Feline Heartworms

Cats can get heartworms just like dogs can. The disease is not as common but can cause severe disease. It also only takes a very small number of worms to cause clinical signs.

Mosquitoes carry the microscopic heartworm in their saliva and will transmit it to cats and dogs through a bite. The worms then continue to grow and will eventually lodge in the heart and lungs.

Most cats will cough and show other signs of respiratory difficulty. Some cats will vomit. It is quite common for cats to be completely normal in the morning and to have died by afternoon. This is caused by blood clots forming and moving to the lungs.

There is no good treatment available for cats. The heartworm has a short life span, less than 2 years. Therapy is aimed at preventing blood clots and minimizing clinical signs while waiting for the worms to die naturally.  Prednisone and Doxycycline are very commonly used. There have also been cases treated by worm extraction through catheters fed into the heart, although that recommendation is not common.It is easier to prevent heartworm disease rather than treat it. There are many monthly medications available so talk to your veterinarian.