Common Heart Conditions in Cats: Subtle Signs That Matter

Heart disease in cats can be hard to spot. It often develops quietly, with few outward signs until the condition is advanced. Because cats are experts at hiding discomfort, heart issues may only be detected during routine veterinary examinations. At Middle Brighton Vet, we regularly identify cardiac changes in cats during wellness checks - often before owners have noticed anything unusual.

The most common heart condition in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), where the heart muscle thickens and the heart becomes less efficient as a pump. Certain breeds - Maine Coons, Ragdolls, British Shorthairs - have a genetic predisposition to HCM. It can also occur in any cat, particularly as they age.

Subtle signs that may indicate heart disease in cats include increased breathing rate or effort, open-mouth breathing, reduced activity or reluctance to jump, weight loss, and in some cases a distended abdomen from fluid accumulation. Sudden hind limb paralysis - caused by a blood clot - is a more dramatic presentation that requires emergency treatment.

Early detection significantly improves management options. An echocardiogram is the only way to accurately assess heart structure and function. If your cat has a heart murmur detected on examination, or is showing any of the signs above, a cardiac assessment is warranted.

Call us on (03) 9592 9811 or book online at middlebrightonvet.com.au/book-online.