Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes and yes, cats can get heartworm, however it is far less common than in dogs, and often not diagnosed.
One of the symptoms of heartworm in dogs is that the dog coughs after going for a run, since cats do not exert themselves to the same extremes the symptoms are not seen. Also it is just not something people associate with being a problem for cats. Other symptoms would be lethargy, weightloss, and a lack of wellbeing in advanced stages of a heavy heartworm infection.
Cats that are indoors only have less risk since they are exposed to mosquitoes less.
Treatment for cats is much more risky than for dogs and some vets will not treat at all but suggest the cat be kept indoors only (to prevent further heartworms) and the worms infecting it will die naturally. Prednisone is sometimes given, but is not really a cure for heartworms.
There are no medications approved for treating heartworm in cats, dog medications are not safe. Prevention is the best measure.
Submitted 187 days ago...
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Answer 1 / 2 - Submitted 187 days ago...
Yes, they can. I use Revolution for my cats, even though they are indoor cats. Mosquitoes can get into the house and that puts them in danger of getting heartworm. There are many brands , so ask your vet what he/she recommends.
This Question was awarded 116 days ago therefore you can no longer post an Answer. However you may post a comment below.
Thank you for your answer. I did not know cats are in such a disadvantage comparing to dogs. Besides, I am kind of sorry for all the cats that are only kept indoor. Our cat is free to go and come back as he pleases, and I firmly believe his freedom is priceless. I cannot imagine our Moockie condemned to domestic prison and I hope with all my heart that infected mosquitoes will spare our darling.
Thanks for the award, most people are not aware this is a risk for cats and only think heartworm is a problem for dogs.
Cats can live indoors happily, thousands live in shelter cages so having a whole house is awesome. There is nothing worse than coming home to find your cat smushed dead on the road, I do encourage people who want to let their cats out do so safely by building a cat enclosure so the cat stays off the road and out of other peoples gardens (lest those people become cat torturers).
You can speak to your vet about medicines in your area that prevent heartworm by killing them in the larval stages as they swim around in the bloodstream before entering the heart.
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