Cat Heartworm: What You Need To Know About Heartworm In Cats

Free First Visit Offer At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we often get questions about heartworm in cats. It's important to understand that the heartworm that affects cats is the same parasite that lives in dogs. This parasitic worm, which resides in the heart and lungs, is transmitted through mosquito bites. A mosquito can carry the parasite from an infected animal (dog, cat, or even wild animal) to your cat. A light blue heart icon on a white background, symbolizing compassion and care, often associated with veterinarians. A minimalist image featuring a large green curved shape on the right side, reminiscent of a veterinarian symbol, set against a plain white background. A simple, solid blue circle centered on a white background, reminiscent of the calm assurance found in a veterinarian's care. A solid green heart shape sits prominently on a white background, symbolizing the care and compassion of a veterinarian's dedication.
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How do cats get heartworm?

Cats contract heartworm through mosquito bites. When an infected mosquito bites your cat, it deposits tiny larvae on the skin. These larvae then enter the bloodstream and develop into worms that can live in your cat’s heart and lungs. This is why mosquito prevention is crucial in protecting your cat from heartworm disease.

What do we recommend as heartworm prevention for cats?

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we offer various products for heartworm prevention in cats. These include both oral and topical options. We can discuss the best choice for your cat during your next visit. These preventatives are typically administered once a month or every other month, depending on the specific product.

A white and gray kitten with green eyes lies on a wooden table, looking directly at the camera. The background is softly blurred, making the kitten the main focus of the image.
A white and gray kitten with green eyes lies on a wooden table, looking directly at the camera. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the cat’s curious expression.
A light gray cat with closed eyes lies on a white blanket, enjoying a gentle chin scratch from a person's hand. The cat looks content and relaxed.

How do you spot heartworm symptoms in cats?

While cats are not the natural hosts for heartworms (dogs are), they can still become infected. Sometimes, the worms don’t fully mature in cats and are cleared by the body. However, if adult worms do develop, cats may show the following symptoms:

  • Respiratory issues (coughing, labored breathing)
  • Pale gums
  • Lethargy or difficulty exercising
  • Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, poor appetite)
  • Weight loss

If your cat displays any of these symptoms, please bring them to Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care for a check-up. We’ll consider heartworm as a potential cause and conduct appropriate tests.

A light gray cat with closed eyes lies on a white blanket, enjoying a gentle chin scratch from a person's hand. The cat looks content and relaxed.

How do you spot heartworm symptoms in cats?

While cats are not the natural hosts for heartworms (dogs are), they can still become infected. Sometimes, the worms don’t fully mature in cats and are cleared by the body. However, if adult worms do develop, cats may show the following symptoms:

  • Respiratory issues (coughing, labored breathing)
  • Pale gums
  • Lethargy or difficulty exercising
  • Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, poor appetite)
  • Weight loss

If your cat displays any of these symptoms, please bring them to Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care for a check-up. We’ll consider heartworm as a potential cause and conduct appropriate tests.

How will we diagnose heartworm in your cat?

Diagnosing heartworm in cats involves a simple blood test. We only need a few drops of blood, which we’ll send to our laboratory. Results are typically available within a few days.

A tabby cat with green eyes lies on a white bed, gazing directly at the camera with its head resting on the blanket and one paw stretched forward.
A small gray tabby kitten with blue eyes stands on a white surface, looking forward with one paw raised as if about to walk.
A small gray tabby kitten with blue eyes is walking forward on a white background, looking directly at the camera with its tail raised.

Why is early detection and diagnosis of heartworm so important?

Early detection is crucial because, unlike in dogs, there is no specific treatment to kill heartworms in cats. The worms must die naturally, which can take time. Early diagnosis allows us to help prepare your cat’s body and treat any side effects caused by the worms. It also enables us to implement strategies to prevent future infections.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cat Heartworm

We recommend starting heartworm prevention as early as eight weeks of age, especially for outdoor cats or if you live in an area with a high incidence of heartworm disease.

When administered consistently as directed, heartworm preventatives are highly effective. Following the recommended dosing schedule can provide complete protection against heartworm disease.

In most cases, routine testing isn’t necessary for cats on consistent prevention. However, we may recommend testing if your cat shows symptoms of heartworm disease.

Keeping your cat indoors significantly reduces the risk of heartworm infection by limiting exposure to mosquitoes. However, it’s important to note that indoor cats can still be at risk, as mosquitoes can occasionally enter homes.

If you miss a dose, administer the next dose as soon as you remember and inform us at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care. We can advise you on whether any additional steps are necessary based on your cat’s individual circumstances.

For more information about heartworm prevention or to schedule an appointment for your cat, please contact Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care. You can reach us at (657) 756-5683 or visit our website at Love.vet. Our compassionate team, led by Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid Forman, is here to provide comprehensive care for your feline friend.

Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care is located at 16161 Springdale St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. We offer both emergency services and routine veterinary care for cats and dogs, ensuring your pets receive the best possible treatment.