but they can change how a DNA sequence is read. Epigenetic changes play a crucial role in cancer development & some other diseases, by influencing gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself.
Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, can lead to the abnormal activation of oncogenes, or the silencing of tumour suppressor genes, thus promoting reduced immune function & cancer development.
However, these changes are often reversible and can be targeted for cancer therapy. Lifestyle changes can therefore be very important in these circumstances.
10. Supplements and CAM (Complimentary and Alternative Medicine)
It is important to note that no amount of supplements can serve as a substitute for an unhealthy lifestyle.
Many pet owners ask their vets whether dietary adjustments and supplements could prevent the onset of illnesses, including cancer, in their four-legged family members. Regrettably, the short answer is no. There are no proven dietary modifications or specific nutritional supplements that have been definitively shown to prevent certain diseases in cats, dogs or people.
Ensuring that the diet is made up of minimally processed whole food, well balanced and supplies the necessary nutrients, is a good start. However, if you feel your cat needs any supplements, or has a certain condition that may necessitate the addition of certain supplements, it is best to seek the advice of your vet, or a qualified pet nutritionist, as to the best approach to supplementation.
Complementary and alternative medicine therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, reiki, etc. have not been specifically shown to be effective in preventing or treating cancer in people or pets. However, they are most certainly useful in the prevention and treatment of certain conditions in our pets and may be useful in improving quality of life for pets with cancer & other conditions.
Conclusion to this series on tips for keeping cats healthy & preventing cancer in cats
So, what essential information should pet caregivers have regarding potential preventive interventions, for cancer and other diseases? The bottom line is …
… that there are no proven strategies, dietary or otherwise, to prevent the development of certain diseases, or cancer in any animal. The occurrence of cancers in humans is attributed to factors such as defects in tumour suppressor genes, exposure to environmental toxins, obesity and chronic inflammation. Many of these same underlying mechanisms likely apply to our companion animals as well.
However, advancements in nutrition, disease prevention, veterinary care and diagnostic techniques have extended the lifespans of our pet species, allowing them to reach ages where accumulated DNA damage can potentially lead to health issues.
While genetic factors and environmental pollutants might not be entirely avoidable, steering clear of obesity and providing a comprehensive, balanced diet, free from nutritional deficiencies or excesses, are well within the control of every caregiver.
Another aspect worth considering is that the sooner a concern is identified and a diagnosis is established, the higher the likelihood of a successful treatment outcome. The goal is always to ensure the best possible quality of life for our cats as long as possible. If the worst does happen, planned euthanasia can provide a peaceful & painless death, if the quality of life can no longer be maintained.
However, focusing on the 10 tips covered in our series - diet, water, exercise, emotional wellbeing, environmental factors, light, vaccination, medications, genetics, and supplements / CAM, can help cats have a healthier, happier, longer lifespan.
We hope this article and the previous ones in our series, have instilled a sense of optimism, perhaps suggesting that we hold the potential to avoid many illnesses & types of cancer in our cherished pets.
We would like to take this opportunity for the interesting and detailed information provided by Vicki throughout this series. Please see below link for The Animal Cancer Trust, should you wish to find out more information on the work of Vicki and her team, or specifically on cancer in cats;