Heartworm disease is a common problem in the Kansas City area. Although more commonly associated with dogs, heartworms can also affect cats.  As a concerned cat owner, it’s vital to understand this potentially deadly disease and how to protect your pet. That’s why we have provided answers to some of the most common questions about cat heartworms below. If you have additional questions or are looking for a veterinarian near Kansas City, give us a call at 816-229-1544. We’re here to provide expert care for your feline friend.

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What is Heartworm Disease in cats?

Heartworms are a parasite transmitted by mosquitos. An infected mosquito bites the cat and injects tiny immature larvae into the cat's blood. The larvae travel through the blood to the heart and grow into mature worms in the heart and vessel leading from the heart to the lungs.

Heartworm disease is different in cats than in dogs because cats are not the natural host. Cats tend to have no early symptoms or they may have asthma-like symptoms as the small immature worms travel through their bodies to the heart and lungs. Adult female heartworms can reach 10-12" in length. Because the cat’s heart and lungs are so tiny even a single mature worm can cause potentially fatal damage to the heart and lungs.

Can my cat get heartworms if he/she lives indoors?

Cats who live indoors can get infected with heartworms because mosquitos make their way into most homes. In studies 30% of infected cats are indoor cats.

How do cats get heartworms? 

Cats contract heartworms after being bitten by an infected mosquito. A single bite can lead to infection.

What are the symptoms of Heartworm Disease in cats?

Roughly 80% of infected cats in the early stages of infection will show no clinical signs. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms become apparent cats are usually in the late stages of the disease and sometimes the only symptom is sudden death with no prior warning. This is one of the reasons why prevention is critical.

Symptoms might include any of the following:

• Asthma like attacks
• Coughing
• Panting
• Breathing with an open mouth
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Nosebleeds
• Weight loss
• Difficulty walking
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen

How would a veterinarian diagnose heartworms in cats?

Unlike intestinal worms, we cannot see or diagnose heartworms in a pet’s stool because the worms live in the blood vessels, heart, and lungs.

Diagnosing heartworm disease in cats is much more difficult than in dogs. Blood tests are available for cats, but the tests often come back negative even if cats are infected with heartworms. Veterinarians often have to rely on chest x-rays or ultrasound (echocardiogram) to look for worms in the heart and pulmonary arteries. These tests might appear normal if a cat is infected but the worms are immature and have not yet caused significant changes in the heart. 

How is Heartworm Disease treated in cats?

There is no approved drug therapy for heartworm infection in cats and the drug used to treat infections in dogs is not safe for cats. In some cases worms may be removed surgically at a referral hospital or university. Up to 40% of cats may die during or after surgery so it is usually only performed on cats with severe disease and a poor prognosis without surgery.

Usually if a cat is diagnosed with Heatworms the only treatment provided is supportive care with anti-inflammatory medications and drugs to assist heart and lung function. Damage to the heart and lungs is not reversible, but sometimes the infection will clear over time as the heartworms die off naturally as they age. Prevention of further infection using heartworm preventatives is very important.

What do veterinarians recommend as heartworm prevention for cats?

As veterinarians, we generally recommend a monthly topical or oral medication for heartworm prevention for cats. Topical prescription medication such as Revolution Plus is usually the best option since getting most cats to take pills is no easy task. Preventatives are highly effective at preventing infection if given every month year around. 

Why is heartworm prevention needed for cats?

• Heartworms are commonly detected in the Kansas City area
• Both indoor and outdoor cats can be infected with a single mosquito bite
• Cats often show no symptoms and may experience sudden death with no warning
• There is no treatment for cats once they are infected
• Monthly topical preventatives are easy to give and highly effective

If you still have questions or have any reason to suspect that your cat could have heartworms, please contact us right away. We are here to answer your questions and help you ensure that your cat is protected and healthy.

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