Typically, when people think of heartworm disease, they think of dogs. But cats are just as susceptible to this parasite. And to make matters worse, there is no treatment for cats other than managing the symptoms. However, it is preventable. If you live in hot, muggy areas of the US or any area where mosquitos are prevalent, it's important for you and your veterinarian to proactively protect your furry feline.
About heartworm
Heartworm is an internal parasite carried by mosquitos. It has a complicated lifecycle that begins with a mosquito feeding on an infected animal. The mosquito ingests heartworm microfilaria, which turns into heartworm larvae in about 2 weeks. When the mosquito then bites another animal, such as your cat, it injects the larvae into the animal's bloodstream. While in the bloodstream it travels to the heart or lungs and grows to maturity over a few months. This is the stage where it becomes a problem for your cat.
Heartworm infection in cats
As the heartworm matures in the arteries of the heart and lungs, it blocks the arteries and creates an inflammatory response that damages these vessels. This can impede oxygen exchange in the lungs and interfere with blood flow, causing the heart to work harder. Cats will show signs of listlessness, diarrhea, suppressed appetite, difficulty breathing, and frequent coughing and gagging. In severe cases, large heartworms can cause a sudden, complete blockage of the cardiac vessels and cause a quick death. But even when that doesn't occur, over time, the heart and lungs become less efficient and the cat's immune system becomes impaired, leaving your kitty susceptible to other diseases.
Heartworm prevention and management
For a cat who already has heartworm disease, the prognosis is not good. The drugs that vets use on dogs are not safe for cats. Cats must live with the worms until they die naturally. The only treatment is to manage the symptoms as much as possible and make the cat as comfortable as possible until the worms die off or kill the host — your furry friend.
As with any veterinary condition, the best treatment is prevention. Heartworm infections are preventable, but you must be diligent and start at an early age. Kittens as young as 6 weeks can be started on heartworm prevention medication. Before prescribing the medication, the vet will first test for a pre-existing heartworm infection, then you will administer the medication each month year-round. So if that's not something you're willing to do, you may want to reconsider cat ownership.
For more information, reach out to a vet.
Share