Recognizing Signs of Heart Issues in Cats

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, most kitties don't present symptoms of a heart condition until it has advanced. However, in those cats that DO show signs, you can expect to see:

● Weight loss

● Fatigue

● Poor appetite

● Increased respiratory rate (shortness of breath)

● Hind-leg paralysis caused by blood clots

● Sudden collapse

Many other illnesses and chronic conditions share the above symptoms so it's important to see a vet as soon as possible to properly diagnose your pet and begin any necessary treatment. The sooner any condition is treated, the lower the chances for long-term adverse effects.

Diet Tips to Promote Heart Health

It's important to keep your cat at a healthy weight to ensure heart health. You may need to adjust the calorie content of their food or how much you feed them to keep them at an optimal weight. This is especially true for cats who have already developed a heart condition as excess weight can put additional stress on their circulatory system.

There are some supplements that may help prevent the onset of a heart condition or keep it from getting worse. Taurine can help prevent or treat cardiomyopathy, the most common heart disease diagnosed in adult cats. Other supplements include vitamin E or Coenzyme Q10. You should always discuss a proper diet with your cat's vet before making any major changes.

Exercise and Enrichment Ideas for Indoor Cats

Keeping your cat active can go a long way to preventing not only heart issues but many other chronic illnesses. Adult cats should have two to three play sessions of 10-15 minutes each scheduled throughout the day. Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. Planning exercise when they have more energy can make a big difference!

Indoor cats may enjoy a trip outside with a harness and leash or a safely contained outdoor enclosure. If this isn't an option, there are plenty of indoor play options as well. Toys with bells, those attached to sticks, and any including catnip are a good choice.

For enrichment, try puzzles or electronic interactive toys. Your cat may enjoy learning how to find or release a treat, and it's great for mental stimulation. However, you should be sure to limit treats to help prevent weight gain.

The Importance of Regular Vet Check-Ups

Regular visits to the vet are important for preventative care much like annual physicals are recommended for humans. These visits can help your vet track your pet's health over time and recognize any potential for illness. Vaccinations can help prevent many problem,s such as rabies, feline leukemia, and even more common upper respiratory infections.

Your vet can also prescribe flea and tick prevention medication to help avoid insect-born conditions. Many of these can be treated but can have long-term effects on the body, especially the heart.

Understanding Feline Heart Diseases and Preventative Care

The Cornell Feline Health Center lists many potential heart conditions diagnosed in cats, some more common than others. Cardiomyopathy accounts for almost two-thirds of heart disease cases in adult cats. It involves an abnormality in a crucial heart muscle that then affects many other organ systems. There are several types of cardiomyopathy and males are more likely to be affected than females.

Some heart conditions are secondary, meaning they are caused by another underlying issue such as high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, and chronic anemia. This means that preventing illness altogether can help lower their chances of developing heart problems and regular vet visits are vital.

Showing Your Cat Some Love

Does your cat need to take medication or do they follow a special diet to treat or prevent heart disease? Make sure your kitty is taken care of when you can't be there with drop-in visits or overnight stays from the caring and experienced pet sitters at Happy Paws Upstate!