Yes, cats can get heartworm disease, though it looks different from how it affects dogs. Even a small number of worms can cause serious inflammation and breathing problems in cats, and since there’s no cure, treatment focuses on supportive care like medications and oxygen therapy. Because of this, prevention with monthly heartworm medication is the best way to keep cats safe. With regular vet visits and proactive care, cats with heartworm disease can still enjoy a good quality of life.
When most people think of heartworm disease, they picture it affecting dogs, but cats can get it too. While cats are less likely to develop large numbers of worms, even a small infection can cause serious health problems. Because the disease looks different in cats than in dogs, it’s important for pet parents to recognize the signs early and know how to support their feline friend’s health. With the right awareness and care, you can help keep your cat safe and comfortable.
What Is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by parasites that are spread through mosquito bites, and while it’s more common in dogs, cats can be affected too. Cats are considered “atypical hosts,” meaning the worms don’t usually grow to full size or live as long as they do in dogs. Even so, just a few worms, even immature ones, can cause serious inflammation and damage in a cat’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. This is why heartworm disease in cats often looks different, but can still be very dangerous.
Signs and Symptoms in Cats
Cats with heartworm disease can show a wide range of signs, and sometimes they may look like other conditions such as feline asthma or chronic bronchitis. Being aware of these symptoms can help you know when it’s time to see your veterinarian. Some things to watch for include:
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Trouble breathing or labored breaths
- Vomiting not related to eating
- Lethargy or low energy
- Sudden collapse or, in rare cases, sudden death
Because these symptoms can overlap with other illnesses, it’s important to have your vet check your cat if you notice any of these changes.
Is heartworm disease in cats as serious as it is in dogs?
Yes, heartworm disease in cats is just as serious, and sometimes even more so, despite cats usually having fewer worms than dogs. Even a small number of worms, or immature worms, can trigger severe inflammation in a cat’s lungs and blood vessels. Because there’s no approved heartworm disease treatment for cats, prevention is the safest and most effective way to protect them.
Can heartworm disease in cats be cured, or only managed?
Heartworm disease in cats cannot be cured the way it sometimes can in dogs, since there’s no safe medication to eliminate the worms. Instead, veterinarians focus on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and supporting the cat’s breathing and overall comfort. With preventive care and close monitoring, many cats can still live good quality lives despite the disease.
How often should my cat be tested for heartworms?
Cats should typically be tested for heartworm disease once a year, even if they’re on prevention. Annual testing helps catch infections early, since signs can be subtle or mistaken for other issues. Your veterinarian may recommend more frequent testing if your cat lives in a high-risk area or isn’t consistently on heartworm disease preventive medication.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing heartworm disease in cats can be a bit tricky, since the signs often look like other respiratory problems.
To get a clearer picture, your veterinarian may recommend a combination of tests, such as:
- Antibody and antigen blood tests
- Chest X-rays
- Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart)
Because no single test is perfect on its own, vets often use several tools together to confirm whether heartworms are the cause of your cat’s symptoms.
Treatment Options
Unlike dogs, there is currently no safe medication to eliminate heartworms in cats, so treatment focuses on making your cat as comfortable as possible and managing their symptoms.
Your veterinarian may recommend supportive care, which can include:
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the lungs
- Medications to ease breathing difficulties
- Supplemental oxygen therapy during flare-ups or emergencies
- Emergency stabilization if your cat experiences a severe episode
With the right care plan, many cats can still enjoy a good quality of life even while living with heartworm disease.
The Role of Supplemental Oxygen Therapy
One of the most serious complications of heartworm disease in cats is difficulty breathing, which can feel frightening for both pets and their parents. Supplemental oxygen can give your cat much-needed relief during a flare-up or emergency, helping them breathe easier and stay stable.
Pet parents have several at-home options to support their cat’s comfort:
- Portable Oxygen Kit for Cats – handy for sudden breathing distress or emergencies
- Oxygen Concentrators and Chambers – Concentrators are able to provide ongoing oxygen support at home, and the chamber is a low-stress choice for cats who don’t do well with masks.
These tools should always be used with guidance from your veterinarian to make sure your cat is getting the safest and most effective care.
Prevention Is Key
Since treatment options for cats are limited, prevention is truly the best way to protect your pet from heartworm disease. Monthly heartworm preventives, available through your veterinarian, are safe and effective at keeping these parasites away. Even if your cat stays indoors, they can still be at risk because mosquitoes can easily get inside the home. Keeping up with preventive care gives you peace of mind and helps your cat stay healthy.
Final Takeaway
Heartworm disease in cats is a serious condition, but with the right care and preparation, it can be managed. Regular vet visits, staying consistent with monthly preventives, and having supportive tools like at-home oxygen therapy can make a big difference in your cat’s comfort and health. By staying informed and proactive, you can feel confident knowing you’re taking important steps to protect your cat’s health and well-being.
