How to Diagnose Heart Disease in a cat

Cats can get heart disease just like people do. Cardiomyopathy is the most common type of heart disease in cats where their heart grows to an abnormal shape, the chambers of the heart get too small and the heart doesn't produce the kind of output your cat needs. Heart disease can affect cats of any age and early diagnosis is the best chance your cat has of living a normal life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Keep an eye on your cat and watch for abnormal behavior. Notice if his eating or bathroom habits change significantly. Any noticeable changes in weight, either loss or gain, or abdominal distension can be indicators of heart disease.
2. Watch for exercise intolerance. This occurs when your cat runs for just a little while and then starts breathing heavily and has to lie down. Any type of exertion causes exhaustion in a cat with heart disease.
3. Pay attention if your cat starts coughing, especially if it is low-pitched and they cough to the point of gagging.
4. Take immediate action if you notice your cat has lost the use of her back legs. This may indicate a clot that prevents blood from getting to the back legs. If the legs are cold to the touch, turning blue or if the pads on the paws turn blue, take the cat to the veterinarian immediately.
5. Diagnose heart disease by having a veterinarian take X-Rays, ECGs, ultrasounds or blood tests along with a physical examination of your cat. These tests are the only way to definitively diagnose heart disease.

Tips & Warnings

• Regular check-ups with your cat's veterinarian are the best way to keep your cat in good health.
• Maintaining a proper diet is key in preventing heart disease and other health problems in your cat. Ask your veterinarian for food recommendations.