Early Signs, Causes & Treatment of Heart Failure in Cats
Heart failure in cats is a serious yet often unnoticed condition that can affect your feline friend’s health and well-being. Because cats are experts at hiding discomfort, heart issues can go undetected until they become more advanced. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the signs early and take action to keep your cat healthy and happy.
What is Heart Failure in Cats?
Simply put, heart failure happens when a cat’s heart can’t pump blood as efficiently as it should. This leads to poor circulation and fluid buildup in different parts of the body, which can cause various health issues. Unlike humans, cats won’t usually show obvious symptoms until the condition has progressed, making early detection a challenge.
There are two main types of heart failure in cats:
- Left-sided heart failure: This affects the left ventricle, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and breathing difficulties.
- Right-sided heart failure: This affects the right ventricle and causes fluid accumulation in the abdomen and limbs.
Heart failure is a progressive condition, meaning it worsens over time if left untreated. The good news? With early detection and the right care, cats with heart failure can still enjoy a good quality of life.
Signs to Watch For: Is Your Cat at Risk?
Catching heart failure early can make a huge difference. Keep an eye out for these subtle signs that something may be wrong:
- Less energy than usual – If your cat seems more tired or less playful, it could be a sign that their heart isn’t pumping efficiently.
- Rapid or labored breathing – Watch how your cat breathes, especially when resting. Fast or strained breathing could indicate heart trouble.
- Loss of appetite – Heart issues can cause nausea, making your cat less interested in food.
- Weight changes – Unexplained weight loss or gain (due to fluid buildup) can be a warning sign.
- Hiding or avoiding interaction – Cats that don’t feel well often retreat to quiet places.
- Coughing or wheezing – Though not as common in cats as in dogs, persistent coughing may suggest fluid in the lungs.
- Fainting or collapsing – In severe cases, your cat may pass out due to poor circulation.
- Swollen belly – Fluid retention in the abdomen (ascites) can indicate right-sided heart failure.
- Cold paws or tail – Poor circulation can make extremities feel cool to the touch.
What Causes Heart Failure in Cats?
Many factors can contribute to heart failure, and while some are unavoidable, others can be managed with proper care. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) – The most common heart disease in cats, causing thickened heart muscles that make it harder to pump blood.
- Thyroid Problems – Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can strain the heart over time.
- High Blood Pressure – Chronic hypertension can damage the heart’s ability to function properly.
- Heartworm Disease – Although more common in dogs, heartworms can also affect cats and lead to heart failure.
- Congenital Defects – Some cats are born with structural heart issues that become problematic as they age.
- Nutritional Deficiencies – A lack of taurine (an essential amino acid) can lead to serious heart conditions.
- Age-related Changes – Older cats are at greater risk as their heart naturally weakens over time.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): What Happens When the Heart Fails
When heart failure reaches an advanced stage, it often leads to congestive heart failure (CHF), which is when fluid builds up in the lungs, abdomen, or other areas. CHF can be divided into:
- Left-sided CHF: Fluid accumulates in the lungs, making breathing difficult. Symptoms include fast or labored breathing, coughing, and fatigue.
- Right-sided CHF: Fluid collects in the abdomen and limbs, causing swelling and weight gain.
Is Your Cat at Risk? Factors to Consider
Some cats are more prone to heart failure than others. Factors that increase risk include:
- Age: Older cats are more susceptible.
- Breed: Certain breeds, such as Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and Persians, are genetically predisposed to heart disease.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts extra strain on the heart.
- Lack of Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to poor heart health.
- High Blood Pressure: Chronic hypertension increases heart strain.
- Male Cats: Some studies suggest male cats are slightly more prone to heart disease.
- Previous Heart Issues: If your cat has a history of heart murmurs or other cardiac conditions, they may be at higher risk.
- Heartworm Infection: Although not as common as in dogs, heartworms can damage a cat’s heart and lungs.
Keeping Your Cat’s Heart Healthy
While not all heart problems can be prevented, there are things you can do to support your cat’s heart health:
- Regular Vet Visits: Routine check-ups can help catch issues early.
- Healthy Diet: Feed your cat a balanced, high-quality diet rich in essential nutrients.
- Weight Management: Keeping your cat at a healthy weight reduces strain on the heart.
- Exercise & Play: Encourage daily activity to keep their heart strong.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Stay aware of any changes in behavior or health.
What to Expect When a Vet Diagnoses Heart Failure in Cats
As described By Tiffany Paul, DVM, in the PetMD article:
“During a physical exam, your veterinarian may also determine if your cat’s heart is beating too fast, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm.
To diagnose a problem with the heart, your veterinarian will likely want to do several tests, including:
- Bloodwork, which will test the function of most of the organs, including the thyroid and kidneys.
- Chest radiographs (x-rays), which will let the vet check the heart size and the condition of the lungs. This is important, since the lungs and heart work closely together.
- Blood pressure, to make sure your cat does not need to be treated for hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension can come from heart disease, but it can also contribute to heart disease.
- An ultrasound of the heart, called an echocardiogram, which allows the doctor to see what may be causing an abnormal sound and measures how the heart is working.”
Treatment of Heart Failure in Cats
Tiffany Paul, DVM, also said, “Once the condition has been diagnosed, medications may be used to help the heart function better, normalize the rhythm, or reduce blood pressure. Most of these medications can increase quality and quantity of life. Medications can come in a pill form, liquid form, or in gels that can be applied to a cat’s ears, called transdermal gels.
There are certain heart conditions that may need surgical repair, although these conditions occur infrequently. Most conditions that can be surgically fixed are from birth defects, and these surgeries can be curative.
If heart disease in cats is diagnosed early enough and properly treated, it delays the onset and can even prevent progression to heart failure.”
How Can Pet Insurance Help You if Your Cat Needs a Treatment?
Depending on the specific policy, pet insurance can cover cat heart failure diagnosis, treatment, and management.
Reimbursement
This method is the most common for pet insurance companies. You pay out of pocket for the veterinarian bill, and then the insurance company reimburses you for what’s covered under the insurance plan. The steps look like this:
- You pay the vet bill after your cat’s visit.
- You fill out the pet insurance claim form.
- Submit the claim form and other required documentation to the insurer.
- After the claim is approved, you will be reimbursed for eligible expenses.
Odie’s Illness and Injury pet health insurance plan offers comprehensive coverage for your cat.
What Does Odie Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance covers various veterinary expenses, providing financial protection and peace of mind for pet owners. Here are the details of the coverage options offered by Odie Pet Insurance:
Illness & Injury Plan
The Illness & Injury Plan is an all-inclusive insurance plan designed to cover a wide range of medical needs for your pet. This plan includes comprehensive coverage for various illnesses, injuries, and veterinary services. Some of the covered items include:
- 24/7 Televet Chat
- Emergency vet visits
- Overnight hospital stays
- IV Fluids & Medications
- Medical Supplies
- Surgeries
- MRI/CAT Scans
- Rehabilitative Care
- Prescription Medications
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Laboratory Tests
Accident-Only Plan
The Accident-Only Plan is designed for pet owners seeking coverage specifically for accidents. This plan provides financial protection for emergency veterinary care resulting from accidental injuries. It includes 90% reimbursement up to $10,000 each year, with a $250 annual deductible.
Here’s an overview of the Accident-Only Plan:
- Coverage for broken bones, sprains, eye injuries, and traumatic dental fractures.
- Coverage for wounds, including bite wounds, lacerations, snake bites, and bee stings.
- Veterinary treatments covered for accidental injuries include X-rays & ultrasounds, laboratory tests, emergency care, hospitalization, CT scan & MRI, and surgery.
The Wellness Add-on Plan
The Wellness Plan is an add-on for routine care coverage you can purchase with an insurance policy. It focuses on preventive care and covers routine veterinary services. Odie has two wellness plan options available:
Basic Plan:
- Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
- Reimbursement up to $305 per year.
Plus Plan:
- Ideal for puppies and kittens.
- Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
- Reimbursement up to $535 per year.
