Feline Heartworm Life Cycle

Diagnosis

Diagnosing heartworm infection in the cat is not as straight forward as it is in the dog. Presence of circulating microfilaria is very short-lived in cats. Therefore, we must depend on other means of identifying the presence of heartworm infection. Blood tests are performed to check for antibodies that the cat produces to the adult heartworms or to check for the presence of the heartworm antigen (a protein produced by the adult female heartworm) in the cat's blood. Chest radiographs and/or ultrasound of the heart are helpful in making the diagnosis.

Treatment

THERE IS NO ACCEPTED TREATMENT FOR HEARTWORMS IN THE CAT

Heartworm treatment in the cat consists of treating the symptoms the patient has and waiting for the natural death of the adult heartworms. Adult heartworms in the cat live for 2 - 3 years. Cats can react acutely to the presence of dead or dying heartworms. Sudden death can occur. Prevention is MUCH preferable to trying to manage the disease.

Comparison of heartworm preventative products.

Canine Heartworm Disease | Canine Heartworm Lifecycle | Canine Heartworm Treatment
Feline Hearworm Disease | Feline Heartworm Lifecycle
Heartworms in the USA | Preventative Comparisons