What should you know about gastrointestinal lymphoma in cats?

Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes, a type of immune cell. In cats, it can involve the stomach or intestines and may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, weight loss, or a quieter demeanour. These signs overlap with many other illnesses, so they do not establish the diagnosis on their own.

A veterinarian may recommend examination, blood tests, ultrasound, a PET-CT scan in selected settings, and sampling of affected tissue. The sample helps identify the lymphoma type and informs treatment choices.

Arrange a veterinary appointment when digestive signs persist, return, or lead to reduced eating. Bring a record of food intake, vomiting, stools, weight changes, and current medicines. Depending on the diagnosis and the cat's health, treatment may involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, or referral to a veterinary oncology service. Keep water available and follow the feeding plan provided by the veterinary team.

Seek urgent veterinary care if your cat cannot keep water down, has repeated vomiting, bloody or black stools, severe abdominal pain, marked weakness, breathing difficulty, collapse, or stops eating. A cat that becomes rapidly less responsive also needs immediate assessment.

Where is the lymphoma located? Is a tissue sample needed? What treatment options fit my cat's condition? How will appetite, hydration, and response be monitored? Which changes mean I should call immediately?