Heart Murmur in Cats: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment
Heart murmur in cats is a condition that can significantly impact your feline’s health and quality of life. As a cat owner, discovering that your pet has a heart murmur can be concerning. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about feline heart murmurs, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more.
What is Heart Murmur in Cats?
A heart murmur in cats refers to abnormal blood flow within the heart, which results in a whooshing sound that can be detected by a veterinarian using a stethoscope. To understand the nature of the heart condition causing the murmur and its potential impact on your cat’s well-being, your vet may recommend further investigations such as a heart scan.
What Are the Grades of Heart Murmur in Cats?
Feline heart murmurs are categorized by severity. Vets commonly grade heart murmurs from one (the softest) to six (the loudest):
- Grade 1: Soft and often difficult to hear
- Grade 2: Soft and may still be difficult to hear
- Grade 3: Easily heard upon placing the stethoscope over the cat’s heart
- Grade 4: Audible across the heart and both sides of the chest
- Grade 5: Loud murmur with vibrations felt on the chest wall, heard even before the stethoscope touches the chest
- Grade 6: The loudest murmur, detectable even without a stethoscope
Is Heart Murmur in Older Cats Common?
Heart murmurs are more prevalent in middle-aged and senior cats than in younger felines. In younger cats, murmurs are often due to congenital heart disease—conditions present from birth. If you suspect that your cat, regardless of age, may have a heart murmur, it’s essential to consult our doctors at Willow Glen Pet Hospital.
How Long Will a Cat Live With a Feline Heart Murmur?
The lifespan of a cat with a heart murmur largely depends on the underlying condition causing it. With appropriate treatment, many cats can enjoy a long and healthy life, even those with severe heart murmurs. Regular consultations with your veterinarian are crucial to determine the best treatment options for your cat.
What Causes Heart Murmur in Cats?
Heart murmurs in cats can result from various factors, including:
- Congenital heart disease
- Diseases affecting the heart muscle, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Age-related heart failure
Additionally, heart murmurs may arise from conditions impacting circulation, such as:
- Pregnancy in cats
- Obesity
- Anemia
- Weight loss
What Are the Signs of Heart Murmur in Cats?
If your cat has a severe heart murmur (grades 4-6), look for the following clinical signs:
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Breathing difficulties
- Pale gums
If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s essential to **contact our doctors at Willow Glen Pet Hospital** immediately. Understanding your cat’s body language can also help you identify when something is amiss.
How is Feline Heart Murmur Diagnosed?
Veterinarians can diagnose a heart murmur by listening to your cat’s chest with a stethoscope, identifying the characteristic whooshing sound. They will also assess the murmur’s grade to determine the next steps.
What is the Treatment for Heart Murmur in Cats?
Not all feline heart murmurs require treatment. Some cats may need careful monitoring, while others may benefit from medications to support heart function and reduce fluid buildup. Regardless of the treatment plan, regular veterinary check-ups are vital to ensure your cat’s health.
Conclusion
We hope this article on heart murmurs in cats has been informative and helpful. Fortunately, many cats with heart murmurs can still lead long and fulfilling lives. If you have any concerns about your cat’s health, please consult our doctors at Willow Glen Pet Hospital.
If you need more help or have any questions, call us at Willow Glen Pet Hospital, visit us online at willowglenpethospital.com, or reach us at (669) 342-7472.
Address: 1033 Willow Street, San Jose, CA, 95125, US
Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm