What is the Association Between Cat Litter and Lung Tumors in Cats

The Association Between Lung Tumors & Cat Litter

Our question this week was:

To your knowledge, can cat litter cause lung tumors (or lung cancer) in cats? I just lost a 10-year-old male Persian who was my soul mate, and it was because of an inoperable lung tumor that I had to have him euthanized.

Peg Wickham

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. To my knowledge, there is no evidence that cat litter can cause lung tumors. Here is some information about flung tumors in cats. Go to: Primary Lung Tumors in Cats (Lung Cancer, Pulmonary Neoplasia).

There have been reports of second hand smoke (cigarette smoke exposure to cats) causing possible problems. For more information – go to: The Risks of Secondhand Smoke in Cats.

The only other thing I’ve heard of the cat litter dust exacerbating lung problems in cats with existing asthma.

I’m very sorry for your loss.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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I hope this answers your question about the association between lung tumors and cat litter.