Cat Illnesses - Feline Heartworm

Feline heartworm is one of the more serious parasitic cat illnesses. The heartworm larvae are transmitted by mosquito bite, and then develop into worms in the right side of the cat's heart (responsible for pumping blood to the lungs for oxygen) and the blood vessels between the lungs and the heart.

The symptoms of feline heartworm are similar to a lot of other cat illnesses. The most common are rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, coughing, loss of appetite and collapsing. Other signs may include vomiting, diarrhoea, blindness and seizures. Sometimes a cat will display symptoms long enough for action to be taken, other times they will show no symptoms. It is possible for a cat to suffer feline heartworm long-term, it is equally possible for a cat will be dead within an hour of symptoms starting.

Cat illnesses such as heartworm can only be treated by a vet, and diagnosis is only possible by conducting specific tests that only vets are qualified to perform. If a cat is displaying the symptoms of feline heartworm, it is very important to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.