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When it comes to our feline companions, heart disease isn’t always easy to spot, but it can have serious consequences if left untreated. The most common form? Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle.At TACC, we specialize in identifying and managing feline cardiomyopathies. We even enroll eligible cats into groundbreaking clinical trials that provide timely access to innovative treatments grounded in science, and lead to better treatments in the future. Whether your kitty is showing subtle signs or has already been diagnosed, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Feline cardiomyopathy refers to a group of heart conditions where the heart muscle itself is abnormal. It often leads to problems with how the heart relaxes and/or contracts and can result in congestive heart failure, blood clots, or even sudden death.
Types of Cardiomyopathy in Cats:
Which Cats Are Most at Risk?
Some breeds are genetically predisposed, such as:
But even domestic shorthair cats and non-pure-bred cats can develop cardiomyopathy.
Cats with heart disease can be very good at hiding any symptoms, and early signs of heart disease are often easy to miss. Some cats live with cardiomyopathy for years without symptoms until severe disease causes a sudden change in your cat’s signs.
Key Warning Signs to Watch For:
Breathing Tip: Count your cat’s breaths while they’re asleep or resting. More than 35 breaths per minute may be a red flag. Over 50 breaths per minute at rest could be a medical emergency.
The only reliable way to diagnose feline heart disease is with an echocardiogram (ideally read by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist), which is an ultrasound of the heart. At TACC, we use advanced cardiac imaging, performed by board-certified veterinary cardiologists, to catch disease early, before it becomes life-threatening. Early detection gives your cat the best chance for long-term health and quality of life.
Treatment for cardiomyopathy depends on the stage of the disease and whether your cat is currently showing signs.
If Your Cat Is Asymptomatic:
If Heart Failure Develops:
Prognosis: Studies show that cats with congestive heart failure live an average of about a year post-diagnosis, but some beat those odds with early, consistent care from a veterinary cardiology team.
The Animal Cardiology Center is proud to be a part of national feline cardiology clinical trials, offering new hope for cats with heart disease.
The HALT Study:
No cost for study-related visits, diagnostics, or meds
The CARE Study:
TACC is the only site in the tri-state area enrolling in both HALT and CARE studies, and we can help determine eligibility and enroll qualified cats. Interested in a trial? Call us at 212.722.0449 to see if your cat may qualify.
Unfortunately, no. It’s a chronic condition, but with proper care, symptoms can often be managed, and progression can be slowed.
How long can a cat live with heart disease?
That depends. Some cats live their whole lives with mild disease and never show symptoms. Others may develop complications like congestive heart failure or blood clots. With expert care, many cats live months to years with good quality of life.
What are signs I should seek emergency care?
If you see these signs, don’t wait: call TACC or your local emergency vet immediately.
Should my cat be on a special diet?
For most cats with heart disease, a balanced, high-quality diet is best. At The Animal Cardiology Center, we review diet history carefully, since diet-associated cases of feline DCM are possible.
How often should my cat be checked?
Cats with mild disease may only need monitoring every 6–12 months, but those on medication often need visits every 3-4 months or more frequently in advanced disease states. At TACC, we schedule check-ups based on each patient’s disease state and unique risk factors, using physical examinations, blood work, imaging and all available medical information.
At The Animal Cardiology Center, we help pet owners navigate these diagnoses with confidence, providing expert diagnostics, customized treatment plans, and access to life-changing clinical trials. Educating our pet owners thoroughly so that they can be effective care partners is paramount to our patients’ success.
If your cat is at risk, showing symptoms, or has already been diagnosed—don’t wait. Contact TACC today to schedule a consultation and give your feline friend the best chance at a long, healthy life.
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