White cats get cancer of the ears?

Question

White cats are susceptible to cancer of the ear because the fur on the ears is very sparse and sunlight penetrates easily.
My cat, Puss, has already had one ear off about ten years ago, and I believe he may have to have the other removed.
Has anyone else had this problem? He is about 12 and the vet is worried about whether his heart will withstand another operation. We sure do not want to lose him.
I`ve lost a mother, father, two brothers and a son and never shed one tear, but I`m sure I`ll cry my eyes out if anything happens to Puss!

Thanks for the answers so far.
We cannot keep him in as he likes to spend most days outdoors, even sleeps in my car! So keeping him in would be cruel.
The vet told us that the cancer NEVER affects any other part of the body in these circumstances so I hope it doesn`t spread. We`ll just have to wait and see!

Answer 1

The cncer your poor cat is suffering from is called "Squamous cell carcinoma" just in case you want to look up the net for more info on it.

It usually affect white cats on their ear tips and nose.

Wide surgical excision is the treatment of choice. It is not a difficult operation to perform, nor should it take a long time. Therefore, I strongly recommend to have it done.

Additonal advices include:
- full blood profile before the operation
- intravenous fluid while being anaesthetised to support the blod pressure and help geting rid of the toxin from the anaesthesia
- sun block to be applied on the both remaining ear tips and nose as a prevention for the future.

Do not worry too much, they usually do very well...

Good luck

Answer 2

It is not cancer OF the ear, but skin cancer on the ear. It can also affect the nose and any part of the face.
As for being cruel to keep the cat in - what about the pain and discomfort the cancer causes. And the ultimate death sentence.
A white cat can go outside, but in the early morning and late afternoon, when the sun is not at it's worst.

I have seen white cats with their noses, ears, half faces eaten off with cancer. The poor cats had to be put down. If the owners had just kept the cats in during the worst part of the day they would still be alive today.
As for if the cancer had spread into other parts of the body, I don't know. It was enough that the outer parts were riddled.

Answer 3

I didn't know that but it does make sense in terms of skin cancer because white cats are so pale and pink around the ears. I had a beautiful white cat who lived to be 17 and I still miss him, (it's been 2 years since I lost him to kidney failure). Can you keep Puss inside the house??? That way he won't be getting his ears sunburned. My cat never went outside plus I lived in the far north for most of his life so he didn't get sunburned. Your kitty really should stay inside, especially at his age. As for the surgery, maybe the vet could give him something to sedate him and a local anasthetic rather than putting him under if he needs the other ear removed. That way the risk wouldn't be so bad on his heart.

Answer 4

My experience with white cats is that their ears get very sunburnt, to the extent of becoming constant open wounds. Sometimes they must lose them. I think if he has cancer you have to take the risk with the surgery. He is not too old for it, but anyway he has had a wonderful life and you should be prepared for when he has to go - I do hope and believe that this will happen in many years from now - because a long happy life is teh best for a cat, and your tears will not do him justice. He must be a happy thought for you now and for ever. So just make sure to find a good surgeon who will be very careful with the anaesthesia. I doubt he needs too much anaesthesia to cut off an ear anyway!

Answer 5

We had a cat called Snowy who had to have both her ears removed because of skin cancer. She lived for years afterwards and was always healthy (apart from having to put up with the nickname snowy no ears!)

About seven years after the operation she did become ill unfortunately and it was connected to secondary cancer because of the ears.

I appreciate how difficult it must be for you to make the decision - I would suggest that maybe if his ear doesnt cause him big problems pain wise, then it might be nicer to leave him. I think however, that if his ear is causing him discomfort you have to do the kindest thing and risk an operation.

You have to remember that at the end of the day, even though it will be upsetting for you, you have to do the kindest thing and make the decision that means he gets the best that he deserves. Good luck with it all.

Answer 6

You need to use a little sunscreen (for youngsters) on the ear tips. But attempt to limit external time within the sun when its the freshest (between 10am and 3pm). Its first-rate to maintain white cats extra inside as an alternative then out.

Answer 7

you need to use a touch sunscreen (for toddlers) on the ear suggestion. yet attempt to chop back exterior time interior the solar while its the main well liked (between 10am and 3pm). Its ultimate to maintain white cats greater interior somewhat then out.

Answer 8

we had a white cat who hadboth of her ears removed and she lived a great life for years afterwards, chin up and hopefully everything will be ok.

Answer 9

yes they get tumours there
and have to have their ears removed
sad kitties

Answer 10

honey, you need some bereavement counselling.