Finding out your cat has a heart problem can break your heart. We do everything possible to keep our pets healthy, but sometimes they still get sick.
It’s scary to hear your kitty has a heart condition, but fortunately, many types of heart disease in cats can be well managed with medicines, close monitoring and careful weight/exercise control.
There's no doubt that caring for a cat with heart problems takes effort, but the love you share with your furry friend makes it all the more rewarding.
Cat heart conditions vary, so always follow your vet’s advice, but our tips will provide a helpful start.
Listen to your vet
There are a few different types of heart disease that can affect cats, but they all tend to have similar symptoms.
If you notice any symptoms of heart disease, such as weight loss, low energy, or any changes in their breathing, take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
They will examine your pet and may want to carry out tests to help find out what kind of heart problem they are suffering from.
From here, your cat may need specific medication, but some conditions might just need careful monitoring and support.
Remember that there are no stupid questions when it comes to your furry friend’s health! So, ask your vet any questions you have. You may feel overwhelmed with all of the information, so do take some time and be sure to write down any concerns or queries to help you remember. Your vet will want to help you and your cat as much as possible, so use their expertise and put it into action.
Monitor your cat’s resting respiratory rate
It’s vital that you keep an eye on your cat to make sure that their heart problem isn’t getting any worse. One of the easiest ways to do this is to monitor your cat’s resting respiratory rate to see how they are doing.
Your cat’s resting respiratory rate is the number of times they breathe in and out for one minute when they are completely relaxed but not purring. While they’re snoozing is a great opportunity! Keep a record and keep your vet up to date with any changes. Learn how to do this by watching our video below:
A healthy weight and diet are essential
Closely monitor your cat's weight, as any changes can be related to heart disease in cats.
Ensure that your cat receives a well-balanced diet, as nutrition plays an important part in managing heart disease as well.
There are special cat foods available for cats with heart disease to help slow the disease's progression. These have the correct balance of essential nutrients and include beneficial supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids. They also restrict certain minerals such as sodium, that may cause more damage to your cat’s heart condition. Speak to your vet about the best diet for your cat.
Create the right environment for them
Your vet may recommend keeping your cat indoors to closely monitor their health. This way, you can ensure they’re safe and receive the medication they might need. However, if your cat is used to going outside, they might find this stressful, so try to work out a plan with your vet tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
If your cat prefers to spend time outside, consider installing a "catio" or cat-proof fencing to give them a safe way to explore the outdoors. For more information on keeping your cat happy indoors, read our guide here.
There are lots of things you can do to make your house the ideal environment for a cat with heart problems. If you haven’t already, make sure that your cat has a stress-free, safe space at home where they can relax. Cats are very independent and enjoy having their own space, so set up a quiet area where they can escape if needed. Make sure they have an easy-to-access litter tray in a quiet spot as well.
If your cat is spending more time inside, be sure to engage their mind and body with regular mental and physical stimulation. Daily exercise will keep your cat happy and healthy, and also prevent boredom while allowing them to express their natural behaviours such as hunting. Just remember to take it slowly and keep play sessions short. For vet-approved, cat-friendly toys, take a look at our PDSA Pet Store.
Be sure to consult your vet on the best exercise for your cat. They will let you know how much exercise your cat should be having, so you can adapt their routine.
Prevention
Sadly, it’s impossible to guarantee that your beloved cat will not suffer from a heart problem but there are things you can do to reduce the risk, these include:
- Feeding a complete, balanced diet for your pet, suitable for their age and lifestyle is important to ensure that they get all the right nutrients and keep their heart healthy.
- Going for regular health checks with your vet, such as annual vaccination appointments, will also help pick up any problems before you start to see signs at home.
- Some breeds are prone to heart disease, such as Maine Coons and Ragdolls, so if you choose one of these kitties to share your life with, make sure you understand what might be needed to care for their potential health problems in the future.
- Before choosing your cat, do plenty of research and check what health screening is available, as well as ask the breeder if there are any known health problems with the parents and grandparents of your new best friend.
Heart problems in cats are most common in middle-aged cats but can affect younger ones too. The treatment can be costly as it usually involves life-long monitoring and medication. We recommend getting cat insurance as soon as you bring your new furry friend home before any signs of illness start. This ensures coverage from the start and protects you financially if your cat gets sick.
PDSA is able to help pets like Leo thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, which helps with the cost of life-saving heart disease medication.
For information on caring for a dog with heart problems, read our blog here.