Benefits of Cat Pet Insurance
Dr. Roth
Posted by Dr. Roth on
Heartworms are more common in dogs, but the disease also affects cat health. Pet parents should take steps to prevent heartworm disease in cats because there currently isn't a cure for the disease itself, only symptoms can be managed.
Mosquitos carry and transmit heartworms from one animal to another. Infected animals carry heartworm microfilaria in their blood. When a mosquito bites an animal with heartworms, the microfilaria transfer to the mosquito.
After that, it takes between ten days and two weeks for the microfilaria to become larvae. At this stage, mosquitos can transfer the heartworm disease to other animals they bite. It takes another six months for heartworm larvae to grow into adult heartworms.
Many cats do not show symptoms at all, since they have very strong immune systems. In fact, around 80% of cats that contract heartworms beat the disease independently. If a cat does show signs of heartworm disease, the symptoms are often respiratory in nature. Any related cat health questions can be answered by a cat's veterinarian.
Instances of cat worms are commonly diagnosed with a condition called HARD – heartworm-associated respiratory disease. Other respiratory diseases cause similar symptoms, so diagnosing heartworms can be difficult. Pet parents should watch for symptoms like:
Severe cases of heartworms may lead to seizures, fainting, or retaining fluids.
Because cats have strong immune systems, only around 10% of heartworm larvae survive to become adult worms. Due to this, lab work may not indicate the presence of heartworm microfilaria in a cat’s blood. Additional testing options include:
Most veterinarians recommend that cats get tested for heartworms once per year at their annual exam. The only way to prevent heartworms in cats is to be consistent in offering cat preventatives – whether a cat stays indoors or goes outside from time to time, too.
Studies show that around 25% of cats infected with heartworms are indoor cats, so monthly preventative measures are important. It only takes a single mosquito to infect a cat with heartworms. Mosquitos are small enough to get inside the home easily, and they can flit around unnoticed. There are currently four medications approved for use on cats:
Bravecto Plus is another medication that combines two active ingredients to protect cats from parasites. It uses Fluralaner as a cat flea and tick treatment, and Moxidectin to prevent heartworms and other parasites.
Aside from preventative medication for cats, pet parents can also take steps to reduce the chance that a mosquito has access to a cat. This may include:
Many pet parents may be tempted to use mosquito repellent products to protect pet cats. However, products that contain DEET or essential oils are not safe for cats. They may do more harm than good.
Heartworms in cats cannot be cured. A veterinarian can help a pet cat by treating symptoms of heartworms with antibiotics, steroids, and bronchodilators. Some cats may need treatment for the rest of their lives to alleviate symptoms.
Fuzzy is here to help 24/7 via Live Vet Chat and can answer any questions or concerns pet parents have about cat Heartworm prevention.