Popular belief is that heartworm only affects dogs, but this disease also causes health problems in cats. That is why it is essential to know the risks of heartworm and how to prevent it.
Ask your veterinarian about the risks of heartworm transmission in your area.
Most cat owners take preventative measures against common parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. But what about the Heartworm Disease in Cats? People often mistakenly believe that only dogs can get heartworm. Unfortunately, domestic cats and wild cats can also be affected. Here’s what you need to know to protect your cat from this potentially dangerous disease.
Heartworm disease is a severe and potentially fatal illness for our feline friends. However, it is little known. Here are how to recognize it and the preventive measures to avoid it!
What is heartworm disease?
Heartworm disease, caused by roundworms in the pulmonary arteries and the heart, is transmitted only through mosquito bites. This explains that we find this condition in regions with a warm or temperate climate, where mosquitoes proliferate. More generally the south of Europe, therefore represents a risk zone for cats.
By biting an infected animal, mosquitoes become contaminated because, in addition to blood, they also collect worm larvae. These larvae then continue to develop inside the mosquito itself for 2 to 4 weeks until they are ready to infect another animal. When the mosquito bites a cat or other animal, it will deposit larvae of the parasite on its skin. These will then enter the body of the feline through the small wound left by the bite.
However, unlike the dog, it is relatively rare for the cat to harbor more than a few worms. Indeed, most parasites die during their development and therefore do not have time to produce larvae. In addition, the immune system of cats often manages to eliminate the larvae.
Symptoms of heartworm disease in cats
Some cats may not show any symptoms, making the disease all the more difficult to detect. Sometimes the symptoms are visible and must have also asked the question why Is My Cat Sneezing So Much? Apart from sneezing there are various symptoms that can be caused by Heartworm disease in cats:
- Dry cough
- Vomiting
- Difficult breathing
- Lack of appetite
- Tired
- Weightloss
- Difficulty walking
- Fainting
- Sudden death
Treatments for heartworm disease in cats
Heartworm disease is a progressive disease that can cause respiratory disease, heart failure, damage to other organs in the body, and even death.
This disease is all the more severe as the treatment used on dogs cannot be used on cats. However, it is common for spontaneous healing to occur. But prevention is the only way to protect felines from this disease.
Since cats that live indoors are just as likely to be infected as those who live outdoors, locking them up is no point. On the other hand, it is recommended to actively fight against mosquitoes by installing mosquito nets or eliminating sources of stagnant water. You might have also asked the question What To Feed Newborn Kittens In An Emergency? The answer is their mother’s milk as it is the best food for kitten and also you can feed them evaporated milk with an egg yolk.