Understanding mast cell tumours of the skin in cats — typically more benign than in dogs but requiring assessment.
Cutaneous mast cell tumours in cats behave very differently from canine MCTs — the majority are biologically benign and surgical excision is curative. However, individual tumours that ulcerate, grow rapidly, or occur in anatomically challenging locations cause localised welfare impairment through irritation, pruritus, and secondary infection.
Siamese cats with multiple histiocytic MCTs may develop numerous small lesions simultaneously. While individually benign, extensive disease requires management decisions about which lesions to address surgically. The chronic presence of multiple skin lesions, even when not clinically aggressive, can cause irritation and cosmetic changes that affect the cat's quality of life.
The welfare concern with feline cutaneous MCTs is primarily ensuring that malignant variants and splenic disease are not missed. Any rapidly growing, ulcerating, or unusual cutaneous mass warrants histopathological assessment. Cats with cutaneous MCTs should have abdominal palpation and ultrasound to assess for splenic involvement.