Introduction
Cats are known for being aloof and independent creatures. They often want nothing to do with their owners, and they've certainly earned that reputation. But despite what many people think, cats are actually quite fragile creatures and need regular veterinary care just like any other animal. In fact, many cat owners don't realize the ways in which their pet's heart health can affect them both physically and emotionally. If you're concerned about your cat's heart health or have noticed some changes in behavior (such as lack of appetite), we're going to walk through a few common signs of cardiac disease in cats so that you can seek out help from your veterinarian if needed!
Cats are fragile creatures.
Cats are fragile creatures. They aren't as resilient as dogs and are more likely to be injured or die from a heart problem than other pets. Heart problems in cats can be very serious, so it's important that you know what signs to look for and how to treat them if your cat develops one.
Many of these problems can be avoided through early detection and treatment, which will also help improve the quality of life for your furry friend!
High blood pressure is the most common cardiac disease in cats.
It can occur as early as three years old and lead to other health problems, such as heart failure or renal failure.
Cats with high blood pressure should be monitored closely by their veterinarians and given a consistent medication regimen if necessary. The vet will check for high blood pressure at every regular visit, but you can also monitor your cat's health by checking his gums and tongue color every day to see if they look healthy (pink). If you notice any changes in color or texture, make an appointment with the vet immediately!
The most common heart murmur in cats is aortic regurgitation.
This condition occurs when blood flows back into the heart, which reduces its ability to pump blood through the body. This can lead to congestive heart failure if left untreated.
Heart murmurs are usually detected during an annual physical exam or when your veterinarian hears something unusual while listening to your cat's chest with a stethoscope. Most murmurs are harmless and require no treatment; however, if your vet suspects that yours is serious, they may recommend further testing such as an echocardiogram or electrocardiogram (ECG).
Your veterinarian will let you know if there's cause for concern about your feline friend's heart health based on his symptoms and test results--but it's still helpful for pet owners like yourself who want more information about treating these conditions at home!
Heartworm is a concern for every cat owner and should be checked for annually.
To prevent heartworm, you need to give your cat a monthly dose of prevention medication. This is especially important for indoor cats, who are not exposed to mosquitoes and cannot contract the disease by themselves.
If you have an outdoor cat, be sure to take him or her in once a month during spring and summer months when mosquitoes are most active--and always make sure that your pet has been on heartworm prevention throughout the year!
Congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy are two other common heart conditions in cats.
Congestive heart failure is a serious condition that can be fatal. It's caused by a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood, which means it doesn't supply oxygen throughout your cat's body as well as it should.
Cardiomyopathy is another common heart disease in cats and it can be caused by a virus or bacteria infecting the muscle tissue of their hearts. The primary symptom of cardiomyopathy is an enlarged left ventricle (one of four chambers within your cat's heart) due to abnormal thickening of its walls; this makes it harder for blood to flow through this chamber during contraction.
The most common cause of death in cats is cancer, followed by old age.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in cats, followed by old age. Cats are susceptible to many types of cancer, but the most common forms are lymphoma and leukemia. Older cats are more likely to develop these diseases than younger ones; however, any cat can become ill at any time regardless of their age or gender.
Cancer can often be detected through regular veterinary visits where your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your pet and take samples from its body (such as blood or urine) so it can be tested for signs of disease or infection. If cancer is found early enough, it may be treatable using surgery or radiation therapy; however, if left untreated it could spread throughout the body causing severe pain and discomfort until eventually killing off vital organs like kidneys or lungs--this process usually takes anywhere between two weeks up until several months depending on what type was diagnosed with earlier diagnosis being better because then treatment options become available sooner rather than later!
Cats can live long, healthy lives with proper care and regular veterinary visits, especially because many heart problems can be avoided through early detection
Cats have a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Heart disease is the most common cause of death in cats, accounting for more than half of all cases. Heart problems can be treated with medication, diet, and exercise, but it's important for you to take your cat to the vet regularly so that any issues can be caught early on.
Heart disease causes the heart to beat irregularly, which can cause a heart attack or stroke if not treated immediately. This condition is typically found in cats over 1 year old; however, it's more prevalent if their mother had this condition herself (this is true for humans as well).
If you notice any changes in appetite or behavior during routine checkups--like becoming lethargic or losing weight without reason--your veterinarian may want to run some tests on your pet's blood pressure or perform an ultrasound scan of his chest area (or both).
Conclusion
For cats, heart disease is a serious condition that can cause death if left untreated. It's important to know the signs of a heart problem and get your pet checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice anything unusual in their behavior or physical appearance. With proper care and regular visits to the vet, your cat can live a long life with minimal risk of developing cardiac disease.
