Cats are masters of disguise when it comes to discomfort and disease: they try hard not to let you know when they're weak, in pain or feeling sick. Nowhere does this seem more true than when you're talking about cat heart health, specifically the risk for feline heart disease.
Cats' wild ancestry makes them loath to show weakness for fear of being eaten by a predator. This instinct can make things tough for cat parents, especially for nervous newbies. You may be told to be on the lookout for evidence of illness, but do you know what to look for when it comes to your kitty's heart health?
Whether human or feline, the basics of heart health are the same: the heart is a muscle that pumps blood through the vessels of the body so it can deliver oxygen. If the heart stops pumping efficiently, the body risks becoming oxygen-depleted.
Unfortunately, heart disease and the issues associated with heart disease in cats tend to sneak up on you. Weakness, difficulty walking, and breathing difficulties can be subtle and hard to see.
Thankfully, a cat parent who's armed with some basic knowledge and a trusted veterinarian can:
- Identify the signs of feline heart disease
- Slow the onset of any signs
- Do their best to prevent the disease altogether
Types of Heart Disease in Cats
Cats get many kinds of heart disease but the most common is called cardiomyopathy, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center. This is a condition in which the left atrium of the heart muscle thickens, making it difficult for the blood to be pumped through. When this happens, fluid builds up in the lungs, a process referred to as congestive heart failure.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common kind of cardiomyopathy, writes Cornell. It's considered an inherited disorder and can affect cats of all ages but is typically diagnosed in older cats. Cats can also get cardiomyopathy from a nutritional deficiency in the amino acid taurine. Pets eating fish-only foods (naturally low in taurine) run the risk of damaging their hearts in this way.
Geriatric cats can also get cardiomyopathy when scar tissue builds up over time inside the heart. This occurs in about 10 percent of cardiomyopathy cases. Cornell also notes that congenital heart disorders are rare, affecting only 1 to 2 percent of kittens.
Tasty Tips
Feline Heart Disease FAQs
What are the risk factors?
Genetics play a large role in heart disease. Persians, Ragdolls, Maine coons and American shorthairs appear predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, says the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, though all cats can develop this condition.
An incomplete meal plan (especially one that relies exclusively on fish) is a risk factor for cardiomyopathy, as well. Make sure to talk to your vet about ensuring your cat gets a well-balanced meal.
Can you prevent heart disease in cats?
In some cases, you can. Making sure your kitty gets balanced, complete meals is fundamental to preventing heart disease.
How does exercise help with heart health?
A healthy weight is crucial to an energetic and enjoyable life, but avoiding obesity is especially important for those who suffer the symptoms of heart disease. Cats may experience a heart problem more severely if they're carrying excess weight. Take time each day to play with your cat. A few minutes each day is enough exercise for your cat to help keep the weight off and help fuel with heart health.
Does nutrition play a role in heart disease prevention?
Apart from complete and balanced meals in quantities tailored to your cat's caloric needs (to keep her at a trim weight), there's no specific meal plan recommended for prevention. If treatment becomes necessary, however, ask your vet if you'll need to make any changes to your cat's food to help manage the disease.
What else should I know?
Diseases like hyperthyroidism, hypertension and anemia can all affect the heart's fundamental workings. It's important to recognize these early and manage them carefully. If your cat suffers from a combination of heart disease and another health condition, treating one issue can sometimes alleviate the other.
Some cats with heart disease can develop a painful, paralyzing condition called saddle thrombus if a blood clot develops in the heart and moves out of the aorta. The clot blocks blood flow to a cat's hind legs, making them cold to the touch or even bluish under the fur. Bring your cat in for wellness exams to have her heart rhythm checked, and seek emergency care immediately if she starts dragging her back legs.
Monitoring Cat Heart Health
The most important thing to know when it comes to monitoring heart health in cats is that veterinarians can often identify heart disease before symptoms occur. A heart murmur, audible via stethoscope, is the most common clue. Blood tests and a complete physical examination at least once a year are highly effective at screening your pet for other diseases that can affect her heart.
We all know it can be hard getting a cat to the vet, but can you think of a better reason than keeping her heart in good shape? Watching out for your kitty's cardiac well-being will keep her around to love you for that much longer.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Vegetable & Chicken and Liver & Chicken
Feline Adult Perfect Weight Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice cat food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Multiple Benefit Chicken Recipe cat food
Supports ideal body weight for cats with different body types
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinners Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Related articles
Cat Zoomies: Why Your Cat Gets Them & When to Call the Vet
Learn why your kitty gets cat zoomies, random bouts of energy that cause them to race through the house, and when zoomies could indicate a health issue.
What Is My Cat's Body Language Telling Me?
Learn to decipher your cat's numerous non-verbal language queues, including the meanings behind expressions through her eyes, ears, tail and stance.
Cat Vision: How Do They See the World?
Discover some myths and truths about how your cat sees the world, including whether they have night vision and if they are actually colorblind.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Risk Factors, Symptoms & Treatment of FIP in Cats
Learn helpful info about Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP in cats, including risk factors, common symptoms, treatment options & how to prevent it.
Cat Intestinal Blockages: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Intestinal blockages in cats can be a life-threatening condition. Learn information about how they happen, common symptoms, treatment & prevention options.
Are Olives Safe for My Cat?
Learn the science behind why many cats are attracted to olives and love eating them, as well as any health concerns about stuffed olives and olive oil.
Helping Your Cat Recover from Serious Illness or Accidents
Illnesses, accidents and surgeries are an unfortunate consequence of life, even for cats. Understand how nutrition can play a role in your cat's recovery.
All About Cat Kneading
Understand what is cat kneading and why cats knead various surfaces and belongings. Learn why excessive kneading can be a concern for your cat.
Do Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds Exist? (& Which Breeds Shed the Least?)
Even though all cat breeds still produce allergens, those that shed less can be a good choice for allergy sufferers. Learn which breeds might work for you.
Can Cats See in the Dark? (& How Well?)
Wonder if cats can see in the dark? Learn about feline night vision, including how their nighttime vision works & how it evolved compared to humans.
Kitten Teething: Age Timeline, Signs & How You Can Help
Kitten Teething: Age Timeline, Signs & How You Can Help
Letting Your Cat Outside: What You Need to Know
Get tips on how to take the proper precautions when letting your kitten outside for the first time including the proper age and time of day.
Why Does My Cat Yowl at Night?
Cats can be quite chatty, especially at night when their yowling can keep even heavy sleepers awake. Learn tips for how to deal with her nighttime noises.
Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?
Learn the actual reasons why cats have whiskers, why they are important & how many whiskers cats usually have, and if they grow back when they fall out.
Mixing Cats and Holidays: Tips for a Safe Season
Learn fun ways to involve your cat in this holiday season, from preparing your house for holiday guests to participation in holiday traditions.
Do Cats Understand Words?
Discover interesting information about whether you cat actually understands your words and if it's important to actually talk to your feline friend.
Using Positive Reinforcement when Training Your Kitten
Learn how positive reinforcements can reward your kitten for good behavior while their still young to set them up for success when they get older.
Liver Disease in Cats: Background, Symptoms & Treatment
Learn about feline liver disease, one of the most common problems affecting a cat's internal organs, including symptoms & treatments for this condition.
Why Do Cats Bunny Kick?
Learn what a bunny kick is and the reasons your cat likes to do it, from just playing around to indicating aggression.
Why Cats Like to Pounce
Discover the science and reason behind why cats like to pounce prey or toys, as well as peculiar behaviors to let you know when she's about to pounce.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.