Squamous cell carcinoma in cats
Also known as Ear tip skin cancer, Epidermoid carcinoma.
A tumour that appears on unpigmented skin (ear tips, nose, eyelids) of white cats that get a lot of sun, and also in the mouth, where it is more aggressive.
- System
- Tumours
- Is it urgent?
- Not usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Biopsy, €100–250; ear surgery, €300–800.
Symptoms
- Scabs on the ear tips that do not heal
- A sore on the nose
- Mild bleeding
- A lump or sore in the mouth, drooling and bad breath
Causes
Solar radiation on pale skin. The oral form has been linked to tobacco smoke, although no single cause has been established.
How it is diagnosed
Biopsy.
Treatment
Surgery (often removing the ear tip, with very good results), cryotherapy, electrochemotherapy or radiotherapy.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Good on the ears if operated on early; guarded in the mouth.
Prevention
In white cats, avoid the sun from 11 am to 5 pm and use a cat-safe sunscreen.
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 squamous cell carcinoma?
Solar radiation on pale skin. The oral form has been linked to tobacco smoke, although no single cause has been established.
Can squamous cell carcinoma be cured?
Good on the ears if operated on early; guarded in the mouth. Surgery (often removing the ear tip, with very good results), cryotherapy, electrochemotherapy or radiotherapy.
How much does it cost to treat squamous cell carcinoma?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Biopsy, €100–250; ear surgery, €300–800. 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 Turkish Angora and Khao Manee. 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.