Is heartworm disease really a problem in cats?
Yes. Most pet owners are familiar with the potential effects of heartworm disease in dogs, but not many are aware that heartworrns can effect cats, too. Recent studies have shown that cats can contract heartworm disease from mosquitoes, just like dogs can if they are not properly protected against heartworm disease. If a heartworm-carrying mosquito bites a cat, the immature stage of the heartworm will travel through the cat, lodge in spaces in the cat s lungs and heart, and begin maturing. During the stage when an immature heartworm is growing in a cat, the cat’s lungs send up a horrible inflammatory reaction which looks just like a cat is having asthma attacks. The cat has coughing spells, and episodes when breathing is difficult. A heartworm test for the cat and chest x-rays can help lead to a diagnosis of heartworm disease in your cat. These asthma signs can usually be controlled by appropriate steroid anti-inflammatories and other drugs which your veterinarian can prescribe. After
