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YOUR CAT AND HEARTWORM, A CAUTION
It's warming up, and your cat wants to be out and about
Think of all the little creatures there are to chase and sometimes catch and bring back to "mom". All those trees to be climbed and reclaimed.
The fresh air will do you both some good. Tell the truth, don't you really look forward to a Spring and Summer full of sun and fun? Sure YOU do! But does your CAT?
For a good many years, even the best minds believed that HEARTWORM was a dog problem. Now after thousands of early and sometimes painful CAT deaths, Veterinary Science has decided that CATS, too, can be afflicted by this terrible disease. The same organism DIROFILARIA IMMITIS is now deadly to CATS as well as dogs. Mosquitoes that bite the CAT and deposit larvae into the skin carry the disease. The larvae [also called eggs] move through the CAT'S system and settle in the heart. With as few as 10 worms, the heart, lungs, and kidneys of your CAT can be irrevocably damaged.
Male, un-neutered CATS allowed to roam are at the greatest risk. And what is worse, unlike their canine friends, there is no preventative medicine for HEARTWORM in CATS as of this writing. Even though there is no medical prevention for HEARTWORM, CAT OWNERS can do some things to protect their PETS. Put your feline on a good diet; neuter it if you do not intend deliberate breedings.
You can use one of the topical mosquito repellant designed for you, on your CAT. If you choose to do this, use a spray, and remember that the same cautions provided to you by the manufacturer, apply to your CAT. In fact, some products specifically warn against use on domestic animals. [PGAA™ recommends that you give these a second look before you use them.]
Watch your CAT for a combination of symptoms that include listlessness, vomiting, and respiratory problems including a constant cough. If these signs are present take your CAT to the VET. Unfortunately, the diagnostic tests that determine HEARTWORM in dogs, is pretty ineffective for CATS. BUT there are ways to determine if your CAT is infected. Treatment includes hospitalization and intravenous medications over a period of days.
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