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Feline Heartworm FAQ
Heartworm Disease in Cats
Can cats get heartworm disease?
Heartworms were first reported in cats in 1921. Since then there have been more cases reported especially in the last 10 years. This increase is probably due either to heightened awareness/diagnosis, actual increased feline infection or both.
How do cats get heartworm?
Cats develop heartworm disease in the same way as dogs via a bite from an infected mosquito.
Can an infected cat transmit heartworm to other animals?
This is unlikely because cats do not have immature worms in their blood for very long so they are not a source of infection for other animals.
How common is heartworm in cats?
Dogs that come from hot and humid climates such as the gulf coast area and are not protected against heartworm are almost all infected. This is because the dog is the preferred host for the parasite. Cats tend to be infected at a much lower rate, about 10% of what is found in dogs in any given area. This may mean 1 in 10 cats from Katrina affected areas have been infected.
What are the signs of heartworm in cats?
Many cats clear their infection without ever having any problems. If problems occur, signs include coughing, lack of appetite vomiting or lethargy. Be aware that these are not specific signs and, if present, could be due to many other causes. Very rare instances of severe, life-threatening symptoms can happen in cats. Unfortunately, these are generally not possible to predict or even prevent.
How do we know if a cat has heartworm?
Diagnosing and treating heartworm disease in cats is more of a problem than it is in dogs. There are two blood tests available but both have limitations. Often, both tests need to be run and false results are common.
Can we treat heartworm infection in cats?
Unlike in dogs, we can not treat cats to eliminate their heartworm infection we can only try to decrease clinical signs if they occur.