Although cats have lower risks of heartworm disease than dog, it can still cause serious illness and death in affected cats. Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) are transmitted by mosquitoes that get infected when they feed on the blood of infected animals and acquire the infective heartworm larvae in the process. Cats that are on heartworm preventatives or have spent time in places where mosquitoes and heartworms are endemic have higher risks of developing heartworm disease. The severity of the symptoms generally depends on the number of heartworms that are present, the duration of the infection, and the cat’s immune system. Typical heartworm infection symptoms in cats include poor tolerance to physical activity, coughing, vomiting, and abnormal heart beat or heart murmur. The best way to protect your furball from acquiring heartworms is regular preventive medication. Preventive treatments should always be up-to-date; a single dose that is missed can put your cat at risk of being infected. If you notice any of the mentioned symptoms, set an appointment with a veterinary clinic Scottsdale, AZ immediately.
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