Heart Disease in Cats: Symptoms, Causes & Prevention
Your cat’s heart is at the center of their overall well-being, quite literally! Like humans, cats can develop heart disease, affecting their energy levels, breathing, and even daily activities. But don’t worry—understanding the signs, causes, and prevention methods can help you take the best possible care of your furry companion.
What is Cat Heart Disease?
Cat heart disease happens when the heart isn’t working as efficiently as it should. This can be due to a condition they’re born with (congenital) or one that develops over time (acquired). Either way, a compromised heart affects blood flow, impacting the entire body.
Unlike dogs or humans, cats are experts at hiding discomfort, so it’s up to us as pet parents to be extra observant. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference in catching heart disease early and giving your cat the best chance at a happy, healthy life.
Types of Heart Disease in Cats
There are several types of heart disease in cats, and understanding these differences can help you better support your feline companion.
Heart disease can arise from various issues affecting the heart, including irregular heart rhythms, weakened or thickened heart muscles, impaired contractions, or valve dysfunction. Sometimes, a combination of these factors contributes to the condition.
Heart muscle disease is generally categorized as either congenital (present from birth) or acquired (developing over time). Knowing which type your cat may have can guide you in providing the best possible care and treatment.
As written by Michael Kearley, DVM, in the PetMD article:
Primary (Congenital Birth Defect)
- “Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), either with or without systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM), is the most common form of heart disease in cats. In this disease, the left ventricular muscle walls become thickened.
Acquired (Developed As Cat Ages):
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is often attributed to a nutritional deficiency in the amino acid taurine. DCM is a widening of all heart chambers, which leads to thinner walls and an increased workload of the heart, ultimately with loss of contraction strength and heart failure.
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), where the muscle becomes tough and less flexible; usually the left ventricle is only mildly enlarged; however, the atria are enlarged and mitral valve insufficiency is usually present.
- Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), where the right ventricle becomes dilated with thinner walls. This cardiomyopathy often leads to right-sided heart failure.
- Unclassified cardiomyopathy (UCM) is used as a catch-all term for those diseases that do not fit into any specific category.
There are also other types of heart disease that can occur secondarily as a complication of another disease, such as cancer, hyperthyroidism, or hypertension (high blood pressure).”
Signs of Heart Disease to Watch For
Spotting heart disease in cats can be tricky because symptoms often appear gradually. If you notice any of the following, it might be time for a vet check-up:
- Lower energy levels: Your once-playful cat now prefers long naps over chasing toys.
- Changes in weight: Unexpected weight loss or gain could signal an underlying issue.
- Breathing difficulties: Heavy breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath—especially when resting—are red flags.
- Fainting spells (syncope): If your cat suddenly collapses or seems disoriented, it could indicate that blood isn’t circulating properly.
- Persistent coughing: While rare in cats, a lingering cough can indicate fluid buildup due to heart problems.
Common Causes of Heart Disease in Cats
Michael Kearley, DVM, further stated, “HCM has been shown to be inherited, often by genetic mutation, in purebred cats such as Maine Coons and Ragdolls, and is more prevalent in male cats. Other predisposed breeds for HCM and heart disease include the Persian, Sphynx, American Shorthairs, and British Shorthairs. Testing for this condition is available through a DNA/genetics test.”
Additionally, excess weight puts unnecessary stress on the heart, while nutritional deficiencies (such as low taurine levels) can also contribute to heart disease.
How Vets Diagnose Heart Disease
If you suspect your cat may have heart disease, your vet will likely recommend a combination of tests to get a clearer picture of their heart health. These may include:
- Listening for heart murmurs during a routine check-up.
- Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to examine heart structure and function.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for irregular heart rhythms.
- X-rays to see if the heart is enlarged or if there’s fluid in the lungs.
- Blood tests to rule out other potential causes of symptoms.
Treatment and Management
If your cat is diagnosed with heart disease, don’t panic—many cases can be managed with the right approach! Treatment options will depend on the severity and type of heart disease but may include:
- Medications like beta-blockers or diuretics to help regulate heart function and reduce fluid buildup.
- A heart-friendly diet that’s low in sodium and rich in essential nutrients like taurine.
- Lifestyle adjustments to reduce stress and encourage gentle, appropriate exercise.
Preventing Heart Disease in Cats
While not all cases of heart disease can be prevented, there are steps you can take to support your cat’s heart health:
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Routine wellness exams help catch potential issues early.
- A Balanced Diet: Feeding high-quality food with proper nutrients supports overall heart function.
- Weight Management: Keeping your cat at a healthy weight reduces strain on their heart.
- Monitoring Breathing and Activity Levels: If you notice changes, don’t wait—schedule a vet visit.
Can Odie Pet Insurance Provide Coverage for Treating Heart Failure in Cats?
Depending on the specific policy, pet insurance can cover the diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart failure in cats.
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.
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.
