Are you ever amazed at how your cat acts like a person? If only we could protect our cats from developing the same diseases as people. Unfortunately, cats can develop diseases that are also common in humans, such as heart disease. Aging is the most common reason cats develop a heart condition, but other factors like heartworms can also lead to heart disease.
What are heart conditions?
The heart is the most important organ in your cat’s body. It pumps blood containing oxygen and nutrients through the blood vessels to the cells of the body. Most heart conditions involve a decrease in the effective pumping of blood. This can lead to a build-up of fluid in the chest and abdomen. There are two main types of heart conditions: one affecting the heart valve and the other the heart muscle. Cats with either type can be successfully managed through nutrition, exercise and, if necessary, medication. With the right food and advice from your veterinarian, your cat can continue to enjoy a happy, active life.
The two main heart conditions
Chronic Valvular Disease: A leaking heart valve reduces the quantity of blood that can be pumped around the body.
Myocardial Disease: In this condition, weakness or thickening of the heart muscle results in the heart pumping less efficiently.
Tasty Tips
What causes heart conditions?
Although there is no single cause, nutritional problems can play a major role in heart conditions. Other factors that can contribute include:
Body condition: Overweight cats are more likely to develop heart disease.
Age: Heart conditions in cats occur more frequently with increasing age.
Breed: In cats, Persian, Maine coon and American shorthair breeds seem more likely to suffer from myocardial disease.
Does my cat have a heart condition?
It can be difficult to tell if your cat has a heart condition because the signs can be similar to those of other disorders. Your veterinarian may check for heart disease using some of the following methods.
- A stethoscope exam can reveal murmurs and fluid in the lungs
- Palpation can reveal unusual pulses
- X-rays reveal heart enlargement
- An EKG can identify heart enlargement and irregular rhythms
- Blood and urine tests can reveal heartworms and the condition of other internal organs
The following symptoms may indicate a heart problem in your cat.
- A low-pitched cough that sometimes leads to gagging
- Breathing difficulties that include shortness of breath
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Noticeable weight gain or loss
- Swelling in the abdomen
IMPORTANT: A heart condition may not be obvious in the early stages. If you are in any doubt about your cat’s health, consult your veterinarian.
The importance of nutrition
Although treatments cannot reverse heart disease, your cat can live a relatively normal life. The food your cat eats plays an important role in her overall health and well-being. When your cat has been diagnosed with a heart condition, it’s even more important to feed the right cat food.
Heart disease typically causes the heart to enlarge, and this enlargement causes a loss of efficiency. The heart then begins to hold more fluid than it should and this is where the real problems begin. For this reason, veterinarians recommend feeding cats a low-sodium food that will help reduce fluid build-up and make it easier for their heart to work effectively. For accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian and ask them to recommend the best food for your cat’s heart health.
Ask Your Veterinarian About Heart Disease:
- Are there any foods I should avoid giving my cat because of her condition?
- Ask how human food can affect your cat’s health.
- Would you recommend a Hill’s™ Prescription Diet™ cat food for my cat’s heart health?
- Ask about special nutritional concerns for your cat
- How much / how often you should feed the recommended food to your cat
- How quickly should I expect to see signs of improvement in my cat’s condition?
- Can you provide me with written instructions on heart disease for my cat?
- What is the best way (email/phone) to reach you or your hospital if I have questions?
- Ask if you need a follow-up appointment.
- Ask if a reminder email or notice will be sent.
Related products
Hypoallergenic Dry Cat Food
HILL'S SCIENCE PLAN Hypoallergenic Adult cat food with egg & insect protein is a complete pet food for adult cat 1–6 years old. It's formulated for cats with delicate skin and stomach, with limited high quality novel protein sources & no grain.
Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food is specially formulated to fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life.
Kitten Food
Tender chicken chunks in gravy for kittens, with omega-3s for healthy eye & brain development and high-quality protein to support muscle growth. With balanced minerals to promote strong bones & teeth.
Hairball & Perfect Coat Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan HAIRBALL & PERFECT COAT Adult cat food with Chicken is specially formulated to effectively help avoid hairball formation in adult cats while promoting a beautiful coat. Thanks to its mix of essential Omega-6 fatty acids, this food benefits the cat's skin and fur keeping them healthy and shiny. Our Advanced Fibre Technology helps reduce hairballs by naturally promoting their passage through the gut. This food is formulated with high-quality protein for a perfectly balanced, great-tasting recipe.
Related articles
How To Support Your Cat’s Digestion
Find out about how you can support your cat's digestion to boost overall health. Diet is key to a long and happy life for your cat, so discover what you can do.
Cat Training: How to Train Your Cat the Easy Way
When learning how to train your cat, you'll start with very basic first steps that both reward good behavior and discourage the bad.
Fun Games for Exercising Your Cat
Discover which cat toys games your feline friend might like, and how they are great sources of exercise. Explore our library of articles to learn more.
How To Feed a Cat With a Sensitive Stomach
Discover what you can do to spot and support a sensitive cat stomach. See what routines and food you can implement to help your cat be happy and healthy.
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.