The Silent Killer
Feline
Heartworm
Disease
When it comes to heartworm disease, dogs and cats have a lot in common. But new research shows that in cats there is the potential for more severe reactions and even sudden death. Indoor cats are also at risk for heartworm disease.
Cases of heartworm disease in cats have been reported across the United States and many other countries. Heartworm disease is most common in areas where dogs are also at risk. |
What are the signs?
The most common signs of heartworm disease in cats are coughing , vomiting, breathing difficulties, weight loss, and lethargy - are often mistaken for other conditions such as asthma, pneumonia and digestive problems. In fact, most common clinical signs of heartworm disease in cats resembles bronchial asthma.
Prevention
Once a cat is diagnosed with heartworm disease, managing the disease can be difficult. Treatment, as well as non-treatment, is very risky, because there's currently no approved product for treating adult heartworms, and the onset of clinical signs is impossible to predict in cats that are left untreated. Even if the disease is treated, your cat may experience severe complications or even death when the worms die. Prevention is the best medicine. Ask your veterinarian about heartworm disease prevention for your cat. It will help give your feline friend the best chance for a long and healthy life.
Heartworm Disease FAQs
What is heartworm disease in cats?
Heartworm disease in cats is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by Dirofilaria immitis. This is the same parasite that causes heartworm disease in dogs but new research shows a potential for more severe reactions and even sudden death in cats.
 How do cats get heartworm disease?
Cats get heartworm disease the same way dogs get it. Mosquitoes transmit the disease by biting an infected animal, then passing the infection on to other animals they bite. But while heartworm is endemic to warm, wet regions of the country, it is on the moveand has been for decades settling in the North Eastern states and especially here in New England!
Where are cats at risk for heartworm infection?
Cats are at risk wherever dogs are at risk, including cats that live indoors. In fact, some studies estimate that 70% of cats may be at risk in areas where there are heartworm-infected dogs.
What are the signs of heartworm disease in cats? 
Common signs of infection are:
- Breathing difficulty
- Vomiting
- Sluggishness
- Weight loss
Other more acute signs are:
These signs may also be seen with other feline diseases. Ask your veterinarian about your cat's risk for heartworm disease.
How can heartworm disease be treated?
Currently there is no approved product for treatment of heartworm diseasein cats.
What can I do to prevent heartworm disease in my cat?
Prevention is your best option. Ask your veterinarian for more information.
Should my cat tested?
If you live in an area that is considered endemic for heartworms then your cat is at risk for getting heartworms, if your veterinarian recommends that your dog be tested then heartworms are probably a problem in your area. Heartworm infection is endemic in Florida. However if you do not plan to
place your cat on heartworm preventative, then knowing whether or not your cat has heartworms is academic, if the cat is not symptomatic.
If my cat has symptoms of heartworm disease, which test should be run?
Most veterinarians would recommend that a heartworm ANTIBODY test be performed as the first diagnostic test. This will pick up about 75-85% of cats with heartworms; however it will miss 15 - 25% of cats. if there is a strong suspicion of heartworm infection and the heartworm test was negative, another test (chest radiograph, echocardiogram, ANTIGEN test
or even another laboratory's ANTIBODY test) should be performed.
What should I do if heartworms are diagnosed?
 In dogs, when heartworm infection is diagnosed, medication is given to kill the adult heartworm to rid the dog of the infection. This medication has been given to cats with some success however the likelihood of severe reactions to death of the heartworms has prompted most veterinarians not to use it in cats.
Most veterinarians will recommend that a course of corticosteroids (like prednisone) be given to reduce inflammation, this may help control symptoms but not cure the disease. Some veterinarians in conjunction with the corticosteroid also use a bronchodilator.
Unlike the dog. we usually "let the infection run its course" and hope that the cat does not die suddenly from the disease before the worm dies naturally. A few veterinary cardiologists have tried to remove the heartworms from the right atrium. This has been successful in some cases (when the worms are located in the right atrium) but the risk of complications at this time probably outweighs the benefits.
Should I put my cat on heartworm preventative?
YES! All cats, including indoor cats, should be placed on feline heartworm prevention medication. Please call our office and discuss which medication option will be the best for you and your cat.
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