Lymphoma is the most common cancer in cats and a leading cause of cancer-related death. Understanding diagnosis, treatment options, and quality-of-life considerations helps owners make informed decisions.
Feline lymphoma presents complex welfare decisions for owners and veterinarians. Low-grade GI lymphoma is particularly rewarding to treat — many cats achieve complete remission and live years in good quality of life with minimal side effects. High-grade lymphoma is harder to manage; chemotherapy may extend survival but the disease is ultimately fatal. Quality of life assessment is central to decision-making. Cats with good appetite, activity, and social engagement can benefit significantly from treatment even with serious disease. Palliative steroid therapy alone can provide comfort when curative intent is not pursued. The key welfare principle is that treatment decisions should be driven by the individual cat's wellbeing rather than owner guilt or the desire to avoid euthanasia.