Could Your Cat Have a Heart Attack?

Research has shown that cats do not have heart attacks in the same manner as their human caregivers, but they are prone to disease of the heart that can shorten their lives or suddenly kill them. Cats possess a gene that causes abnormal muscle growth in their hearts. Because cats tend to hide their signs of illness, yearly examinations by your veterinarian is sometimes the only way that the problem can be initially detected.

During an examination, your veterinarian may notice a murmur, which indicates an abnormal blood flow pattern in your cat's heart. The loudness and location of the murmur can help your cat's doctor to determine the need for additional diagnostic procedures.

Your veterinarian may recommend that your cat have a series of x-rays, an EKG to determine the electrical activity of the heart, or maybe even an ultrasound. Your veterinarian might also recommend that a board certified veterinary cardiologist examine your cat.

Though it is frightening to learn that your pet has a heart ailment, medications are available that can help insure your cat's good quality of life, and this is important because it is "Your Pet…Health Matters."