I lost my beloved cat on friday

My poor Amber was my best friend for the past 8 1/2 years. She licked my face when my parents died, and cuddled close when I cried.

She was an old cat, but she shouldn't have died. She had a cancer in her jaw. She was the most beautiful, petite, tuxedo cat, with a delicate face, delicate paws, and the most wonderful purr in the world.

For 2 months I tried to save her. I fed her with a dropper, and gave her supplements. I went to the store 3, 4, 5 times a day trying to find a food she wanted to eat.

And I still lost her. She probably wouldn't have lived too much longer anyway, without the cancer. But at least my memories right now wouldn't be of her poor, swollen face and tongue hanging out.

Why did my cat suffer like this? Apparently, the only identifiable proximate cause of feline oral cancers is exposure to 'household tobacco smoke'. I have never smoked a day in my life. Unfortunately, I got Amber when she was 8 years old, from my ex-step-daughter. She and her husband and her boyfriends all smoked, inside.

Please, even if you refuse to quit smoking, don't make your poor animals suffer. YOU have the choice, and if you get sick from smoking, its your own damn fault. YOUR PETS HAVE NO CHOICE. Take it outside.

Trust me, you don't want to go thru what Amber and I went through for the past 2 months. For the sake of those who can't escape your noxious fumes.

I am so sorry to hear about your beloved cat, Amber, catlover. I know what it is like to lose a friend like that. I had my cat for 18 years, but thankfully she did not have anything so horrible as cancer, just died of old age. It took a year or more before I would look for another cat, and now have a really feisty kitty, part Lynx and part Siamese. She is a very different temperament from my first cat, but I have grown to love her.

Such a good message about the ills of smoking, a very expensive, harmful, and odious habit for sure.:(

I wish for your grief and pain to be lessened, but everyone is different in the amount of time to grieve. Am sure she is in wonderful Kitty Heaven, chasing mice and birds all day long!!:)

So sorry for your loss, Catlover, and that it had to be so horrible for both of you because of someone else's addiction to nicotine. So sad.

I'm so sorry for your loss of your beloved Amber, catlover. :(

I'm so sorry for your loss, Catlover. :(

I join those who express sorrow for your loss. I hope you feel better soon.

Catlover...

That beautiful angel is in heaven now enjoying a healthy portion of catnip and feeling great!

So sorry, I know the pain.

(((((Hug))))):(

Aw, I am so sorry to hear that, it is so sad. :(

I'm so sorry to hear that,:( I've two cats and can't imagine losing them.

thanks everybody
appreciate it-

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved friend. I am sure there are many of us who can sympathize. Memories are forever. Bathe in the gratitude of the gift of life and friendship you received. You are in my prayers.

-Nibbles

thanks everyone--here is an article about the disease I lost my cat to :(

Oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats

“Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats: Preclinical Therapy & Inhibition of Bone Resorption”
Principal Investigator: Thomas J. Rosol, DVM, PhD and Chelsea Martin, DVM
Institution: The Ohio State University
Study ID: D03FE-29

Description:
Cancer of the oral cavity is a common and severely debilitating disease occurring in middle-aged and older cats, for which no effective treatment exists. Cats are usually euthanized once the pain or tumor growth prevents the animal from normal food consumption and behavior. These tumors are very invasive in the jawbones and induce severe bone loss and loosening of the teeth. This project examines whether slowing bone loss in the early stages of the disease inhibits the growth of the cancer and improves the cat’s quality of life. This type of treatment could be used in conjunction with other forms of anti-cancer treatment, such as radiation and chemotherapy, to improve survival rates.

MAF: What is oral squamous cell carcinoma?
Dr. Martin: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a very aggressive tumor that develops from cells that form the lining of the mouth and throat. In cats, it is the most common type of cancer that occurs in the mouth and it is particularly difficult to treat. These tumors can be found anywhere in the oral cavity, but in cats they most often occur on the gums or under the tongue. Oral cancer invades deeply into the underlying tissues and often causes destruction of bone. Although oral cancer does not usually spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body, the extent of invasion and damage within the mouth leads to a very poor prognosis. Once diagnosed, these cats only live for an average of two months. Less than 10 percent of cats will survive for one year.


MAF: What are the symptoms of oral squamous cell carcinoma?
Dr. Martin: The early stages of OSCC do not usually cause discomfort to the cat, so symptoms can be subtle and difficult to detect. Occasionally, these tumors are noticed for the first time during a physical exam when the mouth is evaluated by a veterinarian, or during a dental cleaning. OSCC can have many different appearances, such as a smooth swelling on the gums, or an inflamed ulcer under the tongue. As the tumor grows, teeth become loose and painful infections can develop. You may notice a foul odor to the cat’s breath or see that the cat is drooling or having difficulty eating. Swelling of the face or lower jaw may become apparent with larger tumors.


MAF: What types of cats does oral squamous cell carcinoma effect?
Dr. Martin: This form of cancer usually affects older cats, the average age being about 13 years old. There is no breed predisposition, and females and males are equally affected regardless of being spayed or neutered. It is not understood why these cats get OSCC, but some studies have reported that exposure to household tobacco smoke may be a risk factor.

MAF: Are their any current treatments for oral squamous cell carcinoma?
Dr. Martin: The most common treatment for cats with OSCC is surgical removal of the tumor, occasionally combined with radiation therapy. The type of surgery depends on the location of the tumor and often involves removing part of the jaw. Because the veterinary surgeon is limited in how much can be removed from the jaw, only cats with early stage OSCC can be treated in this matter. Because many cases of OSCC are diagnosed in more advanced stages, there is little to offer these cats in the form of treatment.

MAF: How will your study affect the future of cats diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma?
Dr. Martin: Our study is focused on the destruction of bone caused by these tumors. Half of the cats with OSCC have tumors of the gums, most of which eventually invade the bone. We are exploring the potential mechanisms that the tumor cells may be using to cause bone destruction. We suspect that erosion of bone leads to the release of substances that stimulate tumor cells. Subsequently the tumor cells secrete additional factors that in turn stimulate further bone loss. This vicious cycle of tumor growth and bone erosion allows the tumor to invade the jaw, making treatment so difficult. Once we understand how these tumors stimulate bone destruction, we can attempt to block this event using medications that can inhibit bone loss, which in turn could slow the growth of the tumor.

MAF: Why should the average cat lover/animal lover care about your study?
Dr. Martin: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most difficult cancers to treat in cats. Pet owners and veterinarians alike are frustrated by the lack of treatment options for these patients. Despite many advances in the treatment of cancer in recent years, cats affected by OSCC continue to have a very poor prognosis. OSCC quickly advances to a stage that leaves the patient with such a poor quality of life that humane euthanasia becomes the only remaining option. Because there is so little to offer these patients, each new therapy represents a significant advance in the fight against OSCC.