Heartworms infect cats, too

Heartworms infect cats, too


We hear a lot about heartworm disease in dogs but not so much in cats. However, it’s just as important to protect our feline friends—especially since there is no approved treatment for them once they’re infected.

Dogs are natural hosts for heartworms—that means the worms can grow into adults, mate and bear offspring inside a dog. Disease in cats is very different. Within these atypical hosts, heartworms generally don’t reach the adult stage. Nonetheless, the immature worms can cause severe respiratory disease in our feline friends.

The American Heartworm Society now recommends that cats start receiving heartworm preventative every month year round by the time they’re 8 weeks old. So, be proactive. Protect your cat’s heart and lungs by asking your veterinarian about safe feline heartworm preventatives.

Related Episodes