If you have a cat, you may not have thought twice about the risk of heartworms. However, your cat needs protection from these parasites too. Keep reading to learn more about heartworm disease in cats and why prevention is so important for your feline friend.
“I thought heartworms only infected dogs.”
Heartworms typically infect dogs, but mosquitoes are not picky, and if they have already bitten an infected animal, they will deposit the larvae in their next bite. The good news is that heartworms do not usually survive very long in cats. However, even as immature worms, they can still cause respiratory damage to your cat.
Is there treatment for my cat?
Unfortunately, there is currently no known treatment for heartworms in cats. This is why prevention is so crucial to protect them from developing heartworm disease.
How do I know if my cat has heartworms?
Symptoms of heartworm disease are not always noticeable, unless you pay very close attention to your cat’s health. Many pet owners do not find out their cat has been infected until they are tested at the veterinary clinic, or the disease has already progressed too far. Symptoms to watch for include lack of appetite or unexplained weight loss, a dry asthma-like cough, difficulty walking, or even fainting.
How can I prevent heartworm disease?
The prevention options available for your cat can vary based on your location and what your veterinarian has available to prescribe. If your cat is good at taking pills or treats, you may find the monthly chewable pill easy to give them. If getting them to take a pill is difficult, you may want to ask your veterinarian about a topical medication or injections that only require visiting the clinic once or twice a year.
Contact your veterinarian today to protect your cat from heartworm disease.