Oncology

Cat receiving intravenous chemotherapy

Personalised cancer care

Cancer is, unfortunately, one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases in cats, particularly as they age. Statistics show that one in five cats will develop cancer in their lifetime. Fortunately, much like in humans, there are now various treatment options available for cats.

We provide tailored care plans for cats diagnosed with cancer, led by specialist oncologist Dr Raelene Wouda and our dedicated Oncology Service team. Our focus is on delivering the very best care and counsel, which means ensuring you have a complete understanding of your cat’s condition. We discuss appropriate diagnostic and staging tests, explore treatment options and implement customised management to support both your cat and your family throughout this journey.

Every cat is an individual with unique preferences and needs. While some may love their visits to the hospital, others would much prefer to stay at home. Some cats are easy to medicate and others put up a strong fight. Management options are tailored to each patient, ranging from intensive, curative treatments to less aggressive palliative or hospice care. This could involve surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy or a multidisciplinary approach. Ultimately, the aim is to achieve the best possible quality of life and outcomes for your cat and your family.

“Cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases in cats.”

Specialist anaesthetists

Our oncology team

The CSS Oncology Service, led by Dr Raelene Wouda, collaborates closely with other specialty services, including feline internal medicine, surgery, imaging, cardiology, dentistry and ophthalmology, as well as your primary care veterinarian, to deliver the highest quality and most comprehensive cancer care for your cat.

Our hospital is unique in providing cats with the highest level of specialist oncology care through a team approach with our feline internal medicine specialists, ensuring that all aspects of their health are addressed.

We also have a team of dedicated veterinary nurses who you will meet during your visits.

These nurses not only play a vital role in your cat’s treatment but also provide pats, hugs and love while they are away from home. Additionally, as a hospital dedicated to training future veterinary specialists, veterinary students, interns, residents and registrars may be involved in your cat’s cancer care team.

“We provide tailored care plans for cats diagnosed with cancer.”

Lymphoma under the microscope

How the oncology team can help you

The CSS Oncology Service has extensive experience in treating various types of cancer. Some of the common cancers we treat in cats include:

  • Lymphoma, leukaemia and other round-cell tumours
  • Mast cell tumours and other skin and subcutaneous cancers
  • Various carcinomas, including lung, liver, gastrointestinal and those of the urinary tract
  • Hemangiosarcoma
  • Osteosarcoma and other bone and joint cancers
  • Malignant melanoma
  • Soft tissue sarcomas
  • Tumours of the endocrine system, including thyroid, adrenal, and insulinoma
  • Brain and other nervous system cancers

When should we see an oncologist?

Typically, your cat will be referred to an oncologist after being diagnosed with cancer. If a lump or mass has been identified, or if there is suspicion of cancer without confirmation, your cat will first see our feline internal medicine service. They will discuss the necessary investigations to obtain a diagnosis, after which we will collaborate with the oncology team to create a detailed treatment plan for your cat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a cat oncologist do?

Our oncology team helps diagnose, stage and manage cancer in cats. We talk you through your cat’s condition, discuss appropriate tests and explain the treatment options available. From there, we create a care plan tailored to your cat and your family.

What cancer treatments do you offer for cats?

We offer a range of treatment options depending on your cat’s diagnosis and needs. These may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy or a multidisciplinary approach. In some cases, we may also recommend palliative or hospice care.

Will my cat’s cancer treatment plan be personalised?

Yes. We tailor management to each cat because every patient has different needs, preferences and responses to treatment. Our aim is to achieve the best possible quality of life and outcomes for your cat and your family.

What types of cancer do you treat in cats?

Our Cat Specialist Services oncology team has experience treating many types of cancer in cats. These include lymphoma, leukaemia, mast cell tumours, carcinomas, hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, malignant melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, endocrine tumours and brain or nervous system cancers. We will recommend the most appropriate next steps based on your cat’s diagnosis.

When should I bring my cat to an oncologist?

Cats are usually referred to our oncologist after a cancer diagnosis has been made. If your cat has a lump, a mass or suspected cancer that has not yet been confirmed, they will usually see our feline internal medicine service first. We then work closely together to investigate the problem and develop a treatment plan.

Patient Stories

Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.

Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.

Kitty, a lymphoma survivor

We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass

Poppi finds her feet again

Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected

Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey

Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.

Lando’s long game with cryptococcus

Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.

Popeye coughs up the culprit

Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.

Key Takeaways

Feline oncology focuses on diagnosing and treating cancer in cats using personalised care plans.

Cats diagnosed with cancer may benefit from specialist evaluation, diagnostic testing and tailored treatment options.

The oncology team works with other veterinary specialists and referring veterinarians to support each cat’s treatment journey.

Cat Specialist Services Reviews on

Tanya Bell

6 months ago

We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.

Melinda Cox

A month ago

So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.

Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.

It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.

At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.

We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.

NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.

Lesley Rosekrans

A month ago

Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.

Madison McEwan

A month ago

I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.

Astrid El Gamal

6 months ago

Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.

Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!

Deeba M

3 months ago

Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!

Judith Dionysius

A month ago

My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.

Janelle Wieden

5 months ago

We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services

Georgia Carter

5 months ago

My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.

I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.

Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.

I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.

Lauren Woodward

A year ago

My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me

Contacting Us

Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.

Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pm
Saturday/Sunday - Closed

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