At PetNest Animal Hospital in Frisco, TX, we believe in educating pet owners about the unique health risks their feline companions face. Heartworm in cats is often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and potentially fatal if left untreated. Here’s what you need to know to keep your cat safe.
How Do Cats Get Heartworm?
Heartworm is transmitted through mosquito bites. When a mosquito carrying infective larvae bites your cat, those larvae can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart and lungs.
Even indoor cats are at risk. It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito—and mosquitoes can easily get inside your home, especially during the warm and humid seasons that are common in Frisco.
Why Is Heartworm in Cats So Dangerous?
Heartworm disease affects dogs and cats differently. While dogs are the natural host for heartworms and can carry large numbers of worms, cats are atypical hosts. This means:
- Fewer adult heartworms tend to survive in a cat’s body
- Even one or two worms—or immature worms—can cause severe illness or death
- There is no approved treatment for adult heartworms in cats
The disease is known as HARD (Heartworm-Associated Respiratory Disease) in cats. The inflammatory response to larvae in the lungs can lead to lasting lung damage, difficulty breathing, and in some cases, sudden death.
Symptoms of Heartworm in Cats
Unlike dogs, cats rarely show obvious symptoms in the early stages. When signs do appear, they may mimic other common conditions like asthma or allergies. Watch for:
- Coughing or wheezing
- Vomiting (unrelated to eating)
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy or collapse
- Sudden death in severe cases
If your cat is showing any of these signs, especially during mosquito season, schedule a veterinary visit right away.
Diagnosing Heartworm in Cats
Diagnosing heartworm in cats can be more challenging than in dogs. We may use a combination of:
- Blood tests to detect antibodies or antigens
- Chest X-rays or ultrasound to assess lung and heart function
- Symptom evaluation and medical history
Even with testing, heartworm can be missed, which is why preventing the disease is far safer than trying to manage it after infection.
Heartworm Treatment for Cats
There is currently no approved medication to treat adult heartworms in cats. Instead, treatment is focused on managing symptoms and reducing inflammation. Supportive care may include:
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the lungs
- Oxygen therapy in severe cases
- Careful monitoring for complications
This is why heartworm prevention is essential for every cat, especially in mosquito-heavy areas like Frisco.
Protecting Your Cat with Prevention
At PetNest Animal Hospital, we recommend year-round heartworm prevention for all cats—indoor and outdoor alike. Preventatives are safe, easy to administer, and can be life-saving. Options include monthly oral or topical medications that also protect against other parasites like fleas and intestinal worms.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—once infected, options are limited. Preventative care is the best way to ensure your cat stays happy, healthy, and heartworm-free.
Schedule Your Cat’s Heartworm Prevention Appointment
If your cat isn’t already on a heartworm prevention plan, now is the time to act. PetNest Animal Hospital proudly serves Frisco, TX, and surrounding areas including Plano, Little Elm, and The Colony. Contact us today to schedule a wellness visit and protect your pet from this silent but serious threat.