Heartworm disease is a severe and life-threatening condition in cats, resulting from parasitic worms spread by mosquito bites. While cats are less susceptible to heartworm infections than dogs, they can still become seriously ill if infected. Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, heartworm can be life-threatening.
Indoor cats are still vulnerable to heartworm disease since mosquitoes can effortlessly find their way inside homes. The likelihood of infection increases in areas with dense mosquito populations.
In this guide, we'll explain how cats contract heartworms, the symptoms to watch for, how to diagnose the disease, and the best ways to protect your cat from this dangerous condition.
Common Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Cats
Heartworm disease in cats is frequently referred to as a "silent killer" since its signs are mild and can be confused with other respiratory problems. The lung inflammation triggered by heartworms often resembles ailments like asthma or bronchitis. Typical symptoms may include:
- Persistent coughing
- Wheezing or hairball-like retching
- Difficulty breathing
- Asthma-like attacks
- Occasional vomiting
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Lethargy or fainting spells
- Seizures
Routine veterinary check-ups and annual heartworm antibody testing can help detect infections early, even before visible symptoms appear. Unfortunately, many cats are not diagnosed until a heartworm dies in the lungs, causing sudden breathing difficulties, which can lead to shock or even death.
How Do Cats Get Heartworm?
Heartworm spreads to cats through the bite of a mosquito carrying the infection. When the mosquito bites a cat, it injects heartworm larvae into the bloodstream. These larvae travel through the body and typically lodge in the lungs, where they mature into adult worms.
Unlike in dogs, where heartworms can grow to large numbers, cats usually have fewer worms, but even a small number can cause severe health problems.
Diagnosing Heartworm in Cats
Identifying heartworm in cats can be difficult because of their narrow blood vessels and the usually low number of worms. Confirming an infection often requires several diagnostic tests, such as:
- Heartworm antibody tests to detect exposure to the parasite
- Chest X-rays to look for lung damage
- Echocardiography to visualize worms in the heart or lungs
- Physical exams to assess symptoms
Since heartworm signs can resemble other respiratory diseases, a combination of these tests helps veterinarians make an accurate diagnosis.
Preventing Heartworm in Cats
Consistently giving your cat preventative medication is the most effective way to safeguard them against heartworm disease. Heartworm prevention is nearly 100% effective when administered correctly. Your veterinarian can suggest the most suitable prevention method tailored to your cat's specific needs.
Types of Heartworm Prevention for Cats:
- Oral Medications: Flavored, chewable tablets given monthly.
- Topical Treatments: Liquids are applied to the skin at the base of the neck, preventing heartworms and other parasites like fleas and ticks.
One commonly recommended product is Revolution Plus, which protects against heartworms, fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Use a product that explicitly prevents heartworms, not just fleas and ticks.
To stay consistent with prevention, set reminders on your phone, mark your calendar, or use auto-delivery services to ensure you never miss a dose.
Additional Tips to Prevent Heartworm in Cats
In addition to giving your cat regular preventative medication, you can take other steps to reduce their risk:
- Keep cats indoors as much as possible.
- Close windows and doors to prevent mosquito entry.
- Eliminate standing water around your home, as it attracts mosquitoes.
- Install door and window screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
Some heartworm preventatives also protect against other parasites like:
Maintaining a consistent prevention routine and keeping your home mosquito-free can help ensure your cat stays healthy and heartworm-free.
Final Thoughts
Heartworm disease in cats is dangerous but preventable. Regular use of vet-recommended heartworm prevention and routine check-ups can help protect your feline friend from this life-threatening condition. Even if your cat stays indoors, it's essential to stay vigilant, as mosquitoes can easily find their way inside. Please consult your veterinarian to choose your cat's best heartworm prevention method and keep them safe year-round.
