Heartworms in Cats: What You Need to Know

You might be familiar with heartworms in dogs, but did you know that cats can get them too? Heartworms may not be the most fun pet topic, but it is really important for anyone with a kitty to know what they are. Let’s dive into what heartworms are, how they affect cats, and what you can do to protect your feline friend. A local Fort Myers, FL vet offers some insight on this below. 

What Are Heartworms?

Heartworms are parasitic worms that are transmitted by mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up tiny baby heartworm larvae (called microfilariae). If a mosquito bites an infected animal, it can then pass the larvae on to whatever animal it bites next. Once in your cat’s bloodstream, the larvae can travel to the lungs, heart, and other blood vessels. Once established, they grow into adult worms very quickly. 

How Do Heartworms Affect Cats?

Cats are not the preferred host for heartworms, so the worms don’t tend to grow as large as they do in dogs. However, even a small number of heartworms can still cause serious problems. Unlike dogs, who might develop a visible cough or swelling, cats often don’t show obvious signs of heartworm disease until serious organ damage has already occurred.

Common symptoms of heartworm disease in cats include:

• Coughing: A persistent, dry cough can be a sign.
  
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing: Heartworms can cause inflammation in the lungs, leading to breathing problems.
  
• Vomiting: Hairballs aren’t unusual, but repetitive vomiting is not.
  
• Lethargy: If your cat is usually active but now seems extra tired or lethargic, it’s worth investigating. Fluffy may not want to run or play very much.
  
• Sudden collapse or seizures: In severe cases, when heartworms affect the heart and blood vessels, kitties may suffer seizures or unconsciousness.

If you notice any of these symptoms, or anything else out of the ordinary, it’s important to get your cat checked by a vet right away.

How Is Heartworm Disease Diagnosed in Cats?

Diagnosing heartworms in cats can be tricky. A heartworm test for cats is different from the one for dogs. Cats don’t always have detectable levels of heartworm proteins in their blood, even if they’re infected. A vet may rely on a combination of your cat’s medical history, symptoms, blood tests, and sometimes even X-rays to make an accurate diagnosis. It’s also important for your vet to rule out other possible causes, like asthma or lung infections.

Can Cats Get Heartworms?

Yes, cats can get heartworms, but it’s a bit different than in dogs. Cats are what we call “accidental hosts.” The worms don’t thrive in cats the way they do in dogs. Sometimes they don’t even mature fully. In fact, cats can often fight off the infection on their own—sometimes they might only end up with a small number of worms or even none at all. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a minor issue. Even just one heartworm can be fatal to a cat. The damage caused by the worms can lead to heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD), which can be life-threatening.

How Do You Prevent Heartworms in Cats?

Prevention is the best way to protect your furry friend from heartworms. And guess what? It’s easy! Your vet can prescribe Fluffy some heartworm prevention medication that’s safe for cats. These medications, which are usually given monthly, kill the heartworm larvae before they have a chance to grow into adults. There are several options, including:

• Oral medications: Easy to give as a tasty treat or pill!
  
• Topical treatments: A simple application on your cat’s skin.
  
• Injectable options: A once-a-year shot to prevent heartworms.
  

Don’t skip these preventatives, even if your cat is strictly indoors! Mosquitoes can sneak in through open windows or doors, and it only takes one bite to potentially infect your cat.

Is There Treatment for Heartworms in Cats?

Unlike dogs, there’s no safe treatment for heartworm disease in cats. If your cat has heartworms, the focus is on managing the symptoms and making your cat as comfortable as possible. Treatment may include:

• Medications to reduce inflammation and control symptoms
  
• Oxygen therapy if your cat has trouble breathing
  
• Hospitalization in severe cases, to provide more intensive care
  

If your cat is diagnosed with heartworms, your Fort Myers, FL vet will guide you through the best options for care and management.

Final Thoughts

Heartworms in cats are a serious, but preventable, health threat. As a responsible pet parent, your best defense is regular use of heartworm prevention, even if your feline friend spends most of her time inside. And, if you notice any strange symptoms—especially coughing, wheezing, or lethargy—don’t hesitate to bring your cat in for a check-up.

By staying on top of prevention and getting regular vet check-ups, you can help ensure that your kitty stays healthy and happy for many years to come.

If you ever have questions about heartworms or anything else related to your cat’s health, feel free to reach out. We’re always here to help!

Make An Appointment At Our Fort Myers, FL Animal Clinic

Are you looking for a great Fort Myers, FL veterinarian? Contact us, your local pet hospital, anytime. We are always happy to help!