I have noticed that my 17-year old cat Mannie has scabs that have grown darker (brown) and more noticeable over the past two months.

Now I'm worried that he has squamous cell carcinoma from overexposure to sun. He has chronic renal failure, diagnosed half a year ago. I let him wander out on my balcony in late summer and fall when it was sunny and warm outside, as he loved to relax and sleep in the sun.

Now I am wondering what to expect. I'm not sure he could undergo invasive treatment or that I could afford it financially.

I intend to bring him to the vet's next week. I know they will give him a general examination, do a blood test, and probably do a biopsy, to confirm squamous cancer...

I am wondering how much time my cat has to live. If he does not receive treatment, is it possible that I can give him hospice care at home and that he won't suffer until the "end" (at which point I would opt for euthanasia). How long does squamous take before the cat's health really declines? Will it spread to his other organs?

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