What is heartworm in cats?
Heartworm in cats is a bit more complicated than it is in dogs. Cats are infected similarly to dogs via a mosquito bite. However, cats are not the preferred host for this type of parasite, so infections in cats are less common but not impossible. Cats typically have a lower worm burden, meaning there are fewer worms in their system than in dogs, and the lifespan of those worms is shorter. Despite this, it can still cause disastrous side effects in your pet, so prevention and detection are essential.
Dr. Rachel Kennedy
Highland Park Animal Hospital
How do cats get heartworms?
Cats get heartworms through a mosquito bite. The mosquito transfers an immature form of the heartworm to the pet, whether it's a dog or a cat. This larva goes through a development process in the pet to turn into an adult heartworm. It's important to note that the disease isn't directly transmitted from pet to pet; there is a vector, which is the mosquito, in between.
What do veterinarians recommend as heartworm prevention for cats?
I recommend a broad-spectrum prevention in cats. At Highland Park Animal Hospital, we sell Revolution, which is a great, easy-to-use, topical product that covers both fleas and heartworms, two of the most common feline parasites. It's crucial to understand that prevention is important for all cats, even those who stay indoors or only go outside for a limited time, as a single mosquito can cause an infection. As long as your cat is getting prevention treatment, whether it's Revolution or a pill product, it's sufficient.
How do you spot heartworm symptoms in cats?
Diagnosing heartworm disease in cats can be challenging. Symptoms can include lethargy, vomiting, coughing, and asthmatic signs. These symptoms are broader and less specific than in dogs, and detection is also more challenging. The best treatment is prevention; it's better to prevent the infection from happening in the first place.
How will a veterinarian diagnose heartworm in your cat?
Diagnosing heartworm in cats can be challenging. With dogs, our antigen testing is very specific and takes about six months for the infection to be detectable by our tests. In cats, these tests may not always be positive despite an infection, so we often need to conduct additional testing. Multiple blood tests are usually required to confirm or dismiss a suspicion of heartworms in a cat. Hence, preventing the disease is of utmost importance.
Heartworm disease in cats is less known than it is in dogs, but it's equally important to keep prevention measures in place. There is no treatment for an infection once it occurs, so prevention is the key. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with your vet about prevention practices or if you suspect that your pet may be heartworm positive.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (214) 833-9821, or you can email us at info@hpanimalhospital.com. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
What is considered preventative care for my cat?
Preventative care is a broad category. It includes anything that prevents your cat from getting sick such as vaccines, wellness exams, and correct nutrition.
Dr. Heather Vargo
Highland Park Animal Hospital
What are some possible conditions that can be avoided with cat preventative care?
There are quite a few conditions that can be avoided through preventative care. The primary ones are infectious diseases, many of which can be prevented through vaccination.
Why is it important to avoid self-diagnosing my cat?
Self-diagnosis can be difficult as many diseases and conditions that cats can have, present similar symptoms. Veterinarians are trained to better identify these symptoms and diagnose your cat properly.
What are the risks of failing to provide preventative care for my cat?
Without preventative care, your cat may not live as long. Certain diseases can shorten their lifespan and prevent them from living a happy and healthy life.
What types of preventative care do you recommend for cats?
Multiple categories of preventative care are recommended for cats. First and foremost, nutrition is extremely important. Feeding your cat the correct diet can help them maintain a healthy weight and overall health. Vaccines are also crucial. We offer vaccines for feline leukemia, FVRCP, and rabies. Dental care is important because cats are good at hiding signs of pain and discomfort. Early detection of dental issues can prevent severe pain, weight loss, and lack of appetite. Spaying and neutering prevents many problems later in life, including unwanted pregnancies and various cancers. Prevention of external parasites like fleas and ticks is also necessary, even for indoor cats. Finally, senior cat care is crucial as diseases become more frequent in older cats. Regular testing and weight monitoring can help catch diseases like diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, cancers, and kidney diseases early, preventing severe illness.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (214) 833-9821, or you can email us at info@hpanimalhospital.com. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram