Heart disease is a common issue among cats. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association heart disease in cats is typically caused by an underlying health condition or lifestyle. Here are some of the most common causes of heart disease in cats.

1. Hypertension

Hypertension commonly known as high blood pressure is a common cause of heart disease in cats. If left untreated hypertension can lead to a variety of problems including heart disease kidney disease blindness.

2. Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the heart muscle causing it to weaken become less efficient at pumping blood. This condition is often genetic or caused by a viral infection it can lead to heart failure in cats.

3. Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects are abnormalities or malformations of the heart that are present at birth. These defects can affect the structure or function of the heart causing it to work less efficiently leading to heart disease.

4. Age

As cats age their likelihood of developing heart disease increases. This is due to a variety of factors including a decrease in overall health slower metabolism decreased activity levels.

5. Obesity

Obesity is a common cause of heart disease in cats. Being overweight puts extra strain on the heart making it work harder to pump blood through the body. This can lead to heart disease or other health problems.

6. Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism can result in heart disease in cats. These conditions cause the thyroid glto overproduce hormones which can affect the heart’s function.

In Conclusion

Heart disease is a serious issue that can affect cats of any age. It’s important to talk to your veterinarian if you suspect that your cat may be experiencing any symptoms of heart disease such as coughing difficulty breathing or lethargy. Early detection treatment can help manage the condition improve your cat’s overall quality of life.

References

American Veterinary Medical Association. (2016). Feline Heart Disease. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/feline-heart-disease

PetMD. (n.d.). Heart Disease (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) in Cats. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hypertrophic_cardiomyopathy

VCA Hospitals. (n.d.). Congenital Heart Disease in Cats. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/congenital-heart-disease-in-cats