When you hear “heartworm disease,” you probably think of dogs. But did you know that cats can get heartworm disease too—and it can be even more dangerous for them?

April is Heartworm Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to shine a light on how this serious (and often overlooked) disease affects our feline friends.

What Is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm (Dirofilaria immitis) that is spread through mosquito bites. While dogs are the primary hosts, cats can also become infected—even indoor cats. The worms can travel through the bloodstream and end up in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels.

Why Is It So Serious in Cats?

Cats are not the ideal host for heartworms, so the worms often don’t survive to adulthood. But here’s the scary part: even immature worms can cause severe damage.

Unlike dogs, cats may have only one or two worms—or none at all and still suffer from a condition called Heartworm-Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD). Symptoms in cats can be subtle or mistaken for other illnesses. These may include:
● Coughing or wheezing
● Vomiting (unrelated to eating)
● Weight loss
● Lethargy
● Sudden collapse or even sudden death

Because there’s no approved treatment for heartworm disease in cats, prevention is truly the best (and only) option.

How Can You Protect Your Cat?

The good news? Heartworm prevention is simple, safe, and effective. Monthly preventatives—available in topical or oral form—can stop the disease before it starts. We recommend year-round prevention, even for indoor cats, as mosquitoes can find their way inside your home.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If your cat isn’t currently on heartworm prevention, April is the perfect time to start. A quick conversation with your veterinarian can save your cat from a painful, and potentially fatal, disease later.

Protect Your Cat Today

Heartworm disease is 100% preventable.
Call us today or book your appointment online to discuss heartworm prevention with your veterinarian. Let’s keep your cat healthy and heartworm-free—this month and every month!