April has arrived and with it comes sunshine, warmer temperatures, and unfortunately, insects. Keeping your cats safe from some of the worst pests, like fleas and ticks, is normally a no brainer, but what about heartworms? While many cat parents might not have thought about heartworm prevention, it is important to know the facts.
Heartworms are parasitic worms that are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Although it is more common for dogs to be at risk, cats can still contract heartworms and suffer severe complications.
Signs of heartworm disease in cats can vary from subtle to dire. They can experience coughing, asthma-like attacks, vomiting, lack of appetite, weight loss, difficulty walking, fainting, seizures, or fluid accumulation in the abdomen. It is also not uncommon for the first sign to be sudden collapse or death.
Heartworm treatment for dogs is not safe for cats, so the best way to keep your cats healthy is to prevent them from getting heartworms in the first place.
Heartworm prevention can come in oral or topical treatments and can be paired with your cat’s monthly flea and tick preventative. There are several options to choose from so be sure to talk to your veterinarian about which option is best for your cat. Need to find a veterinarian? Check out our list of veterinary partners.
Taking this step in your cat’s care can help ensure they will live their best and healthiest lives.
Find other ways to keep your pets safe with our Seasonal & Safety Tips
