Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that arises from the flat cells lining the mouth. In cats, these tumours tend to grow locally within the tissues of the gums, tongue, tonsils or other structures in the oral cavity. They can be invasive, often affecting bone, and may cause visible changes in the mouth along with difficulty eating or other signs that prompt closer investigation. Owners often notice reluctance to eat, drooling, a visible mass or swelling in the mouth, bad breath, or bleeding. Sometimes the first sign is a loose tooth or facial asymmetry. The changes may develop gradually, and early appearances can be subtle or mistaken for dental disease. Weight loss may follow if eating becomes uncomfortable. This page explores what signs may be seen, what is happening in the tissues, how the condition is investigated through examination and diagnostics, and what approaches exist for managing it. The aim is to help you understand the nature of oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats and the shape of the decisions that may follow diagnosis.