Why are Cats Prone to Congestive Heart Failure? What’s HCM in Cats?
No cat parent ever wants to think of the possibility that their precious furball can fall seriously sick. However, it is important to know the possibilities to find out the correct preventive healthcare measures you can take before your cat begins showing signs of congestive heart failure.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cardiac disease diagnosed in cats. It is also one of the leading causes of congestive heart failure in cats.
As a matter of fact, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs in 1 out of 7 cats although most of them do not show any clinical signs in the early stages.
That is the very reason why you need to get your cat or kitten’s cardiac health checked up ASAP. Speak to a veterinary cardiac specialist at Vetic for your cat’s preventive health checkup right now.
What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats is a progressive disease that reduces the heart’s efficiency. HCM in cats causes the thickening of the muscular walls of a cat’s heart.
HCM can also show signs in other parts of the body including lameness, shortness of breath and lethargy.
Cats with HCM show abnormal thickening of the heart’s left ventricle. It results in the reduction of space inside the heart’s chamber. The changes cause the heart to beat rapidly using up more oxygen in the process.
Eventually, it can lead to arrhythmias (slower, faster, irregular heartbeats), backup of blood in the chamber(s) of the heart and even to the lungs.
These steps ultimately cause congestive heart failure.
What are the Clinical Signs of Hypertrophic Cardiomegaly (HCM) in Cats?
Most of the cats with mild to moderate heart diseases don’t show any symptoms.
Other cats can show symptoms such as –
- Laboured breathing
- Open-mouthed breathing
- Panting
- Hind limb pain
- Hind limb paralysis
Some cats may also develop blood clots in one or multiple parts of the body.
Is Your Cat at Risk of Developing HCM?
Around 15% of cats across the world are diagnosed with HCM since they show the clinical signs. That is a big number considering several indie cats and other common breeds such as Persian, Ragdoll and Maine Coon go through their entire junior years and part of their adulthood without any preventive health screening (tests).
There is no gender bias when it comes to HCM.
Any cat can be at risk of developing HCM since this heart disease is dependent on genetics. Other factors involved in the cause of this heart disease in cats is not yet known.
HCM is most commonly seen in particular breeds including Ragdoll, Persian, British Shorthair and Maine Coon. If you have a Persian cat in India, or you have brought a Maine Coon, British Shorthair or Ragdoll cat home, you need to put their cardiac health checkups on priority.
How is HCM in Cats Diagnosed?
It is extremely difficult to diagnose HCM when it’s subclinical or without any symptoms.
If a kitten or cat has early stage HCM, you need to go for preventive healthcare screening including echocardiography, which can reveal any abnormalities in the heart physiology and function.
If a cat is showing signs like irregular heartbeat and breathing problems, the veterinarian will likely conduct an echocardiography.
The veterinarian will also recommend additional tests, such as radiographies, thyroid level tests (TSH, T3 and T4) and blood pressure monitoring.
What’s the Resting Respiratory Rate and Heart Rate of Cats?
HCM in cats almost always cause abnormal heart rhythm and heart rates, but the signs aren’t always visible on diagnostic tests. Most veterinarians recommend monitoring your cat’s respiratory rate and heart rate when they are well rested to understand if they are at-risk of HCM.
The normal respiratory rate of cats is 20-30 breaths per minute. You can easily tell the respiratory rate by observing their chest rise and fall. A cat’s respiratory rate will be higher if they have just finished eating or playing. However, if a cat has a respiratory rate over 30 per minute while sleeping, they can be at high risk of heart failure.
Normal heart rate of cats is 100-140 beats per minute. If your cat is touch-friendly and calm enough, you can easily count their heart beat by placing the palm of your hand gently on their chest (slightly towards the left). Count the number of beats for 15 seconds and multiply the number by 4 to get the cat’s heart rate (heart beats per minute). If a cat’s heart rate is above 220 beats per minute, it can be a sign of heart disease in cats.
What’s the Available Treatment for HCM in Cats?
Sadly, there is no cure for HCM. A cat with cardiomyopathy needs specialised care throughout their life.
The treatment includes the management of the symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF), such as –
- Heart rate
- Prevention of blood clots
- Reducing symptoms of lung congestion
Currently, there are new-age medicines that can help manage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
What’s the Prognosis of HCM in Cats? Can Cats with Congestive Heart Failure Survive?
Studies show that the prognosis of HCM in cats can vary significantly between two cats of the same age and breed.
Cats with signs of CHF typically have very poor prognosis (median survival time is approximately 3 months).
Since HCM is not present during birth but develops over time during adulthood, you need to get your cat’s heart health checked every year especially if you have a Persian cat, Ragdoll, Maine Coon and British Shorthair.
