Heartworm disease is a serious and silent threat that can have devastating effects on your feline friend if taken lightly. Caused by a parasitic roundworm called Dirofilariaimmitis, heartworm disease in cats often shows little to no signs, unlike in dogs, making it crucial for cat parents to be aware and informed.
In this blog, we’ll explore the fundamentals of heartworm disease in cats and understand how cats get heartworms. We’ll also cover the symptoms, treatments, and preventive measures to provide you with the knowledge to keep your feline friend safe from this devastating illness.
So, let’s get started!
What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal parasitic disease caused by Dirofilariaimmitis, a parasitic roundworm. Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms live in the heart, lungs, or nearby large blood vessels. If left untreated, heartworms can cause severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other parts of the body.
Heartworm disease is more common in dogs than cats, but that doesn’t make cats less susceptible to the disease. They are as much as vulnerable, making it crucial for cat parents to understand the symptoms and treatments of this condition.
How Do Cats Get Heartworm?
Heartworm disease is transmitted to cats only with the bite of a mosquito. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, fox, coyote, or wolf, they pick up heartworm microfilaria (baby/immature heartworm) produced by adult heartworm in the host. Then, in the mosquito’s gut, the microfilaria develops and matures into larvae in about 10-14 days.
When an infected mosquito bites a cat, the larvae are transmitted in the feeding process. The larvae gradually grow and enter into the bloodstream. Since cats are not the natural hosts for heartworms, most immature heartworms die at this point. The ones who survive mature into adult heartworms in about 6 months.
Symptoms and Treatment
The symptoms of Heartworm disease in cats may vary between subtle and very dramatic, as it depends on the severity of the condition. Some cats may not even display the symptoms, and when they do, they include:
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Periodic vomiting
- Coughing
- Weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
- Open-mouth breathing
- Neurological abnormalities
- Heart murmur
- Sudden demise
If you notice your cat displaying one or more of the above-mentioned symptoms, immediately contact your vet and book an appointment. The vet will note the symptoms and do a combination of tests to ascertain your cat’s condition. Unfortunately, there’s no approved drug for heartworms in cats, so the treatment revolves around the symptoms and supportive care.
Measures to Prevent Heartworm Disease in Cats
Since prevention is the best course of action against heartworms in cats, take note of the following preventive measures to ensure your cat’s safety.
- Keep up with the vet visits
- Regularly groom your cat
- Keep their surroundings clean
- Avoid letting water stand to control mosquito breeding
- Avoid heavily wooded areas when going for a walk
- Use a heartworm preventive treatment regularly recommended by your vet
- Administer a parasitic treatment to protect your cat against fleas, ticks, and ear mites
Parting Words
Heartworm disease is a serious condition that requires diligent care. With this blog, you now have the fundamental knowledge to navigate it better and take prompt action. Also, keep in mind the preventive measures to ensure the safety and happiness of your feline friend.
