Heart disease in cats can present as a silent & serious condition, often going unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage. Cats are notorious for showing no obvious symptoms until their heart function is significantly impaired. As a pet owner, knowing the signs & understanding the risks can help ensure your cat gets the best possible care. At Ready Vet Go, we provide urgent in-home care & ambulance transport for critically ill cats, including those experiencing heart-related emergencies. Our relationships with Melbourne’s veterinary specialists helps ensure that your cat gets the testing & treatment they deserve.
Common Heart Conditions in Cats
Cats can develop several types of heart disease, but the most common is known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
HCM causes the heart muscle (specifically the left ventricle) to thicken, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. Over time, this can lead to heart failure, can increase the risk of blood clots, & can even lead to sudden death.
Risk Factors for HCM:
- Genetic predisposition (some breeds, like the Maine Coon, Sphynx, British Shorthair & Ragdoll, are more prone)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
If HCM progresses, it can lead to congestive heart failure, where the pump mechanism of the heart weakens & fluid builds up in the lungs or chest cavity. This can cause severe breathing difficulty, requiring emergency intervention.
Arterial Thromboembolism (ATE) – “Saddle Thrombus”
One of the most devastating complications of HCM is a saddle thrombus, where a blood clot forms in the heart & lodges in the arteries that supply blood to the back legs. This results in sudden paralysis, severe pain, & cold limbs. ATE is a life-threatening & often fatal emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Signs of Heart Disease in Cats
Cats are experts at hiding illness, so heart disease symptoms can be subtle. A veterinary exam can help detect early signs of heart disease such as heart murmurs & gallop sounds. Certain blood tests offered by veterinarians (such as a proBNP test) can help support a diagnosis of heart disease.
Signs consistent with heart disease that you can look for at home include:
- Increased breathing rate or effort – Normal resting breathing should be under 30-35 breaths per minute. Anything consistently over this, especially at rest or during sleep, could be a sign of fluid buildup.
- Open mouth breathing – This is always a serious abnormality in cats & should be immediately evaluated by a vet.
- Coughing or wheezing – Though uncommon in cats, any change in breathing should be taken seriously.
- Sudden collapse or fainting – Could indicate a change in blood supply due to failure of the heart’s pump or a change in the heart’s rhythm.
- Sudden paralysis of one or multiple limbs – A possible sign of a blood clot secondary to heart disease, most often affecting the hindlimbs
How Ready Vet Go Helps Cats with Heart Disease
At Ready Vet Go, we understand how critical time is when dealing with cardiac conditions. Our vet ambulance service & at-home emergency vet care helps stabilise your cat & transport them safely to a hospital when needed.
- In-Home Assessments – If you notice breathing difficulties, collapse, or lethargy, our veterinarians can assess your cat at home to determine if emergency hospital care is needed.
- Oxygen Therapy – Cats in respiratory distress from heart failure may need oxygen support before transport, which we can provide in-home & in our ambulance.
- Safe Sedation – Stressed cats demand more oxygen, making their heart work harder. We reduce the risk of sudden collapse by providing sedatives to reduce your cat’s work of breathing.
- Handheld Ultrasound for Fluid Assessment – Our team is equipped with portable ultrasound technology, allowing us to assess for fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or fluid in the chest cavity (pleural effusion). These findings help guide urgent treatment decisions & determine whether hospital care is required.
- Safe Transport to Hospital – Our vet ambulance is equipped to monitor vital signs & provide emergency care en route to a specialist or emergency hospital.
- Referral to Specialists – We help you liaise with a cardiologist or other veterinary specialists to ensure your pet gets the expertise they deserve when diagnosing & managing their heart condition.
What You Can Do as a Pet Owner
- Schedule regular vet examinations to have your pet’s heart sounds & overall health examined, especially for at-risk breeds.
- Monitor your cat’s breathing at rest or sleep, especially if they have a known heart condition (under 30 breaths per minute is normal). Download & print our Sleeping Respiratory Rate Tracker here which includes instructions on how to use this handy tool to help monitor your pet with a known heart condition.
- Give heart medications consistently when your pet has been diagnosed with & treated for a heart condition. Consistent medicating ensures appropriate treatment & prevents a decline in your cat’s health.
- Seek immediate veterinary care if you notice breathing problems, collapse, or leg paralysis.
When to Call Ready Vet Go
If your cat is experiencing difficulty breathing, collapse, or severe lethargy, don’t wait—call Ready Vet Go for urgent in-home assessment & transport. We are here to ensure your cat gets the emergency care they need as quickly & safely as possible.
Your cat’s heart health matters—stay informed, stay prepared, & know that Ready Vet Go is here to help.
