While April is National Heartworm Awareness month, March is the perfect time to start discussing this as March through November is heartworm season. Heartworm, while more focused on in dogs is also a serious and potentially fatal concern in cats.
Transmission occurs as so, a mosquito bites an infected animal (be it a dog, coyote, or another infected mammal). The infected animal has larvae in their bloodstream. The mosquito then moves on to another meal (dog or cat for example) and bites them, infecting them with the larvae. Inside the new host, the larvae mature (which can take up to 6 months and live for 2-3 years in cats).
Cats are an atypical host, and while the worms rarely reach adulthood, the immature worms can cause much damage to the respiratory center, including a disease called HARD Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease. While there are medications to treat dogs who test positive, that medication is not approved and cannot be used in cats. While you think this may not affect you, heart worm has been found in both cats and dogs in all 50 states and a mosquito can get in through the tiniest spaces in your house.
The earlier the detection the better prognosis is had if the test comes back positive. Testing is simple and recommended for all cats to get tested once to twice a year pending their lifestyle. A small blood sample can be taken at the visit and run in house to detect for any larvae in the sample. If there are any questions, there are also lab tests to be sent out to confirm results. Other diagnostics may be recommended depending on if your cat is showing any symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Periodic vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Asthma like attacks
Or in more serious cases
- Difficulty walking
- Fainting/seizures
- Collapse
- Sudden death
If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, please call to schedule an appointment and work up to get the answers we need to help treat.
For Cats, the only means of prevention is protection. See our product spotlight for recommended heart worm prevention you can obtain through your vet.
Product Spotlight
Currently there are two topical products that are recommended for cats available to owners at Catzablanca, available at the front desk.
- Bravecto: this is a topical that lasts 2 months and is labeled for protection on the following: Flea, ticks, round worm, hookworm, and heart worm. (available in sizes 2.6-6.2 lb, 6.2-13.8lb, and 13.8-27.5lb)
- Revolution (or revolution plus): this is a topical that lasts 1 month and is covered for Fleas, hook worm, round worm, ear mites, and heartworm. Revolution plus is also labeled for ticks. (available in sizes kittens 8 weeks or older and under 5 lbs, 5.5—11 lb, 11.1-15lb, and 15.1-22 lb. Revolution plus is available in 5.5 lb-11 lb and 11.1-22 lbs)
Both are applied by parting the hair on the back of your cat’s neck. Prior to parting the hair, you will want to open the tube and have it ready. Once tube is ready and hair is parted, squeeze the contents of the tube along the part. If any gets on your hands wash them after the application. (picture provided below)
Fun Fact:
Although it has passed, March 17th is the day of Saint Gertrude, the patron saint of cats. It is said that she took care of the cats who hung around the monastery by offering food and affection. She was one of the first feral cat caretakers!
“When I am feeling low, all I have to do is watch my cats and my courage returns”- Charles Bukowski