A
concern for cat owners is the finding that
heartworms, long considered only a problem for
dogs, also infect cats. The signs of
heartworm are different in cats, and the usual
blood test for dogs is ineffective for cats. Heartworm
is transmitted by mosquito bites.
Heartworm
in cats may cause an asthma-like cough, frequent
vomiting, or even sudden death. There is no
approved, effective treatment for feline
heartworm disease. However, there is now a safe,
effective preventative, similar to the product
used for years in dogs. Revolution is a
small vial of liquid that you squirt on your
cat's skin once a month to prevent any
microfliaria (immature heartworms) from growing
into adult heartworms.
We
recommend that you protect your cat with
Revolution. You may wish to have a blood test
done for heartworm disease if your cat has shown
any of the signs, but it is not presently
required to start the preventative.
