{"id":909,"date":"2017-03-13T13:16:05","date_gmt":"2017-03-13T20:16:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/?p=909"},"modified":"2024-07-25T05:20:24","modified_gmt":"2024-07-25T12:20:24","slug":"heartworm-disease-in-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/heartworm-disease-in-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Preventing Heartworm Disease in Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AWhen it comes to heartworms, most pet owners think of the risk to their dog companions. While it\u2019s true this disease is more prevalent in dogs, heartworm disease<\/a> in cats does occur, and diagnoses are on the rise. In fact, cats with this illness are also in greater danger of experiencing life threatening reactions to these parasites.<\/p>\n

The team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital want to keep all our feline friends safe by keeping pet owners informed of how to prevent this terrible disease.<\/p>\n

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The Basics of Heartworm Disease<\/h3>\n

Cats are considered atypical hosts, meaning they\u2019re not as physiologically hospitable to the heartworm as canines. This is why there are fewer cases of cat heartworm, but it\u2019s also why cats are more susceptible to serious and life-threatening reactions.<\/p>\n

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes who have fed on an infected animal. Heartworms are caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis. When the mosquito feeds off an infected host, it picks up the tiny immature heartworms called microfilariae. These microfilariae are then transmitted to a pet where they mature and move to the heart and blood vessels within the lungs, sometimes growing up to 6 inches in length.<\/p>\n

Heartworms can live within a host for up to 7 years in dogs and 3 years in cats, resulting in an increased risk of cardiac arrest and other serious health problems.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Cats<\/h3>\n

Some felines will exhibit signs of heartworm disease, such as:<\/p>\n