Edgewood Vets’ tips for a healthy feline heart
April 14, 2018
Sometimes those annual health checks can seem an expensive chore, but when it comes to heart care for your cat they can really make the difference between life and death.
If caught early enough, heart disease can be managed so your cat can live longer and enjoy better quality of life. But as symptoms are often not obvious until the disease has advanced, annual vet visits improve your chances of picking up a possible problem early.
The team at Edgewood have come up with some symptoms to watch for and some tips on prevention. But why not make a pre-emptive strike and book your cat’s annual check-up now?
What are the symptoms of feline heart disease?
In dogs, coughing is a major symptom of heart disease, but does not often occur in cats. Conversely, cats vomit as a result of heart disease where dogs do not. Also look out for:
- Difficulty breathing
- Thromboembolisms – blood clots that are often a result of heart disease in cats and can cut off the blood supply to the hind legs. Typified by pain and inability to walk normally.
- Depression
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss or gain
- Swollen abdomen
- Fainting/collapsing
- Weakness
- Restlessness
How can you help prevent feline heart disease?
- Prevention is better than cure which is why those annual check-ups with Edgewood Veterinary Group are so important.
- Pest prevention. Heartworm, although more common in dogs, this parasite can also affect cats but is easily prevented with common monthly spot-on treatments.
- Take symptoms seriously. If your cat shows any of the above symptoms don’t hesitate to call us on 01621 828381.
- Be breed aware. Some cat breeds are more susceptible to heart conditions, so do your research.
- Taurine. Present in many animal foods, this amino acid is important to cardiovascular function and can be supplemented in the event of your cat having a deficit.
