CAT LOVEPURR

What is Feline Heartworm Infection?

Heartworm was an exclusively canine infection. However, in the early 1920s, it began to transmit to cats and feline heartworm has since been seen in 38 U.S. states. As it is a potentially life-threatening infection, it is important for all cat owners to be aware of how the infection is spread, the symptoms of infection and how to protect a cat from contracting heartworm. The following article will provide much of the basic information, but if you require more advice, it is recommended that you visit your vet.

What is Heartworm Infection?

As the name suggests, heartworm is a parasite. These worms can live for approximately 2-3 years in a feline. However, after 3-4 months of infection, cats appear to build an immunity against the infection, which kills the majority of the worms before they reach maturity. However, the death of these worms can cause HARD, or heartworm associated respiratory disease. On the other hand, if just one or two of the worms reach full maturity, this can lead to serious damage to the pulmonary artery, which will, in most cases, result in death.

How do Cats Contract Heartworm?

Heartworm is transmitted from one animal to another via that old-friend the mosquito. Mosquitoes carry heartworm larvae from dogs that are already infected with the parasite. When a mosquito that is harboring the larvae takes blood from a cat, it leaves the heartworm behind underneath the animal’s skin. Naturally, due to the method of infection, cats that roam outdoors are more likely to come into contact with it. However, as it is almost impossible to entirely prevent mosquitoes from entering your home, indoor cats are not completely safe from infection either.

Thanks to the speed at which a mosquito can infect your cat, it is possible that neither you nor your cat will know that he, or she, has been infected until respiratory problems begin to develop.

Signs That Your Cat Has Heartworm

Partly because cats are stoic and partly because of the nature of the infection, it can be very difficult to spot signs and symptoms of heartworm. However, if a cat displays signs of the infection they will be in two phases. The first phase will occur when the immature worms have died (between 3-4 months after initially infection) and will be symptoms of HARD. Often, this can appear like bronchitis or asthma and will produce labored breathing, coughing and wheezing.

The second phase will occur once the remaining worms have reached adulthood and caused severe pulmonary damage. At this point, signs may include collapse, seizures or, in the worst case scenario, sudden death. Because symptoms will not present until a cat is already seriously unwell, it is important to do all you can to prevent infection in the first place.

How to Diagnose Feline Heartworm?

Unlike canine heartworm, which is fairly easy to diagnose, heartworm in cats is more difficult, because the larvae are not present in a cat’s bloodstream and few of the parasites survive into adulthood. Consequently, tests may include blood screens, radiographs and echocardiographs. Naturally, this kind of intense diagnostic testing is likely to be very distressing for both cat and owner.

Preventing Feline Heartworm

Fortunately, it is possible to avoid all of the above. The American Heartworm Society recommends monthly preventative measures in the form of oral or topical treatment. As an added bonus, these preventative heartworm treatments protect against some of the internal parasites that can be passed to humans.

It is recommended that anyone living in an area where canine heartworm is present protects their cat from harm. If you are a new pet owner or have recently moved and are unsure about whether heartworm is present, it is advisable to speak with your vet.

If you would like more advice about heartworm or more information about the preventative measures, speak with your vet or the American Heartworm Society.

About the Author

Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer from the U.K. She is currently writing for reemmeer.com, a high-quality supplier of pet products. Visit remmeer.com for a range of unique items, including unique cat dish styles and cat & kitten toys.

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