When it comes to your cat’s health, it’s likely your furry friend won’t make it obvious something
is wrong. Knowing the subtle signs and symptoms of heart problems in your cat is important in
recognizing a problem early on. In many cases, many cat owners don’t know their cat has heart
problems until it’s too late.
As a doting pet parent, you need to know every aspect of your pet’s health. Acting quickly when
you spot troubling signs can save your pet’s life, and could possibly mitigate some hefty vet bills
down the road. To learn more about common symptoms of heart problems in cats, keep reading
the article below.
1. Loss of Appetite
This is an immediate sign indicating your cat is sick. A cat that does not eat for at least a day may
seem weak or lethargic. It is always important for pets to get the nutrients they need. Cats like
to eat treats, so try feeding your cat some treats to get it to eat. A treat is also a welcome
diversion from the taste of regular cat food.
2. Hiding or Restlessness
Cats can have different personalities. While some cats carefully choose the people they want to
connect with, others are friendly and cuddly. It may be time to visit the vet if your affectionate
cat is suddenly is hiding from you.
You may also notice that your cat is more restless than usual. It may be pacing around rooms,
acting agitated, or trying to run away when you approach it. A visit to the vet will confirm if
something is wrong with your cat’s health, or will at least put your mind at ease if everything
checks out.
3. Persistent Coughing
A persistent cough in cats will exceed at least one day. Your cat may be coughing because of
different reasons, including sinus issues, asthma, or allergies. A cough in cats that persists for
one or even two weeks could indicate heart disease.
Your pet’s heart may not be pumping enough blood from the lungs. This results in fluid
collection in your cat’s lungs. Your cat then tries to remove the fluid from the lungs through
coughing. The coughing becomes habitual because the fluid remains in the lungs.
Persistent coughing is definitely a serious, complicated health matter, and using pet insurance
for your cat can help with treatments.
4. Collapsing or Fainting
Cats may collapse or faint due to a variety of factors, including emotional stress, excitement,
and low levels of calcium or glucose. Your cat may also collapse from heart disease. Heart
disease can cause your cat to lose consciousness, which occurs because blood flow to its brain is
interrupted. Taking your cat to the vet right away will determine if this is truly heart disease or
something else.
5. Difficulty Breathing
The fluid collection in your cat’s lungs can also cause problems in breathing. You’ll notice such
problems if your cat stands with its mouth hanging open. This may be a sign that your cat is
trying hard to breathe. Your cat may even be anxious, refusing to relax or lie down.
Other Signs of Feline Heart Disease
Your cat may also be showing other signs of heart disease. Observe your cat and bring it to the
vet if it shows the following symptoms as well.
1. Less tolerant of play or exercise
Your cat’s failure to maintain that burst of energy during playtime is a sign of something wrong.
Heavy breathing or panting is normal. But if they are not recovering for another play session,
this could be a sign that you need to use insurance for your cat and bring it to the vet.
2. Swollen abdomen
Abdominal swelling can be a sign of a tumor, obstruction, or parasites. This can also be a sign of
heart disease. The swelling may be caused by a fluid buildup in the abdomen because of a heart
condition. If your cat’s belly is looking more rounded than usual, you should consider visiting
the vet. The good news is that pet insurance for your cat is likely to cover vet visits.
*What to Do if You Recognize These Symptoms
If you notice these symptoms in your cat, take him or her to the vet immediately – even if you’re
unsure about the symptoms. If you are hesitant to take your cat to the vet, you can always call
one of the veterinarians at the office number to ask for advice.
