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The most common type of cancer of the mouth in cats is oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which accounts for about 90% of feline oral cancers.
This type of cancer originates in the tissues of the mouth, such as the tongue orgums, and may spread to structures such as the jaw. While it rarely spreads to distant organs in the early stages, it aggressively destroys nearby tissue, making eating and breathing increasingly difficult and painful.
How long a cat can live with mouth cancer depends on the tumor’s size, location, and how early it’s diagnosed. On average, cats may live anywhere from a few weeks to several months, and in rare cases up to a year, though outcomes vary significantly based on treatment choices.
As the disease progresses, many families change their focus from trying to stop the cancer to preserving quality of life. Euthanasia may become the most compassionate option when a cat’s pain or discomfort can no longer be managed.
How Quickly Does Feline Oral Carcinoma Progress?
Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for around 90% of feline oral cancers. Although it doesn’t usually metastasize early, its location and rapid local invasion make it very difficult to treat. The tumor often grows into the jawbone, tongue, or roof of the mouth, causing pain, inflammation, difficulty eating, and visible facial changes.
Unless caught very early, by the time most cats are diagnosed, the cancer has already caused significant tissue damage, making curative treatment unlikely. Surgery, radiation, and medications may help slow progression in specific cases, but the long-term prognosis remains poor.
Feline Oral Carcinoma Life Expectancy by Treatment Type
- No Treatment: Most cats live 1–2 months after diagnosis, depending on tumor location and growth rate.
- Palliative Care Only: With pain medications, appetite stimulants, and supportive care (like anti-nausea meds or soft food), some cats live 2–3 months in relative comfort.
- Surgical Removal and/or Radiation Therapy: In rare cases, typically when the tumor is small and caught early, surgical removal (e.g., mandibulectomy) or radiation therapy may extend a cat’s life expectancy to 4–6 months, or occasionally up to 12 months. However, these treatments are invasive and not always feasible due to tumor location and/or the cat’s health.
- Feeding Tubes: A feeding tube may be placed to support nutrition if a cat is recovering from oral surgery or wants to eat but physically can’t due to pain or obstruction. In these cases, a feeding tube can help maintain strength and comfort in the short term. However, it does not treat the cancer itself or significantly extend survival. If a cat is no longer willing to eat, interact, or respond to care, a feeding tube is unlikely to improve quality of life.
Because oral SCC is so difficult to remove completely and responds poorly to chemotherapy, many veterinarians and pet owners prioritize comfort-focused care over aggressive interventions.
Your DVM can help assess whether surgery or radiation is realistic, or whether palliative care can maintain quality of life.
When pain or symptoms can no longer be managed, euthanasia may become the most humane option.
Signs It May Be Time to Consider Euthanasia
It’s never easy to make the decision to say goodbye. But there are signs that may indicate your cat is suffering more than they’re coping:
- Drooling blood or pus from the tumor becomes constant.
- Ulceration or infection causes foul odor, or discharge.
- Frequent choking, gagging, or difficulty swallowing worsens.
- Your cat cannot eat or is rapidly losing weight despite all efforts.
- Tumor is visibly growing, making eating or breathing difficult.
- Pain is no longer manageable even with prescribed medications.
- No good days left: your cat hides all the time, refuses affection, or no longer engages in anything they used to enjoy.
Talk to your DVM about your cat’s pain level and treatment options. They may recommend a quality of life scale to help guide your decision.
For many families, choosing euthanasia is not giving up, but making a selfless decision to prevent prolonged suffering.
Talking With Your Vet about End-of-Life Options
If you’re unsure how to bring up euthanasia, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with this conversation, even when they believe it’s time.
Let your vet know what you’re seeing. Ask whether your cat’s pain is manageable, whether treatment is helping, or if you’re nearing the point where comfort is the only goal. Some families choose to schedule a consultation just to ask these questions, not to make an immediate decision.
Here’s a guide that may help:
How Do I Tell My Vet I Want to Euthanize My Pet?
You May Never Feel Ready (And That’s Okay)
Saying goodbye to a cat with oral cancer is one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever face. Even when you know they’re suffering, it’s normal to second-guess, hope for more time, or wonder if you’re doing the right thing.
There’s rarely a moment that feels perfect. Most people feel torn, grieving the loss before it even happens, but also wanting to protect their cat from further pain.
If you’re in Portland or nearby, you can call us at Compassionate Care. We offer 24/7 in-home pet euthanasia and pet cremation so your cat can stay where they feel safest, at home, with you. We also help guide families when they are having trouble deciding what the next step should be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Feline Oral Cancer
How is oral cancer in a cat’s mouth diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam of the oral cavity, where the veterinarian may observe a mass, lesion, or signs of inflammation. A biopsy is the gold standard for confirming feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or other cancers. Imaging (such as x-rays or CT scans) and bloodwork may be used to assess the extent of the disease and overall health prior to treatment.
What are the early signs of an oral tumor in cats?
Early clinical signs may include bad breath (halitosis), weight loss, drooling, pawing at the mouth, difficulty eating, or visible swelling. Sometimes a small lesion or ulcer inside the mouth may be the only clue. If your cat’s eating habits change or you notice bleeding or foul odor from the cat’s mouth, it’s important to schedule a veterinary exam promptly.
Can oral cancer spread to other parts of a cat’s body?
Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma tends to spread locally, aggressively invading nearby tissues such as the jawbone or tongue. While it rarely metastasizes to distant organs early on, it may spread to regional lymph nodes or the lungs in advanced cases. Your veterinarian may check these areas through palpation, imaging, or sampling lymph nodes during staging.
What are the side effects of treating feline oral SCC?
Treatment—such as surgery or radiation—can come with significant side effects, especially if bone or large areas of the oral cavity are involved. These may include pain, difficulty eating, swelling, or the need for a feeding tube. Some cats also experience temporary weight loss post treatment. Your DVM can help weigh the potential benefits and risks of treatment options.
What other types of oral cancer can cats get besides SCC?While squamous cell carcinoma is by far the most common, cats can also develop fibrosarcoma, melanoma, or lymphoma in the oral cavity. These tumors may look similar at first and also require a biopsy to confirm diagnosis. Treatment plans and prognosis vary by tumor type.
