Senior Cat Comfort & Care

Heart disease is a term used to describe a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It’s typically a progressive disease, making early diagnosis critical. Most cats don’t show any symptoms until the disease is advanced. This is just one reason that twice-yearly wellness visits are important. You may notice sleeping more, hiding, poor appetite, weight loss, lethargy, increased respiratory rate, increased respiratory effort, sudden hindlimb paralysis due to a blood clot, or sudden collapse. Any of these signs means an immediate vet visit is needed.

There’s no cure, but treatment with specialized diets, medication, and supplements can slow progression and manage symptoms.

Some breeds are predisposed to heart disease and need routine screenings — Persian, American and British shorthair, Ragdoll, Maine Coon, and Siamese.

To help keep your cat’s heart healthy, feed a well-balanced diet and supplement with omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, and probiotics. Give them plenty of exercise and manage stress. Prioritize dental care and vet exams.