FELINE HEARTWORM PREVENTION

Common enough that your cat should be on a heartworm preventative; we highly recommend year-round heartworm prevention for all cats. Whereas heartworms occur in up to 60% of dogs, it is found in 15-20% of cats. This number is derived at by necropsy examinations (autopsy) and positive heartworm tests. However, as most cats do not have a necropsy examination nor are most cats tested for heartworms --> the percentage of infected cats is likely higher.

Unfortunately, the most common sign of heartworm disease in cats is sudden death. Other symptoms are heart and lung related. Heartworms cause more of a lung disease in cats than a heart disease. A lot of severely asthmatic cats become that way as a result of heartworm exposure. Diagnosis is made by a positive heartworm test result and/or signs of heartworm disease on chest x-rays. Heartworms can also be seen on ultrasound.

As with dogs, heartworms are transmitted to cats by mosquitos. Indoor cats are just as much at risk as outdoor cats. In fact, some experts believe that indoor cats may be at a higher risk because they do not have the immunity built up to mosquito bites like outdoor cats.

Unfortunately, the reason is economics. Advertisers look at how much advertising would cost compared to how much increased profit they would make by selling the medication. As a health issue, this disease is very important.

Revolution® is a great all-around product approved for use in cats to prevent heartworms. This is a topical medication that is applied to the skin on the back of the head monthly. It is very safe for cats and kittens. Besides preventing heartworms, this medication also controls fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, sarcoptic mange, and ear mites.

Other medications that are available are Heartgard® for Cats and Interceptor® and both are extremely safe. They both come in a chewable tablet that you give to your cat on the same day each month. Just like heartworm prevention for dogs, the preventative only works as long as you continue to give it (the same is true for Revolution®). Side effects are rare.

No. The dosage required for cats is much higher than that for dogs. You cannot just treat based on body weight. Cats have a higher metabolic rate.

Your cat does not have to be tested prior to putting him on the preventive, but it is recommended. Veterinarians now have available a heartworm test sensitive enough to pick up on cat heartworm infection.

Testing is recommended for the following reasons:

1. It is important to know the health status of your cat prior to any medical treatments or procedures. Cats with undiagnosed heartworm infections may be at greater risk when undergoing some procedures or anesthetic regimens.

2. If your cat is found to be positive for heartworms, you and your veterinarian can formulate a plan on how to manage your cat’s condition to try to minimize serious problems that could occur later on.

Your cat does not have to be tested for 2 reasons:

1. Revolution®, Heartgard® and Interceptor® will not hurt your cat if he already has heartworms.

2. Because at this time cats cannot be treated if they do have the heartworms. This is different from dogs. One of the reasons that dogs are tested each year is because they can be treated for heartworms. By testing each year, we are insuring that we detect heartworm infection early and the dogs can be treated before severe heart and lung damage can occur.

Unfortunately your cat cannot be treated to kill the heartworms. But he can be treated with various medications for heart and lung related problems. Cat heartworms will live an average of 2 to 3 years. We recommend that even heartworm positive cats be put on Revolution®, Heartgard® or Interceptor® to prevent them from getting more heartworms.

The easiest way is to use Revolution®. This is a topical medication that is applied to the skin on the back of the head monthly.

Most cats will eat the Heartgard® or Interceptor® chewable tablet as a monthly treat. Other cats may need their owners to crumble the pill up and mix it with some canned cat food or tuna fish oil for them to eat it. If your cat will not eat the Heartgard® or Interceptor® tablet, then we recommend giving your cat Revolution®.

Yes. Heartworms cause death. By giving your cat the prevention, you are saving his life.

Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only.