Pet Health Information

HEARTWORM DISEASE IN CATS

Cats can be infected with Dirofilaria immitis, the same parasite that causes heartworm disease in dogs. Unlike dogs, cats generally have only a few adult worms infecting them which has made diagnosis difficult in the past. There is a new feline-specific blood test for heartworm antigen, similar to the test we use in dogs.

Symptoms in cats with heartworm disease include coughing, vomiting and respiratory distress. Though less frequently fatal than in the dog, it can cause chronic and in some cases severe respiratory disease which must be treated.

Preventatives for cats can be given to cats and kittens 6 weeks of age and older, and they are available as once monthly preventatives similar to those used in dogs. Cats at most risk for infection include OUTDOOR cats, particularly males and those cats that live near the shore or in the mountains, where mosquitoes are most common.

Please ask us about heartworm prevention for your cat..

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