February 22, 2012
Posted in Heartworm Preventatives, Pet Health

Most people are aware that dogs are at risk of contracting heartworm disease from a bite from a mosquito carrying the heartworm larvae; however, fewer pet parents are aware that cats are at risk for heartworm disease, too.

Heartworm Disease is Less Common in Cats

While dogs are the most common host for heartworm, heartworm disease can infect other species, including cats. Cats are considered resistant to heartworms, and some cats are actually able to fight off a heartworm infection. When a cat does develop heartworm disease, typically the cat will have fewer and smaller heartworms than found in a dog infected with heartworms.  However, heartworm disease in cats may still cause serious health issues and surprisingly, approximately 25 – 30% of cats diagnosed with heartworm are cats categorized by the pet owner as indoor cats.

Symptoms of Heartworm in Cats

In cats, heartworm disease primarily affects the lungs rather than the heart.  Some cats may exhibit no signs or symptoms of heartworm disease.  In cats that do exhibit symptoms of heartworm, those symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, vomiting or lethargy.

There is No Treatment for Heartworm in Cats

Because there is currently no approved treatment for heartworm in cats, prevention is the best strategy.  There are several safe and effective heartworm preventatives available for cats including Revolution, Interceptor and Heartgard for Cats.

Related posts:

1. Heartworm Disease: Prevention is Key
2. What’s the need for heartworm testing?
3. What to know about heartworm disease
4. How can I tell if my dog has heartworm?
5. Why is heartworm prevention so important?

Tags: heartworm, heartworm disease, heartworm in cats, heartworm prevention