Heartworm disease in cats is often neglected because many people have the misconception that they are not likely to get infected with the disease or have a very low chance of infection and that it can be easily treated at home, like other illnesses. However, all of these are not true.
Heartworm disease in cats requires much awareness, as many household cats have fallen victim to this negligence and lack of information. Thus, with this blog, we are here to bust some myths about heartworm disease in cats and bring to your knowledge the truth about heartworms in cats.
Heartworm disease in Cats?
Heartworm disease is a serious disease that may result in severe lung disease, heart failure, other organ damage, and death in pets, mainly dogs, cats, and ferrets. It is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis.
The only way heartworm is spread is through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes carry larvae from an infected animal and transmit larvae to another animal, making it a victim of heartworm.
Heartworm infection is different in cats than in dogs. In cats, heartworms grow long and the parasite burden is also lower. Only a few worms can heavily infect a feline. Respiratory symptoms are easily seen in cats which indicates the possibility of heartworm disease.
There are two instances when cats display symptoms of heartworm disease: when the immature heartworms enter their heart and lung arteries, and second is when adult heartworms perish.
Busting Common Myths Around Heartworms in Cats
Myth 1: Heartworm is a dog disease. Heartworm affects furry animals, including dogs, cats, and ferrets.
Cats are likely to get infected with heartworms in the same manner as dogs, through mosquito bites. Scientific studies have found that heartworm infection in cats is more common than other infections like FeLV FIV. Research shows that over 26% of cats get infected with heartworm larvae at some point in their lives, out of which 10% result in adult heartworm.
Myth 2: Heartworm Disease Primarily Affects a Cat’s Heart
Heartworm infection not only affects the heart but also the lungs and other organs. The term is a misnomer when it comes to infection. It affects respiratory organs and other cardiovascular diseases.
Myth 3: There’s a Treatment for Heartworm Disease in Cats.
For cats, there is no treatment that kills heartworms the treatments available, only focus on reducing the inflammation in any organs or the symptoms of the disease until the worms die on their own. Since there is no reliable treatment for heartworm in cats, preventive treatment is vital and should be administered to cats at the recommended intervals.
Although a cat looks cute while scratching furniture, but it increases the burden on your pocket.
Top 25 ways to Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture:
Here are the best ways that will help you to stop cat scratching furniture.
Have a look at them as they will save your money.
Therefore, it will become problematic for the homeowner to save the furniture.
You can buy scratching posts from the vet stores or pet stores.
What if a sudden thunderstorm or fireworks causes your canine to get scared and dig beneath a fence or bounce by way of a window?
ALWAYS keep tags in your canine or cat with a present cellphone quantity (with space code).
When your dog or cat gets out, he can’t go as much as a stranger and inform them of his title and deal with it.We can not stress this sufficient get your pet MICROCHIPPED if you happen to undertake an already-microchipped pet, ship within the paperwork and get the chip registered in your title.
Many pets turn into frightened and panicked sufficient to leap by way of home windows or bust properly by way of fences.IF YOU’VE LOST YOUR DOG OR CAT:That is apparent.
If you happen to’re unsure if it’s your cat or a wild animal consuming the meals, right here’s a tip: place the meals on a mat, and sprinkle child powder on the carpet.
You can do that by asking them for particular extra info, like the shade of the collar your canine was sporting or the placement of your cat’s three brown spots.All the time embrace the date, so folks realize it’s a present flyer will actively be looking out.Take into account providing a reward.
