Feline Heartworms

My sister who lives in this area recently lost
her pet of many years. Smokey was a
beautiful six year old gray tabby, and one of
my sister's closest companions. He had
been coughing for some time, and vomiting
occasionally, but we didn't think much
about it. Then several weeks ago my sister
found him dead. At the urging of her
veterinarian a necropsy (animal autopsy)
was performed. Now she is telling me her
cat died from heartworm disease. I think
she may have misunderstood what the
veterinarian told her. Do cats get heartworm
disease like dogs do, and could it have
been responsible for killing her cat so
suddenly? And if so why isn't there a
preventative for cats like there is for dogs?

You've asked a lot of good questions. In fact,
cats can get heartworms when bitten by
infected mosquitoes, just like dogs. However,
cats seem to be better at fighting off heartworm
infections than dogs. Studies suggest that the
incidence of heartworm disease in cats is only
about 10% of that in unprotected dogs. While
this statistic may seem comforting at first, when
you consider that MOST unprotected dogs in
this area will become infected, it follows that as
many as 10% of our unprotected cats may be
infected as well.

The increasing problem with feline heartworm
disease is probably the result of an increasing
awareness about a problem that may have
been around for a long time. Many of the cats
that experienced sudden death, or died due to
respiratory disease, may have been suffering
from heartworm disease.

Unfortunately, cats have smaller hearts than
most dogs, and even one heartworm can lead
to clinical disease. The most common sign of
heartworm disease in cats is coughing or
difficulty breathing. Vomiting is also a common
symptom. Some cats will show no signs except
sudden death.

Unlike with dogs, there is no good way to treat
cats infected with heartworm disease. This
makes prevention the best treatment. You ask
why there isn't a heartworm preventative for
cats. Well now there is! Heartgard for cats is
currently available through your veterinarian.
This convenient once-a-month pill is very
effective at keeping cats heartworm free, and
all cats in this area should be taking it. This
includes indoor cats, who are found to be
infected at a surprisingly high rate.

If your cat isn't currently on heartworm
preventative, call your veterinarian today and
ask about getting started. Your cat will thank
you for it!