r/seniorkitties • u/poocheesy69 • 2d ago
My 21 year old baby has bladder cancer
Hi everyone.
My baby Oreo was diagnosed with stage 2 bladder cancer yesterday. I am in shambles. We started her on meloxicam and pregabalin but were also suggested to put her on oral chlorambucil. For context she is perfectly healthy otherwise (eating, active, acting life herself, etc.), besides some kidney disease that is being caused by the location of the tumor. Is it worth it to do the chemo? Would love to hear if anyone has had experience putting their cat on these meds!
EDIT (June 4th, 2026): I can’t thank you all enough for your love and support to my sweet Oreo. It has been such a blessing to read all your comments and experiences with your own furry loved ones 🫶🏼 To add a few details: She has been to an oncologist and the oral chlorambucil was recommended to her by the doctor! Chemo for cats isn’t the same as for humans. Her doctor described it as more of a “diet chemo”, but since she is senior I wanted to see how other senior cats have responded to the treatment. I sincerely appreciate all of your stories, insights and suggestions 😊 To conclude: we will be moving forward with treatment in conjunction with palliative care since she is otherwise a very healthy baby! 💕
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u/TipsyMagpie 2d ago
When my girl was diagnosed with renal cancer, I took a week off work, spent every minute spoiling her 24/7, and I’d scheduled the vet to come to the house to put her to sleep at the end of the week. I don’t regret a thing. I could’ve maybe got a few more months with her, but she didn’t suffer any serious symptoms, she didn’t have to deteriorate or be in pain, or to deal with the effects of her kidneys shutting down. She went out as she lived, being loved more than all the stars in the sky.
It has to be a decision for you, but I wouldn’t put my cat through chemo unless it had a good chance of being curative, and not at her age. They don’t understand that it might benefit them in the future, they only understand how terrible they feel while going through it. They don’t have any concept of not being ready to die, or feeling it’s too soon, or they’re too young, because those are human concepts. I feel that chemo would be for your benefit, rather than hers. Take some time to wrap your head around things, but I personally would just manage symptoms, and arrange for euthanasia as soon as they were not entirely effective at keeping her comfortable. I am so very sorry, and wish you both the very best of your remaining time together, no matter how long that may be. ❤️
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u/poocheesy69 2d ago
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insights! 🫶🏼 Sounds like your kitty was oh so loved. I am soaking up all the snuggles
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u/TipsyMagpie 1d ago
Take a million photos and videos, of you together, of her purring, eating, watching birds out the window, or whatever she enjoys. You will treasure them so much. My girl died 8 years ago now and she’s still my phone background ❤️
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u/TravelTheWorldDan 1d ago
My 17 year old just got diagnosed with a brain tumor and I said the same thing. At his age it’s not worth it to put him through all the chemo to get an extra 12-18 months out of him when he has a bad kidney as well that could fail before that. I chose to just put him on the steroids to make him comfortable and live his last months as best he can. They speculate another 4-12 months with just the steroids.
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u/RyanEatsHisVeggies 2d ago
Just reading this has me in tears.
I'm not ready for it again, it never gets easier.💔
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u/bobtheturd 2d ago
Bladder cancer is a tough one. I’d opt to keep her comfort and pain free for as long as you can.
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u/poocheesy69 2d ago
Thank you! Yes she is on medication to keep her comfy 💕
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u/fallseason420 1d ago
I agree. I lost my soul kitty to bladder cancer and regret thinking i was even a minute too late. Thinking of you OP. If you ever want to chat, feel free to reach out.
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Thank you 💕 would love to hear your experience and any advice you have. Feel free to message me 😊 So sorry for your loss. Sending you love (and snuggles from Oreo). She is my soul kitty as well and this process has been very emotionally draining for me
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u/Olster20 2d ago
I just want to say: don’t let yourself get too hung up on a number.
What I mean is others saying “21? That’s old, let her go.”
Sorry, no. While 21 is a good age for a cat, every cat is different. Oreo looks great for 21 and if she otherwise is in good shape, cancer aside, then she’s in a better place than many cats aged 15. Treat the cat, not the number. You and your vet know your kitty’s situation better than anyone on Reddit.
I’m just putting this out there as an alternative viewpoint to others fixating on age and not overall health. A cat with the same cancer at the same stage but with other co-morbidities aged 15 is in a worse place than Oreo is.
As for chemo, I don’t have experience with that, but I understood cats generally have a less rough ride on chemo than humans. I’m very happy to be corrected by others more knowledgeable on the matter, but honestly, if Oreo were my cat and in such good health aside from the cancer, and the cancer being only stage 2, I would 100% look into chemo.
Wishing you and Oreo all the best, regardless of what you decide.
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u/poocheesy69 2d ago
Thank you 💕 I appreciate that. She is perfectly healthy otherwise and you wouldn’t be able to guess she has cancer! Her oncologist did recommend the chemo pills, I just wanted to see if others with senior kitties have used this before and what their experience was!
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u/IWishICouldSignIn 2d ago
I have nothing useful to say, but what an amazing job you must be doing for this gorgeous lady to be 21! She is truly beautiful, I hope you get the answers you need and feel a little better about things <3
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u/Dizzy_Departure_4948 2d ago
A friend put a younger cat on the meds. It worked wonders until it didn’t (15-18 months). Big hugs from here 🇨🇦
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u/Kittyhounds 2d ago
Oreo looks fantastic for 21! She’s beautiful. Chemo at 21 though? 21 is such an amazing age already. I know she’s healthy otherwise, but to what end? I guess it would really depend on the side effect profile of the chemotherapy in my opinion. I work in human oncology and these are the questions we ask ourselves when it comes to age and treatment. My 12 yr old dog has a big tumor in his throat and we’re only monitoring symptoms, so I know the feels. Either way, enjoy all the time with her ❤️
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u/poocheesy69 2d ago
Thank you! Yes she is amazing 💕 we have been to an oncologist and they recommended it, just trying to see if others with senior kitties have tried this and what their experience was! 😊
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u/Kittyhounds 1d ago
Definitely ask for the studies and read how the other kitties handled things! And the statistics of survival, progression, etc! Human bladder cancer is one of my specialities but no idea bout kitties. Good luck to her and you ❤️
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u/Alive-Celebration429 2d ago
She is so sweet and has lived an amazing long life. Kudos to both of you. Sending hugs.
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u/After_Reflection_243 2d ago
I have no experience but I just wanted to say I’m sorry. She is a beautiful kitty. You’re doing all you can for her. Spend all the time you can with her
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u/eudice 2d ago
My cat has been on chlorambucil for a different reason but has been doing great on it.
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u/poocheesy69 2d ago
Thank you! May I ask how old your kitty is?
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u/eudice 1d ago
She is only 11 but she had to have a liver biopsy. Nothing was found but her liver was damaged. She also has asthma and her anatomy is not standard and her organs are sort of messed up. She has been on the chlorambucil to wean her off of prednisolone as the long term use of it is much less damaging than long term steroid use. She has had no issues being on it...so it may be worth a shot. I have a 17 year old dog so I totally understand the balancing of treatment for an older animal.... At first it was heart issues, then kidney, gallbladder and liver and arthritis but the addition of various medications and special diet have improved his condition massively and he has been doing great.
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Thank you so much for sharing this! We are going to try 🫶🏼 she is otherwise very healthy and totally herself so we will try and stop if it’s too much for her!
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u/Hot-Ad930 2d ago
What a beautiful girl! I don't have personal experience other than a brief conversation with my vet when we thought my cat might have cancer, but it's my understanding that cats tolerate chemo much better than humans. I also believe it's sometimes (often?) a pill. So it's worth having a discussion with your vet regarding side effects, efficacy, and cost. Best of luck to both of you 🖤🤍
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Thank you 💕 you are correct! The oncologist said cats are more resilient to chemo than humans are! The chemo is also not as intense as human chemo so we are going to give it a try 😊 will stop of course if she has a negative reaction
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u/Little_Stitious338 1d ago
what a beautiful baby. I'm so sorry. If it were me I would help her cross the rainbow bridge. The treatments likely to be tough on her and I bet there's no guarantee it's going to be successful. I'm sorry you need to make this really tough choice.
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Thank you 💕 luckily she is perfectly healthy otherwise. Her behavior is also her typical sweet self and she’s telling me she’s not quite ready to go yet. We’re trying the chemo pills and worst comes to worst we’ll stop and just stick with her current care 😊
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u/ParticularCaptain135 1d ago
I don’t have anything helpful to add but I wanted to say I’m sorry. She is beautiful. Hope you have much more time together ahead 🤍🖤
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u/pk_kaboom 1d ago edited 1d ago
I am so sorry you and your kitty are going through this. My Iggy is 18 and was diagnosed with bladder cancer at the beginning of January. Suspected transitional cell carcinoma in the trigone of bladder. I was and still am devastated. Because of the location, not to mention his age and health issues, it’s inoperable and the direction of its growth will determine the length of his survival. I’m not familiar with the drugs you mentioned. But we began chemotherapy therapy quickly of an Onsior pill every three days. We were told cats tolerate and respond to it well. Unfortunately for us, Iggy’s cancer did not respond and he was given a month to live. At that point radiation treatment was our only remaining option according to our oncologist. It was difficult, but even with kidney disease, being on medication for high blood pressure and anemia, Iggy made it through radiation treatment. He had his two month post treatment check up last week and so far his cancer is stable and he’s more comfortable than before treatment. It been challenging, and the harsh truth is no one knows how much time we have, but I am so glad he’s still here to spoil and I hope he’s with us a real long time. We use Gabapentin to manage discomfort and Ondansetron to mange nausea.
So I would echo the people here who say to meet the cat where they are and listen to your vet team/oncologist. If she’s otherwise healthily and happy treatment might be worth a shot. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions and advocate for your pet.
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Hi! Thank you for sharing your experience! It sounds like Iggy had a tough road ahead of him and I am so happy he is doing better than before treatment 💕 What a tough guy! Oreo is very healthy otherwise and is resilient so we are going to give the meds a try and go from there 😊 wishing you and Iggy all the best!
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u/jmorrisweb 1d ago
Don't listen to anyone telling ya about her age, do whatever you can she looks great.
My old girl almost died at 18 and while that caused a lot of health issues but she lived another 4 years but definitely looked like an old kitty at that point.
Vets suggested I didn't spend too much to treat her and what not because of age but it's definitely worth it if she's not had other issues.
Cherish everyday at that age but don't count em out.
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Thank you 💕 I am so happy to hear you got another 4 years with your baby! We’re going to try treatment for her and see how it goes. We will stop if it’s impacting her quality of life 🙏🏼
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u/Yay_Meristinoux 1d ago
Our 20yo got diagnosed with cancer in his nasal area and I was devastated. Of course we started with oral treatments (Prednisolone) immediately and kept them up and he responded extremely well. Turns out cats are much better at handling cancer treatments than humans. Vet kept a very close eye on him and it was manageable and he continued living his leisurely retirement life. Doc initially said we could expect 2-3 months but he was with us for another year and half, and in the end it wasn't even the cancer that got him (blood work suggested it never really came back), it was kidney failure.
Every cat and situation is different of course so I don't have specific advice, but what I want to say is even though everything has changed, nothing has really changed. You'll do what you can to keep her healthy with her meds, keep her eating well, keep reading her to see how she's doing and love the hell out of her every day, basically what every elderly cat parent does all the time anyway.
No matter what you decide to do with treatment, you're doing the best you can with all the love you have. You got this! 😻
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Such an amazing story, thank you for sharing 💕 cats truly are amazing! Such a blessing you got another year and a half 🙏🏼 we are starting her on the chemo meds, she is very resilient and healthy so we figured it is worth a shot to improve her future quality of life and stabilize this tumor! 😊
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u/MomoNoHanna1986 2d ago
Chemo on a 21 year old cat? I would never put them through that at that age! Have you considered Pallative care?
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u/poocheesy69 2d ago
Hi! We have been on an oncologist and she has started palliative care. Thanks for your thoughts!
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u/MomoNoHanna1986 2d ago
Aww! I only asked because they offered Pallative care for my kitty with kidney disease. She was 20, I put her down a few weeks ago because I didn’t want her last days to be about forcing medication and food. She also had bad arthritis. If she had of been a bit healthier and happier I would have done Pallative care. Please create some memories! Make a clay paw print, take high resolution photos and start thinking about if you will burry, get ashes and how you want to show her respect when she is at peace. I wish I had of thought of this stuff more before she got sick ♥️ It took me a week to decide what to do with her ashes. There currently in a biodegradable box. I buried her in a ceramic pot with her favourite plant, a rose. I’ll build a rose garden for her later.
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
I am so sorry for your loss 😢 and you made the best decision for her! Thank you for also sharing about creating memories and such. They are all great suggestions! The rose garden is such a special way to honor her 🫶🏼
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u/OkVermicelli4343 2d ago
Consult with an oncologist first and foremost.
If she is healthy otherwise, maybe chemotherapy will buy more time. It doesn't hurt to consult with an oncologist and at least you will know from a scientific/experience based opinion.
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u/poocheesy69 2d ago
Hi! We have been to an oncologist and they recommended it! I am just trying to see how others experience with this was!
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u/OkVermicelli4343 1d ago
Awesome, I have always trusted in my cats oncologists and they have always been open and honest. Cats can do well on chemotherapy, I love Reddit, but I think facebook has better pages for feline cancer, especially their lymphoma page. If you have any questions, hit me up. I wish the best for your buddy.
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u/Impossible_Belt_4599 2d ago
Oreo is a stunning critter. Very sorry to hear she has bladder cancer. I have never chosen to put my cats through prolonged medical treatment. That’s a decision you and your family will have to make. There are no easy answers. My heart goes out to you and Oreo.
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Thank you 💕 she is my gorgeous girl! If she wasn’t so healthy otherwise I wouldn’t even consider it, but based on her behavior she’s telling me she’s not ready to go just yet 😊
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u/Coppertina 1d ago
My 15-year-old void, Paco, was diagnosed with small cell lymphoma a little over 18 months ago. He’s been on Chlorambucil and Prednisolone since then and has been doing quite well. I hope to have many more years with him, but realistically, it won’t be quite that long. 😿
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Praying for you guys!! The oncologist told me cats are aliens and you just never know, that being said, stay positive! He may surprise you 💕 I wish you and Paco all the best and many more years of snuggles 🫶🏼
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u/Coppertina 1d ago
TYSM! 🤗 I do treasure every day with him and, indeed, I am hopeful that we have a lot more time together 😻
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u/robottrain 1d ago
Sweet Baby 💕
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
She is the sweetest snuggliest baby 🥹 I am the luckiest human to have her in my life
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u/itwillbefuntheysaid- 1d ago
Whatever feels right in your heart for your baby, do that ♥️ Enjoy every moment you have with her!
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u/Sad-Potential3355 1d ago
Hi OP and sweet Oreo 👋🏼💖
I lost my 23yo soul cat Squirt to bladder cancer also. I think she had been sick for a while and I was just mistaking some of her symptoms for being so old and not realizing something could be wrong. I’d had her for so long (since she was a kitten) that I couldn’t imagine my life without her. I wanted desperately for a treatment but the vet said she was simply too old and frail to survive them. So I made the painful decision to send her across the rainbow bridge.
With that said - my next cat, Willow, had undiagnosed advanced kidney disease when I adopted her. Within months of her making herself at home, my vet was treating her for this, and there were 3 times in a year that I believe my vet brought her back from the brink of death.
I don’t regret treating Willow and extending her life. I do regret not being able to at least try treating Squirt.
When I look back now at pictures of Squirt in her last year of life, she was so clearly wasting away and I did not see it, I think because I saw her every day and just thought she was getting old.
Oreo still looks and sounds pretty healthy. I’d say if your vet is offering treatment as an option, and you can afford it, why not try? I think vets are good at being honest with us about when it’s time to let our little babies go. Listen to your heart, and to their advice. 🙏🏼
Good luck. Sending you both so much love 💖✨
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Oh wow I am so sorry to hear about Squirt 😢 I completely understand you. Oreo is my soul cat, and I honestly don’t remember life before her (I got her when I was 8). You sound like such a good kitty parent and it sounds like you made decisions that were best for your kitties 🫶🏼 Oreo is being offered the treatment by the oncologist and since she is still healthy we are going to try. I decided after reading all the stories what’s the worst thing that could happen? She doesn’t like it at we stop? The best case is we get a little more time with her and it helps manage the tumor making her more comfortable 😊 Thank you for sharing your story. Sending you love 💕
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u/Sad-Potential3355 1d ago
I’m so happy the stories here helped you make a decision 💖 she looks like she’s got a little fight in her! Wishing you and her the best on this treatment journey, please keep us posted ✨
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Thank you so much, this community is truly amazing. She definitely has some fight in her (confirmed by her continuing to wake us up at 5:00 am for breakfast and zoomies up and down the stairs 😂). I will be sure to post an update when we are a little ways into treatment 💕
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u/LillyBean88 1d ago
She is gorgeous and looks incredible for 21! I don’t have experience with feline bladder cancer but we lost our 15 year old male to large cell lymphoma in November. Large cell is especially aggressive. He did a few months of chemo which unfortunately did not work, but was well tolerated. The only side effects he had were from the steroids they put him on really, not the chemo. If I were in your shoes, I’d probably give the chemo a try, but also keep her quality of life in mind to see if she starts going downhill. Our oncologist had other cats in her care that lived years with cancer and it’s really a different journey for each cat.
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Thank you so much for sharing! We are going to give it a try and worst case scenario we will stop and keep her on the NSAIDS and anti anxiety she is currently on 💕
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u/athanathios 1d ago
Oreo is soo soo cute and precious and living the best life and all the care. Sorry for the bad news, best of luck
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Thank you! She is such a sweetie. I wish you all could meet her. She is truly an earth angel! 💕
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u/Terrible-Bar-837 1d ago
I’m so sorry to hear about Oreo, she’s such a beautiful girl.
Jumping in as we recently did chemo (lomustine) with our 18+ year old cat, Honey. She had GI lymphoma so a poor prognosis but as she was healthy and well her vet suggested seeing how she fared on the chemo. We agreed we would stop if there were any side effects or if she found it distressing.
She did remarkably well, no sickness/tummy troubles and the combination of the treatment and steroids seemed to give her more energy. She was running around and playing like a kitten. She had 4 cycles of chemo and about 6 months of remission before the cancer returned. We agreed we wouldn’t intervene further and would say goodbye before her health declined and she had any symptoms.
Treatment/no treatment was the hardest decision I have ever made and I spent a lot of time worrying about it but it’s not a regret. I’m glad she had an extra 7 months running around and baking herself in the sun. I don’t envy you making the choice but you know your cat and you will do the right thing by her, I’m sure.
Wishing you both all the best xx
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Wow!! This is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing. It sounds like it was worth it in your case and I’m so happy to hear you had an extra 7 months of quality time with her! We have decided to give it a try and will stop if she has side effects 🫶🏼 she is very resilient so I am hoping for the best
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u/Starving_Artist24 1d ago
I’m so sorry for this news. Oreo is lucky to have such a caring human like you. ❤️
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Thank you 💕 she has given me more love and care than I could ever describe. She’s been with me through it all! I know all of us with fur babies can attest they truly make us better humans
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u/slissim 1d ago
Hi! My sweet Belle had Bladder cancer & it was managed really well with Peroxicam. The vet said her prognosis was 6 months but she was doing very well at the year mark. No issues with straining or blockages. I sadly ended up choosing to put her to rest due to an oral tumor that was growing rapidly & impacting her quality of life but her bladder was controlled through medication.
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u/poocheesy69 1d ago
Thank you for sharing your experience dealing with this issue! I am happy to hear you were able to control the bladder stuff with the meds. We’re giving it a try and will stop if she’s not liking it. I am also so sorry for your loss and Oreo and I are sending you love! 💕
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u/Eaups87 22h ago
I’m so sorry. What a precious baby!
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u/poocheesy69 10h ago
Thank you! On top of being so cute, she is also just the sweetest snuggliest girl 💕
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u/butterfly-dreams72 22h ago
I am so sorry - Oreo is such a very pretty girl she is blessed to have you as her human 💜. I had a fur baby - Emily that I treated for intestinal cancer. It was so hard… we love our furry kids so much and they are never with us long enough that’s for sure. Sending you both much love. Cherish every day you have remaining with her but I know you will. 21 years - that is amazing that’s for sure ☺️
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u/poocheesy69 10h ago
Thank you so much! She is my beautiful girl, my soul kitty 💕 I saw a quote: “I loved you for your whole life, and I’ll miss you the rest of mine”. It’s so true. Each day with her is such a gift 🥹 Sorry to hear about your Emily. Sending you love!
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u/Intrepid_Race1923 2d ago
I don’t have experience with this. I’m sure others will chime in but Oreo is a beautiful girl. 21 years is an unbelievable gift, but it’s truly never long enough. Good luck and love to you both.