Lymphoma in cats
Also known as Lymphosarcoma, Cancer of the lymphocytes.
The most common cancer in cats. Today the most frequent type is intestinal lymphoma in older cats, which in its low-grade form can be controlled for years with oral treatment.
- System
- Tumours
- Is it urgent?
- Not usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Diagnosis with biopsy, €400–1,200; chemotherapy, €1,000–4,000.
Symptoms
- Weight loss
- Chronic vomiting or diarrhoea
- Erratic appetite
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Difficulty breathing (chest form)
- Nasal discharge or nosebleeds (nasal form)
Causes
In young cats it is linked to feline leukaemia virus; in older cats, to chronic intestinal inflammation and possibly tobacco smoke.
How it is diagnosed
Ultrasound, cytology or biopsy, and blood tests for staging.
Treatment
Low grade: gentle oral chemotherapy at home. High grade: chemotherapy protocols at the clinic. Sometimes radiotherapy.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Low grade: survival of years. High grade: months, or longer if it responds well.
Prevention
FeLV vaccination and testing, and no smoking at home.
Breeds at higher risk
It is described more often in these breeds. That does not mean all of their cats will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
Frequently asked questions
What causes lymphoma?
In young cats it is linked to feline leukaemia virus; in older cats, to chronic intestinal inflammation and possibly tobacco smoke.
Can lymphoma be cured?
Low grade: survival of years. High grade: months, or longer if it responds well. Low grade: gentle oral chemotherapy at home. High grade: chemotherapy protocols at the clinic. Sometimes radiotherapy.
How much does it cost to treat lymphoma?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Diagnosis with biopsy, €400–1,200; chemotherapy, €1,000–4,000. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
Which breeds are most at risk?
It is described more often in Siamese. That does not mean every cat of those breeds will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
More in tumours
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.